For Serious Cases You Need Serious Attorneys.
If, heaven forbid, you learned that you needed brain surgery, what would you do? You would investigate and research and ask other patients who the best brain surgeon was.
The same is true of searching for the best attorney. There are lots of attorneys. There are many who practice criminal law--but it might be traffic tickets or municipal cases.
If you are charged with a serious crime, or a simple crime that you take seriously, then you should investigate and research and ask others: who are the best attorneys for serious cases?
What value to you place on your freedom? What value do you place on a year of your life? Peters & Peters takes each case seriously, and has the experience and skill to minimize the damage.
What price do you place on your freedom? What is a year not in prison worth?
Pat & Shelley Peters have a wide range of experience in handling criminal cases. Frequently, experience on one type of case ends up having an important application in another type of case.
Almost as a side-light, for example, Pat and Shelley Peters got involved in search and seizure. (You can read more about it below.) Now, search and seizure is not an area of law that most attorneys have become experts in. They will rarely, if ever, raise the issue. Peters & Peters raises search and seizure, successfully, in many cases. The result? Instead of time in prison or time on probation, our clients frequently have the charges dismissed. It's expensive and time consuming, but what is your freedom worth? What is a year of your life worth?
Search and Seizure.
In many cases, the police have seized items following a traffic stop or after the execution of a search warrant. In a disturbing number of cases, the police have not followed the law.
In many cases, a careful review will show that the improper police conduct can result in the suppression of the seized material. In simple terms, that means that the evidence is kicked out and the case is dismissed.
Peters & Peters has successfully challenged searches and seizures in both federal and state court. The result? Case dismissed.
Discovery.
The foundation upon which a criminal case is built is "discovery." Discovery is all of the police reports, interviews, documents and other evidence in connection with the case.
By law, the prosecutor is required to provide copies of everything in the file or in the possession of other governmental personnel. Sadly, this is seldom done. Police reports are missing, impeachment information is not disclosed, and interviews of witnesses are incomplete.
Peters & Peters aggressively litigates to enforce the prosecutor's duty to provide this information. When it is not provided, witnesses and evidence can and should be excluded from trial.
Trial.
Many attorneys engage in plea negotiations before looking at the case for trial. Are the witnesses available? Have forensic tests been completed? Are there issues of suppressing evidence or statements? Are there witnesses that no one has talked with?
Peters & Peters handles many serious cases--murders, assaults, sexual crimes--and the strategies and lessons learned can be applied to simpler cases.
Our clients generally come to us because they don't want the "usual" deal and know that we keep working to find a way to minimize the damage. Frequently that means gearing up for trial and putting the government to the test.
Post-Conviction Cases.
Peters & Peters is frequently called on for post-conviction actions: after a defendant has plead guilty or been convicted, they are looking for a new, fair trial or a sentence reduction.
Applying the same experience and skills that is so successful with our own clients, in post-conviction proceedings we have an unsurpassed record of obtaining sentence reductions.
It takes an enormous amount of work to go back to the beginning of a finished case, look for missing facts, witnesses or details, and then successfully present that to the Court. But time and time again, Peters & Peters has successfully set-aside convictions or obtained sentence reductions.
Argument.
The statements made to the court in hearings, in trial, or on appeal are called "arguments" but they are really persuasive speaking.
Not many attorneys are familiar with the latest legal developments, but both Shelley and Pat Peters are on the cutting-edge of current and new legal issues. Judges respect their knowledge of the law.
Both Shelley and Pat are persuasive in their arguments to the Court, explaining why the law should apply to the human side of their case. Peters & Peters tells the human side of the defense, and works to persuade the judge or jury that, given the whole story, their client should win.
Past Results
This ever growing list of past results was suggested by one of our clients.
After we'd won his jury trial, he suggested we let others know the types of cases we handle, and the results we get. The result was our "Past Results" column, which prospective clients seem to really enjoy. Please remember that past results are no guarantee of future resuls and that every case is defferent and must be judged on its own merits.
We don't just talk. As you can see from our list, we routinely handle the most difficult, high profile cases. The same dedication and experience can be applied to your case. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. We invite you to shop and compare.
Check back from time to time to see the latest additions. Some funny stories mixed in with real life adventures in the practice of criminal law.
