O'Donnell Law Center : Lake of the Ozarks

Being charged with a crime is a sensitive time. There are many uncertainties and questions surrounding a criminal charge at the Lake of the Ozarks . Facing a criminal charge may come with a wide mix of emotions. From anger to confusion to worry, your emotions may be all over the board and it’s best to make levelheaded decisions during this sensitive time. As an experienced criminal defense attorney in Camden County, MO , our team can help point out many of the legal options that are available for your unique circumstances. Learn about a few of the first steps you can anticipate in the process that lies ahead. Hire the Right Criminal Defense Attorney Finding a criminal defense attorney is an important first step when you’ve been charged with a crime. Having an attorney with knowledge and experience can help you best present your side of the case. The ins and outs of criminal defense law can get complicated and it’s best to hire someone with experience in that legal sector to repr...

Facing criminal charges is arguably one of the most stressful events you may ever experience. Whether or not you actually committed the crime in question, a criminal accusation means that your life must be largely put on hold until the investigation and trial are resolved. Throughout the process, nothing will matter as much as ensuring that your rights (and your future) are protected. Here are a few reasons why it is important that you secure the representation of an experienced Lake of the Ozarks criminal defense attorney . An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can... 1. Handle Your Case Effectively. The fact that a well-versed criminal defense attorney will know and understand the law better than you should go without saying. The legal field is often convoluted and complex; no layperson will understand the criminal justice system as thoroughly as an experienced attorney. Your attorney's knowledge and expertise will be a huge asset to you as you progress through the t...

Memorial Day Weekend is generally considered the official start to the summer season at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our quiet, local community will be inundated with tourists as traffic picks up and the number of boats out on the water increases. This is an exciting time of year for both locals and tourists, but it can also pose several risks. This week, our general practice law firm in Osage Beach MO is here to help protect you and your family with these no-nonsense safety reminders for the holiday weekend. 1. Allow Plenty Of Travel Time. Because of the thousands of people on the road during Memorial Day Weekend, roadway travel becomes much more dangerous. If you are planning to travel during the weekend, it's important to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. If you aren't in a rush, you will be less likely to put yourself (and other drivers) at risk by speeding, pushing red lights, or committing other driving infractions. 2. Ensure That All Child...

When you think of criminal defense, what comes to mind? From reckless driving to manslaughter and everything in between, criminal defense at the Lake of the Ozarks comes in a variety of different forms. Today, the team at O'Donnell Law Center is here to take a look at some of the different factors involved in abuse or assault cases. Specifically, we want to look at orders of protection and the impacts they can have on those they are entered against. What Is An Order Of Protection? To put it simply, an order of protection, a lso called a restraining order,  is a court order that is entered by a judge against a person accused of such things as abuse, assault, the threat of abuse or assault, or stalking, and are intended to provide a layer of protection between the alleged victim and the person accused of the threatening or dangerous behavior. While these orders do not necessarily prevent the undesired behavior, they do give law enforcement the ability to arre...

Under our American legal system, individuals who have been charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty. If you are facing a  criminal charge at the Lake of the Ozarks , you have many rights that go along with that presumption of innocence. Depending on the severity of your criminal charge, being found guilty can have serious consequences that forever change your life as you know it, including: Hefty fines and county jail time Life in prison and even death A criminal record that will stay with you for the rest of your life With such dire consequences at stake, it is critically important that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in central Missouri as soon as you are charged with a crime, and even before being charged if you are the target of a criminal investigation. There are several different categories of defenses to consider if you find yourself charged with a criminal offense. Your criminal defense attorney will be able to...

When people hear the word "criminal," they tend to get very nervous very quickly. Most people are aware that criminal law potentially comes with serious, life-altering consequences, but they may not be familiar with the types of proceedings that frequently accompany criminal cases. In an attempt to clear up some of the misunderstandings that frequently surround criminal cases at the Lake of the Ozarks , the team at O'Donnell Law Center is here to answer some frequently asked questions about criminal law. I've Been Accused Of A Crime. What Do I Do? It is in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible if you have been accused of a crime (or if you think you might be in the near future). Your attorney will be able to coach you on how best to proceed. I'm Innocent. Do I Still Need An Attorney? Yes. Unfortunately, it is not entirely uncommon for individuals to be accused (and incarcerated) for crimes they did not commit...