Are public defenders reliable when fighting a fed case? What are the pros and cons to then?

   

I am currently fighting a federal case with 9 counts and was appointed a public defender because at the time I couldn’t afford a private lawyer. It is a serious offense and seems like it could carry alot of time if convicted. Is it best to try and get my own defense lawyer or can a public defender get the same results?
This is my first offense

Justin’s Answer

It defends on the public defender. In my experience, public defenders typically have much more trial experience than private attorneys, simply because their practice is focused there. The local office here in Jackson County are among the best in the state and have recently had a lot of success against the prosecutor’s office.

That said, they are generally over-worked and have much less time to focus on an individual case. If you are worried about this, many private attorneys offer payment plans and free consultations.

Is it legal in the state of Missouri to falsify the year that a home was built?

   

Is it legal in the state of Missouri to falsify the year that a home was built?

I purchased a home in 2013 that had been repossessed by a bank after the death of the prior owners. It was sold to me on a cash-only basis and I was told that the house was built in 1970. My deed of trust says the house was built in 1970 all legal documents specify the houses being built in 1970 but I have found out in the last Almost 5 years since I purchased the home that the home was not built in 1970 but 1949. Is there a statue of limitations on what I can do and is there anything I can do about the falsification of when the house was built

Justin’s Answer

If someone intentionally falsified the records, they could be charged with fraud. However, if the crime dates back to the 70s, the statute of limitations is probably up.

More importantly to you, if the seller falsely represented the year to you, you may have an action against them to recover any financial loss you have suffered. You would have to contact an attorney for more information.

Can my wife agree not to have boyfriend at child exchange then bring him anyway?

   

Can my wife agree not to have boyfriend at child exchange then bring him anyway?

My wife and I separated 2 months ago. She moved 100 miles away. We have been trying to work out parenting time for our 2 children. Boyfriend threatens and taunts so I ask wife if I come to get the kids if she will keep him out of the exchange. Drive 2 hours to meet at designated place just to find out he is with her taunting in the background. Anything I can do to keep him out of exchanges?

Justin’s Answer

If you do not have a court order preventing it, then yes, she can change her mind. However, if the boyfriend is behaving inappropriately, you can possibly get a court order keeping him away from these meetings and away from your child if the behavior is severe enough. You will have to speak to a family law attorney to learn more.

What what can I do?

   

What what can I do?

Last year I had three tickets first tickets ever in my life 2 no insurance and one failure to stop at a stop sign I paid all three tickets off in full before the day of my court date just yesterday I was arrested and taken to jail due to driving on suspended license the reasoning behind that they said was I never paid my ticket when I did I have receipts and confirmation number what do I do

Justin’s Answer

You will need to hire an attorney to help you with this. It’s possible your payments weren’t processed correctly. It’s also possible that those tickets triggered a point suspension on your license, which may be the real reason you were charged. There are too many variable to answer in a public post.

What is the judge going to say or ask me?

  

What is the judge going to say or ask me?

I am 17 and I received a MIP a little over a month ago. I did do the breathalyzer and blew a .058. I don’t know what to say when I walk into court or what the judge is going to ask me. I do not know who my prosecutor is. I also did talk to an attorney, and he suggested for me to do 20 hours of community service before my court date, but now since I waited so long I will not be able to do that. This is also my very first offense of any kind on my record.

Justin’s Answer

The judge is going to inform you of the charge or charges against you and the possible penalties. Then the judge will ask how you plead. The judge will hopefully encourage you to ask for a continuance to contact an attorney. You should do so. In my area, MIP is a relatively easy charge to keep of your record. However, a local attorney can tell you more.

Will i face jail time for violating probation on first offence for sale crime

  

Will i face jail time for violating probation on first offence for sale crime

I’ve been on probation for a year and have one more to go. It is for shoplifting. I made the mistake of shoplifting again for 150 of merchandise. I have court in Sept. Am I facing jail time for first offence

Justin’s Answer

Yes. Judges are prone to put probation violators in jail, especially if they re-offend with the same crime. You could be looking at jail for violating probation AND on the new charge.

Any warrants

  

Any warrants

Any warrants for Leonard Franklin Eplin sr.

Justin’s Answer

This question cannot be answered in a public post. Contact a local attorney.

What should I expect for a first time speeding ticket going 80 in a 50 in Missouri?

   

What should I expect for a first time speeding ticket going 80 in a 50 in Missouri?

Got pulled over doing 80 in a 50 zone have a court date set for 3 months from now want to know what to expect because I assume it is not good

Justin’s Answer

Speeding, especially 30 over, is a jailable offense in Missouri. However, an experienced attorney in this area should be able to keep you out of jail.

This this is the question of a convicted felon protect themselves?

  

This this is the question of a convicted felon protect themselves?