The Good
Discovery Violations. Jackson County, MO. In State v. Richard Buchli, over a course of 10 years, the Jackson County, Missouri Prosecuting Attorney repeatedly failed to provide discovery. The original conviction was set-aside, and Peters & Peters sought the exclusion of all evidence as a discovery sanction. Judge Prokes excluded all evidence, and the Court of Appeals agreed in a 60 page opinion which is here.
Child Sex Abuse, Jackson County, Missouri. Client charged with sex abuse of daughter. Passes polygraph. Mother and grandmother of girl pushing allegations. Set for trial. Prosecutor then interviews witness who tells of event where girl told to make up allegation and grandmother will take care of rest. Praise to prosecutor for disclosing the information. CASE DISMISSED.
Statutory Rape, Clay County, Missouri. Client a corrections officer and in Army Reserves. Meets girl who misrepresents age and posts suggestive items on internet. Praise for prosecutor in evaluating case. CASE DISMISSED.
Robbery, ACA, Home Invasion, Jackson County, Missouri. Long, sordid tale. Police obtain search warrant based upon an anonymous call and a confidential informant. Extensive motion to suppress hearing held. No paperwork on confidential informant, police coerce a consent. MOTION TO SUPPRESS GRANTED.
Robbery, ACA, Jackson County, Missouri. Couple leaving Brookside bar is robbed. Woman is beaten badly and is related to Kansas City Police Officer. Client is on video where woman's stolen credit card is used. High publicity. Further investigation shows that client did not use credit card, was not involved in robbery. CASE DISMISSED.
Murder First Degree, Assault First Degree, 2 counts ACA, Jackson County, Missouri. Trial. Client and his brother both charged with murder and assault following argument with two men at closed bar. Surveillance video shows client and brother shooting two men 14 times. Police and prosecutors do not disclose in probable cause statement, testimony before grand jury, or during trial that person killed and person shot had an AR-15 that was pointed at client. Two and a half week trial. NOT GUILTY.
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Jackson County, Missouri. Client charged with shooting at KCPD with an AK-47. Police shoot back with AR-15. Police vehicle struck by bullets but no one shot. Reach agreement with prosecutor to waive jury trial, try case to court on reduced charge to avoid mandatory 15 year sentence. Instead of 15 years at 85%, client gets 7 year sentence without 86%. GUILTY REDUCED CHARGE.
Murder, Jackson County, Missouri. Client gets beat up at party, client's friend pulls gun and threatens assailant. Later, while driving past assailant's house, friend shoots at house and accidentally kills person inside. Client contacts Peters & Peters, works with KCPD homicide and agrees to provide information in exchange for immunity. Another good example of police working with defense attorneys. NO CHARGES.
Assault First Degree, Jackson County, MO. Previous client had not been charged for shooting girl. Now, same girl beats up client at school and claims that client shoots at her group. Client charged with Assault First Degree. After 10 court appearances and providing prosecutor with additional information, case dismissed. CASE DISMISSED.
Murder, Jackson County, Missouri. Client aids in setting up drug dealer to be robbed. During robbery, one of the robbers is shot and killed. Client contacts Peters & Peters, works with KCPD homicide and agrees to provide background information in exchange for immunity. Good (and too rare) example of police working with defense attorneys. NO CHARGES.
Drugs, Cooper County, MO. High school students leave on senior trip with a virtual medicine cabinet of drugs. Traffic stop and search. DRUG COURT DIVERSION.
Drug Conspiracy, Money Laundering, Federal Court. Client charged in major conspiracy of having drugs shipped to many different locations. Clients involvement very limited, and U.S. Attorney agrees to money laundering plea. Client cooperates. Court inclined to give 18 months or 1 year and a day due to cooperation. Sentencing recessed to address court's concerns. U.S. Attorney very strongly supports probation before judge. PROBATION.
Drug Conspiracy, Federal Court. Client charged in Kansas with making meth, extensive criminal history, facing life in prison. Rumours of some investigation in Missouri. Peters & Peters works agreement for immunity. Client not charged with robbery of largest amount of pure meth in midwest history, receives credit for cooperation and ten year sentence. REDUCED SENTENCE.
Post-Conviction, Jackson County, MO. Robbery First Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Client with no prior record originally sentenced to 10 & 3 years. Peters & Peters hired for post-conviction. Extensive mental issues not presented to sentencing court by original trial attorney. Conviction set aside, resentenced to probation. PROBATION.
