3 Future Ramifications a Criminal Conviction Can Cause

Our criminal defense lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are very aware of what the future can hold for those who have a criminal conviction on their record. We feel it's important that you know in what specific ways a criminal conviction can affect your future. Keep reading this week's blog for possible future ramifications a criminal conviction can cause. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is committed to providing clients with criminal defense services that will ensure their rights are protected and they are treated fairly. For a free consultation, call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211.

3 Future Ramifications a Criminal Conviction Can Cause

A Criminal Conviction On Your Record May...

1. Make renting or buying a home very difficult.
You should know that many landlords run background checks on their tenants and are less likely to accept a renter who has a criminal history. It can be hard to find a place to rent when you have a record. Buying a home can also be a struggle. A mortgage lender will need to see a reliable income in order to secure a home loan. This can be hard to prove, especially if you are having issues landing a job due to your criminal record.

2. Make finding the right job extremely challenging.
Realize that many applications will require you to disclose your criminal record. This may lead to difficulties in landing a job. Often times, someone with a criminal history does not get a job or even a call for an interview.

• Employers will typically run a background check on potential employees. 
• It's best to be honest about your history, even though it can be a tough subject to discuss with a future employer. 
• Trust is an important part of hiring someone and you can start to establish trust if you are upfront about your past.

3. Make getting a college degree almost impossible.
Know that if you are considering continuing your education, it may be difficult to get accepted to a college.

• Many educational facilities will run a background check on their potential students. 
• This may have a negative impact on your search for further education.
• Just like with an employer, it's best to let the admissions office know about your criminal history upfront. This can help you get ahead of the hurdles versus letting it come up as a surprise.

Gibbons Law Firm Is Here For All Your Criminal Defense Legal Needs.

All of us here at our law firm in Lake Ozark hope you found this blog enlightening and that it makes you really think about the number of ways a criminal conviction can really affect your future. It is so important that you get an experienced criminal defense attorney in Missouri on your side if you find yourself in this unfortunate type of situation. Gibbons Law Firm represents clients in all types of felony and misdemeanor cases. Roger Gibbons has successfully tried hundreds of criminal cases of all types. To learn more and to have your first consultation, which is free, give us a call today. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211.


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Safe Driving During the Holiday Season

We are just at the beginning of the winter season and knee-deep in the holiday season. Personal injury law applies to claims that arise when a person has sustained injury or damage caused by another party. The cases range from those involving a motor vehicle and boating accidents, business torts, defective products, premises liability, sexual harassment and discrimination, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death.

At Gibbons Law Firm, we know that safe driving can make a huge difference in avoiding unnecessary accidents. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you spend time out on the open road during the holidays and winter months.

Make Room
There will be more drivers on the road during this time of year, so it’s especially important to give them plenty of space on the road. The faster your car is traveling, the longer it will take for you to slow down, stop, or turn. Avoid tailgating the cars in front of you, and stay alert for nearby drivers who may be turning or merging.

Don’t Drive Intoxicated
Drinking and driving is an obvious hazard. There are warning signs posted all around, organizations make it their primary goal to educate as many people as possible to the dangers, and police officers work many hours to keep intoxicated drivers off of our roads. Alcohol impairment still accounts for about one-third of the traffic deaths in the United States, and 1.8% of adults in Missouri report driving after drinking too much (source: CDC). Don’t be a part of the statistic, find a designated driver and do not drink and drive.

Put Your Phone Down
Texting and driving has been established as a dangerous practice, but that doesn’t keep drivers from continuing to do it. There is an alarming number of drivers who cannot resist the temptation to check their phones, send a quick message, and endanger themselves and the other drivers around them. Ask a passenger to send the message for you, or wait until you have arrived at your destination.

Get Rest
Tired drivers will put themselves and those around them at great risk. Sleep-deprived drivers can be just as likely, if not more likely, than drunk drivers to be in an accident. In fact, some argue that drowsy driving can bee even more risky than distracted driving. If you know a road trip is coming up, be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before.

Before You Hit the Road
Sometimes freak accidents can be avoided by a little preparation ahead of time. Here are a few things you can do before you hit the road to make sure your car is ready for the adventure.

• Check your tire pressure
• Check your fluid levels
• Have your car looked at by a professional

Count on Gibbons Law Firm for Personal Injury Cases at the Lake of the Ozarks

Our entire team wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday season. If you will be out on the road visiting family or friends, we hope that you enjoy your celebrations and arrive safely. If, however, you suffer an injury at the hands of another driver, our personal injury lawyer in Lake Ozark, MO is ready to defend your rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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5 Actions to AVOID During Divorce

Divorce can be a tough time for everyone involved. It can be easy to let your emotions get the best of you. While most couples do not plan on ending their marriage, around half of all marriages end in divorce. As you navigate this emotional and stressful time, it's important to try to conduct yourself with dignity. As your experienced divorce lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to point out a few actions to avoid during the divorce process. Take a look below to learn more!

1) Getting the Kids Overly Involved

It's important to remember your divorce is between the two adults, not the kids. Try to limit talking about your split in front of the children, if you have any. This could end up driving a wedge between one parent and the kids. Try to stay as involved as possible in your kids' lives, as well. It can be a tough time for children as their parents split apart and they need as much love and support during this time as possible.

2) Thinking it Has to be a Fight

While most divorces you hear about end up in a large dispute, it does not have to be that way. Matters can often be handled in a civil manner. This can actually help the process go much smoother and quicker. If both parties can decide on how to split property and time with kids (if there are children from the marriage), it does not have to be a drawn-out process.