There is no higher court or lower court that can prevent you from protecting yourself it is your god-given right the government cannot take that away from you for protecting yourself you have the right to live and no one can take that right away from you

Justin’s Answer

A felony conviction prohibits you from possessing firearms. This has been established for decades. However, an experienced attorney can try to get your felony expunged and reinstate your firearm rights.

If a motorcycle was involved in a high speed and know one was caught but bike was found and impounded, can charge owner

  

If a motorcycle was involved in a high speed and know one was caught but bike was found and impounded, can charge owner

Previous owner has only signed back of title they bought 4 yrs ago…can they wait for someone to claim bike then pursue charges

Justin’s Answer

Mere ownership of the bike probably wouldn’t be enough for conviction. However, there is circumstantial evidence that could contribute to that. This question requires you to speak with a local attorney as there are too many variables.

What are my chances of getting a continuance at my 2nd appearance on a felony assault charge to seek legal counsel

  

What are my chances of getting a continuance at my 2nd appearance on a felony assault charge to seek legal counsel

2nd degree assault on a minor had first court appearance told the judge I’m going to hire my own lawyer after a few consultations I want to have a few more will the judge grant me another continuance and give me more time to hire an attorney

Justin’s Answer

Chances are very good. Felony cases tend to move very slowly and the judge should understand the need for counsel in a serious case like this.

Why isn’t a Possession charge showing up on case net. It happened 3 1/2 weeks ago?

  

Why isn’t a Possession charge showing up on case net. It happened 3 1/2 weeks ago?

Going through divorce soon to be ex-wife got possession of marijuana ticket in Crawford County neither me or my lawyer can find it on case net but I seen the ticket myself so I know it’s real.

Justin’s Answer

It might be in a municipal court: most of the municipal court’s aren’t on CaseNet.

Can I get extradited to Missouri from WA state if they issued warrant after i lived here?

   

Can I get extradited to Missouri from WA state if they issued warrant after i lived here?

I was a passenger of a car that got pulled over because his girlfriend reported the car stolen and him missing. There was 2 guns and drugs in the car. They were not mine and me and the driver told detectives they were the owner of the car. They dropped the cases and let me out. I now live in WA and they issued warrants for those cases months after i moved here.i have a job and apartment. I got pulled over and arrested but released awaiting governors warrant. What will happen since i am not a “fugitive”. I have already lived here and worked and have an apartment in my name to prove that

Justin’s Answer

You can absolutely be extradited. Stop posting facts about your case online and contact an attorney in Missouri.

How much jail time for assault on my wife?

  

How much jail time for assault on my wife?

Me and my wife got into a fight got out of hand search for restraining order on me but tried to drop charges

Justin’s Answer

This depends on how the case is charged. You should stop posting facts of the case online and contact an attorney.

Do i still have to pay rent if i give my 30 day notice

  

Do i still have to pay rent if i give my 30 day notice

im moving to be closer to my job

Justin’s Answer

It depends on the terms of your lease and whether you properly gave notice. If you were in a month-to-month lease and gave at least one month’s notice, then no, you may move out without paying rent. However, if you are breaking the lease early or didn’t give proper notice you do have to pay rent. There are many variable to consider; you should contact an attorney if you have more questions.

I don’t want to testify against my boyfriend but I’m on parole will that be a parole violation

   

I don’t want to testify against my boyfriend but I’m on parole will that be a parole violation

I called the cops on my boyfriend now he says he’s getting charged with domestic violence in the second degree and kidnapping in the second degree when really I was just worked up and overwhelmed at the time I gave my statement I just wish this would all go away I’m on parole I’m not sure what will happen if they try to get me for filing a false statement

Justin’s Answer

If you did give a false statement to police, then yes, that is a crime and probably a parole violation. If you refuse to testify, a judge can hold you in contempt and put you in jail until you do testify. This sounds like a difficult situation; you will have to contact a criminal defense attorney to get more information.

When going to court tomorrow

   

When going to court tomorrow

My sister has bullied me for over 50 years, I was her daughters Personal Assistant for 3 years she has Cerebral Palsy. We are very close and my sister can not stand it. I have been there for over 20 years my niece is 25 were best friends we did everything together. I had to file a Ex Parte then I was granted a Full Order Of Protection against. Then she filed on me her and her 2 daughters. Nothing but lies are on the papers I can prove/

Justin’s Answer

This may be too late, but the judge should have asked questions before granting the protective order. They should consider the fact that you have a protective order and that this action might be retaliatory. If the order was granted, you can contact an attorney and attempt to have the order reversed.

My ex girlfriend filed full order protection and lied to get it and got custody why. It’s her second one she dropped the first

   

My ex girlfriend filed full order protection and lied to get it and got custody why. It’s her second one she dropped the first

Now I a supposed to every other weekend and that doesn’t happen she keeps putting me in jail over the ex parte and is lied to do it. Now she don’t even want them her mom has them she runs around with the meth heads

Justin’s Answer

This question is too specific to answer in a public forum. You need to contact a local defense and/or divorce attorney to help you.