Murder Second Degree, Jackson County, MO. Another drug deal gone bad. Client buying some dope, seller planning a robbery. Struggle over the gun and robbers partner killed. One homeless eyewitness has never been contacted by prosecutor in 2 years. Start trial when witness found, plea to lesser charge on fourth day of trial. Voluntary manslaughter. REDUCED CHARGE.
Drug Conspiracy and Guns, Federal Court. Drugs and guns, with fifteen year mandatory minimum. Client on bond and does great: has job and no police contact for two years. Two year sentencing delay as client is witness in state murder trial. At sentencing, downward departure motion filed due to cooperation in state case. Instead of 15 year mandatory minimum, client received 5 year sentence. REDUCED SENTENCE.
Murder First Degree, Jackson County, MO. Case from hell. Client thinks he's part of a drug deal, but turns into a robbery and killing. Client has 20 year offer and wants 15 year deal. Hires Peters & Peters. Case drags on, client is beat up in jail for cooperating. Finally, case is reassigned to different prosecutor, plea to a lid of 15 years on murder second degree, and judge gives probation on murder second degree. PROBATION.
Rape, Kidnapping, etc., Jackson County, Missouri. Very bad weekend for client and girlfriend, with lots of drinking and it was out of control. Girlfriend gives deposition that eliminates sex charges, and is agreeable with probation. Charges reduced, sex offenses dimissed. PROBATION.
Assault First Degree, Jackson County, MO. Long running feud between two girls over a guy. Client shoots another girl after girl comes at her with a baseball bat. Client comes to Pters & Peters pre-charging. After much discussion with prosecutors, charges declined on self-defense claim. NO CHARGES FILED.
Murder Second Degree, Jackson County, MO. Drug deal gone bad. Client selling some weed, purchaser planning a robbery. Both have guns, only client lives. Plea to involuntary manslaughter with 5 year sentence. REDUCED CHARGE.
Murder Second Degree, Jackson County, MO. Client shoots roommate, then burns house. Likely illegal search in Kansas and a cooperating witness who stops cooperating when faced with additional charges. Very long battle resulting in plea to voluntary manslaughter. REDUCED CHARGE.
Sex Offense, Minnesota. Gymnastics coach accused following competition in Minnesota. Much drama and effort in preparation. Client has deferred adjudication with no conviction and no registration. NO CONVICTION.
Drug Conspiracy, Federal Court. Client charged with drug conspiracy, looking at nine year sentence. Through series of strange events, AUSA needs client to testify for/against co-defendant on issue. Testimony would help co-defendant. Client eligible for downward departure. Agrees to five year sentence with no departure motion. LOWER SENTENCE.
Assault and Burglary First Degree, Platte County, Missouri. Night of drugs and girls and a forced entry to confront the boys. Client stabs victim in leg. Work deal for 9 years on the case in exchange for client helping on co-defendants' cases. After being in jail two years, Judge releases defendant until sentencing. Client does great while on bond and, at sentencing, Judge Hull gives 5 year sentence. LOWER SENTENCE.
Murder Second Degree, Jackson County, MO. Client, represented by another attorney, had pled guilty to murder second degree. At sentencing, court set aside guilty plea. Peters & Peters hired, and plea to reduced charge of manslaughter, with probation. PROBATION.
Assault First Degree, Henry County, MO. Client arrives, perhaps a little intoxicated, at friends house late at night and asks wife for some ice. Wife invites client in. Husband not pleased with visitor and expresses his displeasure with a baseball bat. Client defends self with knife. Peters & Peters hired pre-charging, meet with client and detective. NO CHARGES FILED.
Post Conviction, Jackson County, MO. Client sentenced to 25 years for a cold-hit DNA rape and robbery case. Peters & Peters hired for post-conviction. Sentence for Robbery set-aside by Court, and successfully argue for probation on the robbery. 15 year sentence. Peters & Peters reduced sentence by 10 years. SENTENCE REDUCTION.
Drug Possession, Jackson County, Missouri. Client is passenger in car stopped for noise ordinance violation. KCPD searches passenger without probable cause and finds drugs. Motion to suppress filed, Judge watches patrol video, assistant prosecutor dismisses case. CASE DISMISSED.
