The Benefits of a Settlement in a Legal Case

If you have been arrested for a DWI in the Kansas City metro area, the clock is already ticking against your right to drive. Most drivers assume they have until their first court date to handle their case. This is a mistake that leads to an automatic license suspension. In Missouri, you have exactly 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing. In Kansas, that window is even tighter, just 14 days. If you miss this deadline, your license will be suspended or revoked automatically, regardless of whether you are eventually found "not guilty" in criminal court. What is the 15-Day Rule in Missouri When a law enforcement officer in Missouri arrests you for a DWI , they typically seize your physical driver’s license and issue you a Form 2385. This piece of paper serves two purposes: it is your temporary driving permit, and it is your formal notice of suspension. The "15-day rule" refers to the strict window provided by RSMo 302.525. You have 15 days from the date the notice was issued to mail or fax a request for an administrative hearing to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). Why the 15-Day Window Matters If you do not file the request within this timeframe: Automatic Suspension: On day 16, your driving privileges are suspended. Loss of Appeal Rights: You waive your right to challenge the officer’s "probable cause" or the accuracy of the breathalyzer results. Hard Suspension Period: You will likely face a 30-day "hard suspension" where no driving is allowed, followed by 60 days of restricted driving with an ignition interlock device (IID). How Kansas Law Differs from the 14-Day Rule If your arrest happened on the Kansas side of the metro (Overland Park, Olathe, or KCK), the rules are even stricter. Under K.S.A. 8-1020, you have 14 days to request a hearing with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Discover how legal planning helps reduce stress during family disputes in Kansas City. Learn key documents, benefits, and guidance.

Prior encounters with the legal system can shape what happens in future cases, even when those earlier matters never led to convictions. Many people assume that dismissed charges or arrests without guilty findings disappear entirely. In practice, prior charges often remain relevant in subtle but powerful ways. Understanding how they influence new cases helps individuals make informed decisions and protect their rights.

A car accident can change a normal day in seconds. Shock, noise, and confusion often follow, making it hard to think clearly. Knowing what to do next helps protect your health, your rights, and your claim. Here are the steps Missouri drivers should take after a crash, using clear and simple language. Checking Safety and Calling for Help After a crash, check yourself and others for injuries . If anyone feels pain, call 911 right away. If vehicles can move and it is safe, pull them to the side of the road to prevent another collision. Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Calling the Police and Reporting the Crash Police should be called when there is an injury, a death, or visible property damage. In Missouri, accidents that cause injury, death, or property damage of more than $500 must be reported. When officers arrive, answer questions honestly and stick to facts. If police do not come to the scene, drivers may need to file a report with the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days. Exchanging Information at the Scene Drivers must share basic information with each other. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license details, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Stay calm and polite. Do not argue or discuss who caused the crash. Documenting the Accident Clear records can help later. Take photos of vehicle damage, the road, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down the time, location, weather, and what happened while the details are fresh. If witnesses are present, ask for their names and contact details. Seeking Medical Care Promptly Some injuries do not show signs right away. Seeing a doctor soon after the crash protects your health and creates medical records tied to the accident. Follow all treatment advice and keep copies of medical bills and reports. Not Admitting Fault or Guessing Causes Avoid saying anything that sounds like an admission of fault. Simple statements like “I’m sorry” can be misunderstood. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means fault can be shared. Even small statements can affect how responsibility is later decided. Notifying Your Insurance Company Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Share basic facts but avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice. Keep notes of all calls and emails with insurers. Understanding Missouri Time Limits Missouri law gives injured people five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can make it harder to collect evidence and speak with witnesses. Speaking With a Legal Professional Legal guidance can help if injuries are serious, fault is disputed, or insurance issues arise. A lawyer can explain options, handle communication, and help seek fair compensation under Missouri law. Taking the right steps after a car accident can reduce stress and protect your future. Staying calm, acting quickly, and keeping good records make a real difference. If you were injured in a car accident or are facing criminal charges, do not wait to get answers. Kelly & Jansen LLC is ready to review your situation, explain your options, and stand up for your rights. Contact the firm today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

A car accident can change a normal day in seconds. Shock, noise, and confusion often follow, making it hard to think clearly. Knowing what to do next helps protect your health, your rights, and your claim. Here are the steps Missouri drivers should take after a crash, using clear and simple language. Checking Safety and Calling for Help After a crash, check yourself and others for injuries . If anyone feels pain, call 911 right away. If vehicles can move and it is safe, pull them to the side of the road to prevent another collision. Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Calling the Police and Reporting the Crash Police should be called when there is an injury, a death, or visible property damage. In Missouri, accidents that cause injury, death, or property damage of more than $500 must be reported. When officers arrive, answer questions honestly and stick to facts. If police do not come to the scene, drivers may need to file a report with the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days. Exchanging Information at the Scene Drivers must share basic information with each other. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license details, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Stay calm and polite. Do not argue or discuss who caused the crash. Documenting the Accident Clear records can help later. Take photos of vehicle damage, the road, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down the time, location, weather, and what happened while the details are fresh. If witnesses are present, ask for their names and contact details. Seeking Medical Care Promptly Some injuries do not show signs right away. Seeing a doctor soon after the crash protects your health and creates medical records tied to the accident. Follow all treatment advice and keep copies of medical bills and reports. Not Admitting Fault or Guessing Causes Avoid saying anything that sounds like an admission of fault. Simple statements like “I’m sorry” can be misunderstood. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means fault can be shared. Even small statements can affect how responsibility is later decided. Notifying Your Insurance Company Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Share basic facts but avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice. Keep notes of all calls and emails with insurers. Understanding Missouri Time Limits Missouri law gives injured people five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can make it harder to collect evidence and speak with witnesses. Speaking With a Legal Professional Legal guidance can help if injuries are serious, fault is disputed, or insurance issues arise. A lawyer can explain options, handle communication, and help seek fair compensation under Missouri law. Taking the right steps after a car accident can reduce stress and protect your future. Staying calm, acting quickly, and keeping good records make a real difference. If you were injured in a car accident or are facing criminal charges, do not wait to get answers. Kelly & Jansen LLC is ready to review your situation, explain your options, and stand up for your rights. Contact the firm today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

Facing criminal charges? Learn how a Missouri defense attorney builds a strong case through investigation, evidence review, and strategic planning. Protect your rights today.