3) Racking up Debt

Divorce can be an expensive time for the parties involved. You are typically going from two incomes down to supporting yourself (and your family) on your own. Any debt that is accrued while you are still married may be brought into the divorce process. Try to avoid racking up unnecessary debt while you are getting divorced.

4) Attempting to Hide Away Assets

Hiding assets is a bad idea. Once the lawyers/court/judge finds out about the asset, it is going to be involved in the division anyway. This can also make you look bad if you try to sneak away with unaccounted for assets. It's best to be upfront and honest during the entire divorce process.

5) Listen to Outside Advice Too Often

Every divorce is different. Keep that in mind when taking advice from friends and family who have been through the process. Emotional support and advice is welcome - but keep in mind your divorce may look different than that of your friends. Just because a divorce was ruled a certain way for an acquaintance, the factors in your divorce are likely much different. Don't stress over outside advice too much!

Now that you know all about the list of things to avoid during your divorce process, you know how to move forward with your head held high. If you find yourself wanting to end your marriage, it may be time to file for divorce. Give Gibbons Law Firm a call if you feel yourself nearing a divorce. We can help walk you through the entire process to end your marriage. Your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Questions to Consider When Planning for Your Child’s Future

The future is full of unknowns which can make it hard to prepare for. Even though many parents do not like to think about the “what ifs”, it is important to the well-being of your child to do so. If something should happen to you and/or your spouse, you will want your child to be protected. There are steps to ensure your child has everything that you have intended for them to receive. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm can help establish a plan in order to protect your child, should something unfortunate happen to you. While these topics are not easy to think about, remember it’s best to be prepared.

Who will care for my child?

If you have someone in mind to care for your child if something should happen to you, it’s important to get that information legally documented. This can help ensure that your child will be with who you intended to help raise them and have guardianship over them. Whether it’s a relative or a close friend, your child should be cared for by the person you wish to do so. If both legal parents pass away, a court will decide who should care for the child or children in question, if there is no specific indication in a will.

How will this person pay for my child’s expenses?

Another factor that goes into deciding who will care for your child is how will they financially support your little one. Taking on the care of a child can impact the financial situation of the caregiver. From added food expense to the cost associated with school activities, you will have to factor these types of expenses into your decision. You can designate a certain amount of your assets to be distributed to the individuals who will gain guardianship of your child. You can also specify that any money that is distributed be used for the sole purpose of raising your child, to avoid it going toward another cause.

Where will they live?

If you want your child to keep up with his or her normal routine, you can specify where you would like your child to be raised. Whether you intend for the caretaker to move into your home to offer a familiar environment for your children or you want to specify that your child attends the same school, it’s important to note any special requirements that would like to take place.

How will my child gain access to my assets?

In your will, you can narrow down when and how your children will receive your assets. Many times, guardians will be given a portion of the assets in order to help with expenses of raising the child. On other occasions, all assets may not be distributed until the child is of legal age – 18 years old. You can specify exactly how your child will gain access to your financial assets.

Most parents have a natural instinct to protect their children and Gibbons Law Firm can help you do just that! With a plan in place for the future, you can rest assured that your children are taken care of and your wishes will be fulfilled. If you don’t have a will in place should something happen to you or your spouse, it’s time to take action. Contact our attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks to start preparing your family for the unknown future. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your future wishes, give us a call today!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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The Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony

Types of crimes are divided between two categories – misdemeanor and felony. Felonies are punishable by death or lengthy incarceration while misdemeanors are less serious crimes where the punishment is not as steep as a felony. Being accused of a crime is a serious situation no matter if it is a misdemeanor or a felony. Our Lake of the Ozarks criminal defense attorney can help you understand the magnitude of your case. Below you can find more ways distinguish between a misdemeanor and a felony crime.

Misdemeanor:

Some consider a misdemeanor a “middle-of-the-road crime”. This type of crime has a more serious consequence than an infraction and lesser than that of a felony.  Misdemeanors are typically punishable by fines and/or up to one year in county or local jail.

See a few examples of a misdemeanor crime below:
• Petty Theft
• Possession of small amounts of marijuana
• Trespass
• Disturbance of the peace
• Illegal gambling

Note that some misdemeanor charges can be moved up to a felony, depending on the severity of the crime. For example, punching someone in a bar would be punished as a misdemeanor but hitting someone with brass knuckles would qualify as a felony charge. In addition, being in possession of a large amount of marijuana can be charged as a felony, whereas a smaller amount may be punished as a misdemeanor.

Felony: 

According to the American Judicial System, a felony is the most serious classification of crime that can be committed. This classification is reserved for the most heinous crimes.  Convicted felons may be subject to the maximum punishment allowable by the state in which they are committed. This can include steep fines, multiple years in prison (including up to life), and the potential for the death penalty (depending on the state).

See a few examples of felonies below:
• Robbery
• Kidnapping
• Possession and/or distribution of child pornography
• Embezzlement
• Grand theft
• Murder
• Identity theft
• Rape
• Possession and/or distribution of a controlled substance
• Fraud

Quality Representation Can Make All The Difference:

Misdemeanor and felony convictions can greatly impact every aspect of your life. The thought itself can be overwhelming. Even if you are not punished to life in prison, the conviction can follow you around for many years. The right representation on your side can help you reach the best outcome possible. It’s important to find an attorney who can help best represent your misdemeanor or felony case.

When being accused of a crime, securing an experienced defense is essential. Our criminal defense attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks has experience defending against a wide range of criminal allegations. If you have been accused of a criminal offense, it’s important to seek legal counsel to discuss your options. Contact Gibbons Law Firm to schedule your initial consultation today. At our Lake of the Ozarks law firm, your first consultation is always free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.