Homicide, Jackson County, MO. Boyfriend of client's mother takes mother's car. Client calls boyfriend to have car returned. Boyfriend says he will return car, but is threatening. Client gets AK-47 for protection. Boyfriend pulls up in different car with passenger, both armed. Boyfriend gets out with AK-47 and client shoots and kills boyfriend. Peters & Peters hired pre-charging, meet with client and detectives and prosecutors. NO CHARGES FILED.
Assault First Degree, Jackson County, MO. Client is shot, charged with shooting girl. Lots of problems with case involving different stories and uncooperative witnesses. Set for trial and dismissed by State. CASE DISMISSED.
Bank Robbery, Federal Court. College student starts gambling at riverboats, and owes money. Robs two banks. Stellar client background. At sentencing, Court agrees to impose below guideline sentence of 36 months. LOW SENTENCE.
Murder Second Degree, Jackson County, MO. An old murder case comes back to haunt our client. There are problems with the case, but the offer is 25 years. We keep fighting, but it ends up in trial. During jury selection, the state offers probation on the charge. The trial continues, but in a humorous twist, the client decides to do an Alford plea (not admitting guilt) so that he can leave court and jail and enjoy his favorite foods. PROBATION.
Assault First Degree, Jackson County, MO. Client shoots and wounds a girl. True story is presented to the prosecutor that alleged victim attacked client with a 2 x 4 and smashed her car window. Prosecutor investigates and declines charges. NO CHARGES FILED.
Assault First Degree, Jackson County, MO. Client charged with assault after shooting juvenile who put gun to his head in an attempted robbery. Witnesses for state (obviously) uncooperative. CASE DISMISSED.
Child Molestation, Holt County, MO. Trial. Two boys make allegations against coach. No follow up investigation done. Our investigator finds important evidence on boys and their home life. One boy describes Sheriff Deputy getting him to lie. Dr. Esplin testifies for defense. Jury returns not guilty verdict in 30 minutes. NOT GUILTY.
Murder Second Degree, Jackson County, Missouri. Girlfriend attacks client at party, hitting him and ripping his shirt. She is removed from party, client does not strike her or yell at her. She wants him to leave with her. He doesn't want a confrontation and walks home. She breaks in his house and is choking him to death. He shoots her. Self defense and castle doctrine. CASE DISMISSED.
Attempted Robbery/Assault, Jackson County, Missouri. Prosecutor charges (first) innocent person for crime committed by single person. Then, prosecutor charges our client ((second innocent person). Two innocent people charges for crime only one person committed. Simple investigation showed actual robber. After bringing witnesses to prosecutor, case dismissed. NOTE: the true robber the prosecutor didn't charge went on to murder two people. CASE DISMISSED.
Drug Conspiracy, Federal Court. Wide ranging conspiracy based primarily on one snitch. Snitch's attorney makes notes on inconsistencies during proffer session. Learn about letter from attorney to snitch on problems with testimony. U.S. Attorney follows up. Instead of 240 months, plea to 48 months. GUILTY PLEA.
Attempted Rape, Jackson County, Missouri. Off duty cab driver takes girl to bar, they drink, they dance. They leave the bar and start to get busy when she yells "stop." Cabbie does. They both pass out. He awakes to empty cab. She awakes sitting on a curb. GUILTY PLEA, MISDEMEANOR PROBATION.
Post Conviction, Jackson County, Missouri. Discovered that prosecutor had withheld 260 pages of discovery and made false statements to court. Over two years of litigation. Judge sets aside convictions finding that prosecutor committed fraud upon the court. Front page of KC Star. CONVICTION SET ASIDE.
Murder Second Degree, Jackson County, Missouri. Trial. Shauntay Henderson. What more need we say. FBI most wanted--bogus. Found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, ACA, given probation on the voluntary manslaughter. NOT GUILTY of murder second, probation on voluntary manslaughter.
Post Conviction, Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant tried and convicted on murder case, received 18 years. Co-defendant, represented by Peters, gets reduced sentence of 10 years after discovery of missing evidence and impeachment information on witness. Defendant hires Peters, sentence set aside, new sentence of 10 years. SENTENCE REDUCTION.
Murder Second Degree, Clay County, Missouri. Trial. Eyewitnesses describe assailant as having short hair, wearing a tank top, driving a red Saturn with rust on the side. Detective goes to defendant's house and sees red Saturn in driveway. "Forgets" to note that defendant's Saturn had no rust, defendant had long hair, and defendant had tribal tattoos that would have been immediately seen if he was wearing a tank top. NOT GUILTY.
