The Missouri Bar

Mo Lawmakers Debate Retroactive Law for Sex Offender Registry

Missouri lawmakers are debating a bill that would require all sex offenders to register with the state. If approved by lawmakers and, ultimately, voters, the law would apply retroactively to sex offenders of all generations in Missouri. The Columbia Missourian has the details.

Today, The Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson talks to St. Louis attorney Chet Pleban about a recent Missouri Supreme Court ruling that struck down a retroactive law passed last year. That law applied to the living arrangements of sex offenders. In this podcast, Pleban explains that it is against Missouri's constitution to approve laws with retrospective clauses. Listen to the podcast for more details about retrospective law and how it could apply to all offenders - from traffic offenders to sex offenders - in Missouri.

Law in Your Life #25: Retrospective Law

Recently, the Missouri Supreme Court struck down a Missouri law that prohibited sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school or child care facility. Why? Because it violated the state's constitution when it comes to retrospective law. This week, host Angela Wilson discusses the case and how retrospective law impacts all Missourians with St. Louis attorney Chet Pleban. (Internet Explorer users click twice.)

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 30 meg)
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Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 30 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Need to Find a Case? Visit Case.net

Need to access files for Missouri cases, but aren't quite sure where to start? Then visit Case.net, the Missouri State Courts Automated Case management System. You can search for parties, docket entries, judgments and charges in public court. It is a highly informative site - and it is free.

MO High Court Rules in Retrospective Law Case

Last week, the Missouri Supreme Court overturned a portion of state law that dictates where sex offenders live. The law says sex offenders convicted after 2006 cannot reside within 1,000 feet of a school or child care facility. But authorities tried to apply the law to a St. Louis man with a conviction from 2005.

The state's high court unanimously said that the law cannot be applied to situations that happened before it took effect. That's a violation of the state constitution regarding retrospective law. (Read more on this story) Here is a hypothetical example to better explain retrospective law. Say someone has a DWI conviction in 2000. This year, the law changes to say that anyone with a DWI offense at any point in Missouri history will have their driving privileges revoked. That means all plea agreements or probation terms prior to the new law are null and void. All offenders will immediately lose their right to drive.

Want to know more about retrospective or other areas of the law? The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education program offers instructional sheets for educators who want to apply law to current events in the classroom. Retrospective laws are one of those topics. Visit The Missouri Bar's Web Site for additional details, or to request additional information.
 

Law in Your Life #24: Pet Trusts

Many pet owners want to be certain their furry loved ones are cared for after they die, or if they fall unexpectedly ill. This week, Angela Wilson talks with attorney Greg Jones about setting up pet trusts, finding the best caregiver, and other important issues to the safety and welfare of your pets. (Internet Exlorer users click twice.)

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These online resources also offer valuable insight into setting up pet trusts:

Humane Society of the United States

EstatePlanningForPets.org

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 30 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

These online resources also offer valuable insight into setting up pet trusts:

Humane Society of the United States

EstatePlanningForPets.org

ID Theft No. 1 Complaint to FTC for Seventh Year

In Modesto, Calif., school officials launched an identity theft blog after employee names and Social Security numbers were stolen. Thousand of employees at 16 organizations were affected by theft, which happened at a data processing center, according to the Modesto Bee.

CNET.com reports that rates of identity theft have doubled in the last few years, impacting 15 million Americans from 2005 to 2006. For the last seven years, identity theft was the No. 1 complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, and will likely remain a top concern as use of the Internet expands by both consumers and businesses. The American Chronicle offers up an interesting article about what thieves are looking for and why they are so desperate to become you.

Consumers should always be aware of what's on their credit report. Check them once a year, and always have them flagged if your credit card, Social Security number or other personal information is stolen. The Missouri Attorney General's Office offers up more tips about how you can protect yourself. You can also learn more in this Law in Your Life podcast.

Conservator To Guard Spears' Estate Until Next Month

A judge ordered that the conservatorship for troubled pop star Britney Spears be extended through next month, according to this USA Today story. Spears' father was appointed as the decision maker of her estate until her mental condition could be evaluated.

A conservator is a person or a corporation appointed by a court to manage the property of a minor or of an adult person who has been legally determined to be disabled. The court supervises that person or entity, as they make financial decisions for the protectee - in this case, Britney Spears.

The Missouri Bar offers up more details about conservatorships in this online brochure. You can also listen to attorney Lois Zerrer discuss this issue in this recent podcast.

Law in Your Life #23: Missouri Gun Laws

This week, host Angela Wilson discusses Missouri's conceal and carry law, Castle Doctrine and practical matters of owning weapons with attorney Kevin Jamison, author of the comprehensive book Missouri Weapons and Self-Defense Law. Jamison is also the instructor of a two-disc video, Missouri Concealed-Carry and Self-Defense Law.   (Internet Explorer users click play twice.)

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For additional resources on weapons laws in the Show-Me State, visit these sites:

Western Missouri Shooters Association

Kevin L. Jamison Law

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 30 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

For additional resources on weapons laws in the Show-Me State, visit these sites:

Western Missouri Shooters Association

Kevin L. Jamison Law

Law in Your Life #22: Privacy at Work

Just how much privacy do you have work? What are your rights when it comes to checking e-mail or taking person phone calls? Just how much information can your employer share from your personnel file? This week, host Angela Wilson delves into this complicated topic with attorney Bill Martucci. (Internet Explorer users click play twice.)

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Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 30 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Law in Your Life #21: Death of a Relative

It is emotionally draining with a spouse or relative dies. In this week's podcast, host Angela Wilson discusses the practical - sometimes critical - legal matters that must be handled during this difficult time with Jefferson City attorney Reg Turnbull. (Internet Explorer users click play twice.)

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 20 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 20 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.