Perjury. Federal Court. Trial. Attorney charged with perjury and false statement based upon testimony of former municipal court judge that attorney loaned her money by writing check on trust account. Former judge impeached during trial, witnesses disputed judge's claim, and expert testimony that no such check was written. Jury out 25 minutes. NOT GUILTY.
Murder First Degree, Jackson County, Missouri. Trial. State has three witnesses claim that defendant shot assault rifle, killing two men: two of the witnesses had plead guilty to murder and admitted they shot assault rifles, the third witness had his case dismissed in exchange for testimony. Other witnesses said defendant did not shoot, and ballistics expert says only two guns were used. NOT GUILTY.
Post-Conviction, Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant plead guilty to assault first degree and armed criminal action from botched attempted robbery. Defendant was to cooperate for 10 year sentence, but was sentenced to 20 years. Hired Patrick Peters for post-conviction. Factual basis for plea was incorrect, and on day of hearing State agreed to new plea for attempted robbery in the first degree. Instead of serving 17 years, defendant will serve about 5 years. SENTENCE REDUCED.
Statutory Sodomy/Statutory Rape. Jackson County, Missouri. Trial. A real miscarriage when the prosecutors file case without interviewing 7 year old step-daughter. Father in Texas ($27,000 behind in child support) reports alleged sexual abuse in Missouri. No investigation. Defendant held on $1,000,000.00 bond. Claims of step-daughter are embellished with each telling. ANY investigation would have shown them false. Leading child witness expert testifies for defense. When, after five weeks of pre-trial hearings and trial the step-daughter testifies, she tells the jury nothing had happened. NOT GUILTY on 7 of 11 counts, State dismisses remaining charges.
Post-Conviction, Brookfield, Missouri. Defendant plead guilty to vehicular homicide and assault on a law enforcement officer case in which police officer, female passenger and her fetus were killed. Judge sentences defendant to 18 years, stating that the defendant would serve 6 years. When defendant arrives at prison, learns that he will serve 15 years, no 6 years. His trial counsel prevented a timely post conviction motion. Hired Patrick Peters. After six years of litigation, defendant resented to time served. SENTENCE REDUCED.
Drug Sale. Jackson County, Missouri. Yet another motion to suppress where the police in-car video shows an illegal stop and illegal search. Best moment is when officer finds a coat in trunk he likes, tries it on for size, and then remembers the camera is rolling. Motion to suppress granted. CASE DISMISSED.
Domestic Assault First Degree and Armed Criminal Action, Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant's sister-in-law and defendant in argument. Reduced to misdemeanor and $750 fine. GUILTY PLEA.
Murder First Degree, Jackson County, Missouri. State claims two eyewitnesses and DNA evidence, but withholds a variety of evidence. After two days of hearings and two court orders, agree to plea of 10 years. GUILTY PLEA to lesser charge.
Meth lab and child endangerment. Jackson County, Missouri. Girlfriend has a bad boyfriend (allegedly) cooking meth in the dead-bolted garage. When police execute search warrant, girlfriend is arrested, charged with the meth lab and endangering her children. Drug test shows no meth. DNA test shows no meth. In an ongoing problem of the juvenile court taking custody of children pending outcome of state charges, we were able to reunite mother with children. Finally, charges were dismissed. CHARGES DISMISSED.
Murder Second Degree, Jackson County, Missouri. Judge orders disclosure of withheld evidence which shows State's witnesses are gang related. Defendant pleads to 7 years on manslaughter, concurrent with backup time. GUILTY PLEA.
Statutory Rape. Jackson County, Missouri. State sought to certify juvenile for having sex with minor. Happened when juvenile was 13 years old and cousin was 8 years old. When parents learn about the consentual encounter, they tell their children the behavior is bad, seek counseling, everything is fine. Shortly before juvenile's 18th birthday, the Juvenile Prosecutor files case. Now 18, young man sits in jail because he is "too old" for juvenile authorities to handle. Ridiculous case, as both juveniles were under age, parents acted responsibly, no harm done. KUDOS to the Jackson County Prosecutor for declining charges. CHARGES DECLINED.
Murder Second Degree. Jackson County, Missouri. Motion to suppress statements granted. KCPD police do not record their interviews with suspects. It is much easier for the police to write what they want than to let the judge or jury see what really went on. Defendant asks for attorney. By law, questioning should stop. Instead, the police continue questioning. The police produce a "typewritten" statement that is not what the defendant said. STATEMENT SUPPRESSED.
Drug Possession. Jackson County, Missouri. Black driver repeatedly pulled over by police and money taken from driver. Although police know driver has successful home remodeling company, continue to pull driver over, search vehicle, and money "disappears." During one stop, police ask for consent to search truck and are told "no." Officer then asks about bag in back seat, driver tells officer it isn't his and that it belongs to a friend. Driver then tells officer he can search it. (This is called a "limited consent"--police can only search the item consented to.) Ignoring limited consent, officer searches entire truck, finding $28,500. After ripping apart the center console, officer claims to find one (1!) ecstasy pill. Less than $23,000 makes it to police property room. Officers write report stating driver consented to search of truck. Motion to suppress filed. Officers testify that driver consented to search of truck. FORTUNATELY, police video tape shows what REALLY happened. Even after watching and listening to tape, officers simply lie and testify that driver gave consent to search bag and truck. Judge suppresses evidence, noting that officers' testimony cannot be believed. DISMISSED. (But what about the missing money and what happens if officers lie under oath?)
Federal Drug Conspiracy. Another "thank God for police video and audio." Bogus stop, driver refuses consent to search vehicle. Officers illegally search vehicle and find a pipe, continue illegal search and find meth. Federal charges filed. Officers lie and say pipe was in ""plain view" and could be seized. Video shows driver objected to search of vehicle and requested attorney (and was slammed onto car hood for knowing his rights). Video could not show if pipe was seen in "plain view" (a legal seizure) or during search of car (illegal). Incredibly, thirty minutes into video, one officer tells the other to fabricate report: "Be sure you say you found the pipe in plain view and not when you were searching the car." Assistant United States Attorney hears tape and immediately dismisses case. KUDOS to an AUSA outraged by false testimony. DISMISSED.
Murder Second Degree. Camden County, Missouri. Defendant charged with murder in death of infant son. Complicated facts. Very aggressive (and fair) prosecutor agrees to plea of manslaughter. Day long sentencing hearing. Seven year sentence with probation after 120-day shock incarceration. PROBATION.
Drug possession. Jackson County, Missouri. KCPD stops client and passenger and find marijuana. Passenger's mom called (who works for KCPD) and passenger released. ALL police reports (including statements under oath) state that driver was sole occupant of the vehicle. Motion to suppress. Show judge what really went on AND that police had destroyed in-car video. Evidence suppressed. DISMISSED.
Murder First Degree. Trial. Jackson County, Missouri. Another case of KCPD withholding evidence favorable to defendant. Defendant charged with Murder First Degree for killing during drug deal. "Victim" had ripped defendant off and planned to kill defendant. Under Missouri law, because death was during commission of felony, defendant properly responsible for felony murder. During trial, prosecutor learned that defendant interrogated without Miranda and that police withheld evidence from prosecutor. VERY ETHICAL prosecutor immediately dismisses Murder First Degree and agrees to a plea on felony murder. PLEA.
Assault First Degree. Trial. Randolph County, Missouri. Defendant and father charged with seriously beating city superintendant after superintendant insulted defendants mother/wife. Defense was self-defense, defense of third person. Jury convicted defendant and father of misdemeanor assault--15 days jail. Appeal to Western District. REVERSED and DISCHARGED.
Federal Drug Conspiracy. Young body-builder began using GHB when drug legally sold. Continued after illegal, imported drug and sold to others. Charged years later for conspiracy after stopping use, graduating from college, getting married, successful job. GREAT KUDOS to Assistant United States Attorney for agreeing that probation was warranted. PROBATION.
Federal Money Laundering. Car dealer selling to drug dealers. PROBATION.
Murder Second Degree. Trial. Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant charged with murder; takes friend to buy dope, dope dealers begin robbing friend. Defendant goes home, gets gun and kills dope dealer/robber. Private attorney had entered her appearance upon agreement with prosecutor for a plea of 10-15 years. Prosecutors renege on plea offer. Peters covers a motion for continuance (which was denied), reads file on Friday, goes to trial on Monday. On third day of trial, prosecutor agrees to plea to involuntary manslaughter, judge releases defendant that day.
Drug possession. Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant on parole, stopped in car with PCP and cocaine. Evidence that drugs were girlfriends. Prosecutor does excellent job, calls parole officer and former probation officer, who recommend no incarceration. Agrees to Alford plea and probation. PROBATION.
Murder Second Degree. Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant charged with drive-by shooting based upon coerced statement of co-defendant. Obtain affidavit from co-defendant testifying that statement was false. DISMISSED.
Federal Drug Conspiracy. Missouri. Defendant charged with conspiracy. Five day motion to suppress demonstrates that police violated no-knock requirements. Evidence suppressed.
Murder Second Degree. Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant charged with murder in two deaths; victims shot with different guns. Defendant passes polygraph showing he did not have gun and did not shoot victims. DISMISSED.
Murder Second Degree. Trial. Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant charged with kicking victim, causing death. Trial reveals that death was unintended. Defendant found guilty of manslaughter and given probation. PROBATION.
Murder Second Degree. Clay County, Missouri. Defendant charged with murder first degree. True motive of prosecutor to force her to testify against ex-boyfriend, who had been found not guilty of killing his wife. Irregularities in actions before the grand jury. DISMISSED.
Murder Second Degree. Trial. Sedalia, Missouri--female defendant stabs her step-father in the heart. Self-defense case. Introduced evidence showing that step-father had smoked crack cocaine, defendant knew him to be violent when using crack. Cocaine confirmed by medical examiner. Blood splatters supported defendants claim. NOT GUILTY.
Murder Second Degree. Trial. Jackson County, Missouri--defendant charged with shooting victim four times. State had dismissed and re-filed since endorsed DNA evidence late. Depositions taken. Eye-witness changed testimony on stand. Defendant testified shot in self-defense. NOT GUILTY.
Drug Possession. Jackson County, Missouri--Defendant charged with possession. Removed from car, searched, handcuffed behind back, drug dog, one officer says drugs found under trunk of car, other officer says found drugs in pants cuff. Prosecutor dismisses.
Rape and Sodomy Case. Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant charged with forcible rape and sodomy. Defendant gives statement to police on consent. Ten minutes into deposition of alleged victim, her statement is demonstrated to be untrue. DISMISSED.
Robbery Case. Defendant charged with four separate robberies and armed criminal action. Prior attorney pled defendant to a maximum of 25 years. Entered case for sentencing, met with prosecutor, arranged strict supervision prior to sentencing. Defendant sentenced to 4 years on armed criminal action and given probation on robberies.
Murder Second Degree. Jackson County, Missouri--defendant charged with shooting victim. Took statements from witnesses impeaching their prior statements to police. DISMISSED.
Rape. Trial. Jackson County, Missouri--young defendant charged with raping girl, defense was consensual masturbation. Successfully impeached Children's Mercy expert. Amazing cross-examination of complaining witness by Debra Porter. Defendant testified. NOT GUILTY.
Murder Second Degree. Trial. Kansas City, Missouri--defendant charged with shooting victim in front of three witnesses. Impeached witnesses and showed bullet trajectories consistent with defendant's claim of self-defense. HUNG JURY. Defendant plead to manslaughter.
Child molestation. Trial. Clay County, Missouri--uncle accused of fondling niece. Niece claimed fondling during the night when she woke up. Impeached. Directed verdict at the close of State's case. NOT GUILTY.
Murder Second Degree. Jackson County, Missouri--Defendant charged with murder over a craps game. Informant purportedly records defendant admitting crime. Investigation showed that voice on tape was informant's brother, acting like defendant. DISMISSED.
Murder Second Degree. Trial. Jackson County, Missouri--defendant with 3 prior domestic violence calls strangled wife. Presented testimony showing true nature of earlier calls, medical examiner testified that chest bruising was consistent with strangling (knees on chest) as opposed to beating (as State alleged) and defendant testified to sudden passion. NOT GUILTY of Murder, guilty of manslaughter.
Sodomy, Sodomy. Trial. Clay County, Missouri--step-dad accused of oral sex on two separate occassions. Very compelling 6 year old "victim." Attacked protocols, which were not followed, and showed that mother did not believe child and reporting grandmother actions inconsistent with believing child. With 6 year old on the witness stand, created a new, false accusation in front of the jury to show how easily a false accusation can be created. Defendant had 5 felony convictions (3 vehicular manslaughters & assault & tampering) and testified. NOT GUILTY.
Assault First Degree, ACA. Trial. Kansas City, Missouri--police officer charged with shooting his girlfriend in the back. State alleged that after struggle over knife, officer shot girlfriend as she was running away. Defense offered witness who saw girlfriend stabbing at defendant but didn't see shooting. Called forensic expert from Regional Crime Lab who testified that stippling on girlfriend's clothes showed shot was fired within five feet. Called KCPD shooting expert to testify that assailant with knife is considered lethal within 15 feet. NOT GUILTY.
Sodomy, Sodomy, Rape. Trial. Clay County, Missouri--defendant charged with three separate incidents involving daughter. Unbelievably inept work by DFS and Sheriff, ignoring radically inconsistent statements by alleged victim. Used charts to show prior inconsistent statements, deposition of Mother to impeach daughter. NOT GUILTY. (Jury lined up after verdict to shake defendant's hand.)
Felony DWI. Trial. Columbia, Missouri--defendant with prior DWI convictions is arrested and given breathalyzer test with reading of .023. Used expert witnesses to impeach testing AND had defendant testify (although convictions came into evidence). Very good cross-examinations by Bob Knapp & Mike McIntosh. HUNG JURY. State agreed to misdemeanor plea. No jail time.
Rape, Sodomy, Sodomy. Trial. Jackson County, Missouri--defendant accused of raping three different girls. Defendant admitted to police laying on top of one girl naked, and polygraphist testified that he admitted sodomy. One girl was shown to make false accusations by her own mother, one girl's account would have occurred in a car full of people, one girl described an assault and then "waking up." Defendant testified. NOT GUILTY on sodomy counts, Guilty on child molestation. Probation given.
The Bad
Murder First Degree. Trial. Jackson County, Missouri. Defendant has tumultuous relationship with older woman. Lots of manipulation on both sides. Defendant in victim's house and struggles over knife. Victim stabbed 109 times. GUILTY.
Murder Second Degree. Trial. Kansas City, Missouri. Young black woman goes to Westport. Was groped by four drunk gang bangers who knocked her to ground and continued groping. Stabs attacker with knife, killing him. Judge does not allow evidence that two of four attackers subsequently attacked defendant with guns, in one instance shooting and wounding defendant with AK-47. GUILTY.
Arson. Trial. Kansas City, Missouri--one of five defendants charged with setting fire which caused explosion that killed six firefighters. Bizarre case lasting many weeks. Twelve witnesses testified to incriminating statement by my defendant, but none of them told the same story. Government theory that fire caused ANFO to explode never proven. GUILTY.
Assault. Trial. Kansas City, Missouri--State claimed an attempted car-jacking led to assault, defendant claimed self-defense during drug deal. Presented evidence showing State's victim was drug dealer. GUILTY. (Note--State's victim, who repeatedly denied selling drugs under oath, has now plead guilty in federal court to distribution. Awaiting decision on new trial/dismissal.) UPDATE: Conviction set-aside in post-conviction hearing.
The Ugly
Robbery First Degree. Jackson County, Missouri--defendant charged with Robbery First Degree, first time offense. Prosecutor suggests a deal for cooperating on robbery case, then backs out. Prosecutor suggests a deal for information on a homicide, then backs out. Judge Wimes does the right thing and grants probation on the robbery.
Murder First Degree. Jackson County, Missouri--defendant charged with Murder First Degree for shooting victim in back nine times. Evidence demonstrated that victim had gun, good self-defense claim. Defendant convicted of Murder Second Degree and received 15 year sentence.
Murder Second Degree. Jackson County, Missouri--defendant charged with murder confesses, despite four I.D. witnesses identifying different shooter. Police changed testimony between hearings. Guilty.
Murder/Child Abuse. Columbia, Missouri--defendant had whipped step son with a belt, and step son died of heart attack. Extensive meetings with medical examiner who, for the first time in the State of Missouri, changed cause of death from "homicide" to "undetermined." Murder charge DISMISSED. Defendant convicted of child abuse.
Felony Murder/Child Endangerment. Jackson County, Missouri--Day care provider has 17-19 children in her care. One dies from shaken baby/impact injury. Charged with felony murder and 19 counts of felony child endangerment. Jury-waived trial. Guilty on all counts. Judge grants probation on felony murder; 3 years on child endangerment with 120 day call back.