If you’re pulled over in Missouri and an officer suspects you’ve been drinking, they may ask you to perform a field sobriety test . These tests are designed to help law enforcement determine whether a driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But are you legally required to take them — and what happens if you refuse? What Are Field Sobriety Tests? Field sobriety tests are physical and mental coordination exercises administered during a traffic stop. They’re meant to help officers assess a driver’s level of impairment before deciding whether to make an arrest. The most common standardized field sobriety tests approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) – following a moving object with your eyes to check for involuntary jerking associated with alcohol use. Walk-and-Turn Test – walking in a straight line heel-to-toe, turning, and walking back. One-Leg Stand Test – balancing on one foot and counting aloud. While these tests are used nationwide, they are not always accurate. Medical conditions, nervousness, fatigue, age, or even uneven pavement can cause sober drivers to perform poorly. Are You Legally Required to Take a Field Sobriety Test? In Missouri, you are not legally required to take field sobriety tests . They are voluntary, and you have the right to politely decline. Refusing to participate in these physical coordination tests does not carry an automatic penalty under state law. However, refusal may raise an officer’s suspicion and could still lead to an arrest based on other observations — such as the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, or erratic driving. It’s important to understand that field sobriety tests are different from chemical tests , such as breath, blood, or urine tests. Missouri’s implied consent law applies to chemical testing, not field testing. Refusing a chemical test after a lawful arrest can result in an automatic license suspension through the Department of Revenue. What Happens If You Refuse? If you refuse a field sobriety test, the officer may rely on other evidence to establish probable cause for arrest. They may also request a breath or blood test once you’re in custody. While refusing may limit the evidence available to the prosecution, it does not guarantee that charges won’t be filed. Because each traffic stop is different, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should take the tests. The decision often depends on the circumstances, and drivers should understand the potential risks before deciding. Why Legal Guidance Is Important DWI laws in Missouri are complex, and small details can significantly affect the outcome of your case. From the legality of the initial stop to how evidence was gathered, every step must be handled correctly by law enforcement. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a DWI in Missouri, the attorneys at Kelly & Jansen, LLC can help you understand your rights and evaluate your legal options. Our team provides clear, knowledgeable guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, one of the most important factors in your case is time . The law does not allow unlimited time to take legal action after an injury occurs. In Missouri, the period during which you can file a personal injury claim is governed by the statute of limitations . Understanding this rule — and its exceptions — can be crucial in protecting your right to pursue compensation. What Is a Statute of Limitations? A statute of limitations is a legal deadline that determines how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury or loss. Once that time passes, you may lose the right to bring your case to court, regardless of its strength. These laws are designed to ensure fairness by encouraging timely claims and preserving the reliability of evidence and witness testimony. The General Rule in Missouri In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is generally five years from the date the injury occurred. This timeline applies to many common injury types, including: Car and truck accidents Slip-and-fall injuries Dog bites or animal attacks Product-related injuries Other cases involving negligence However, there are situations where a different time limit may apply. Important Exceptions Certain types of claims have shorter or different filing deadlines: Medical malpractice : Typically, these cases need to be filed within two years of the date of the alleged negligence or discovery of the injury. Wrongful death : Missouri law generally provides a three-year filing period from the date of death. Claims involving minors : If the injured person was under 21 at the time of the accident, the clock often doesn’t start until they reach adulthood. Discovery rule : In some circumstances, the statute of limitations may begin when the injury is reasonably discovered rather than the day it occurred. Because exceptions depend on the details of each case, it’s important to verify the specific deadlines that may apply to your situation. Why Acting Quickly Matters Even though you may have several years to file a claim, waiting too long can make your case harder to prove. Over time, witnesses move away, memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost. Early action also allows your attorney to gather documentation, negotiate with insurers, and build a stronger case on your behalf. Protecting Your Rights Missing a filing deadline may permanently bar your claim. The best way to ensure your rights are protected is to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. If you’ve been injured in Missouri and have questions about your legal timeline or eligibility to file a claim, the attorneys at Kelly & Jansen, LLC can help. Our team can review your case, explain the laws that apply, and guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.

A car accident can happen in a split second, but the moments that follow can have lasting consequences. Knowing what to do after an accident is essential for your safety, your health, and your legal protection. Check for Injuries and Call for Help Your first priority should always be safety. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries appear minor, it’s best to be examined by medical professionals at the scene or soon after. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Move to Safety and Contact Law Enforcement If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazard lights. Stay at the scene until police arrive. A police report is one of the most important documents you’ll need later — it provides an official account of the accident, including statements, diagrams, and initial findings on fault. Gather Evidence at the Scene While waiting for officers to arrive, collect as much evidence as possible: Take photos of all vehicles involved, license plates, and the surrounding area. Get names, phone numbers, and insurance details from the other driver. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. Write down your own recollection of what happened before and after the impact while it’s still fresh. This evidence can help protect your rights if disputes arise about what occurred. Seek Medical Attention Promptly Even if you feel fine, always get a medical evaluation within 24 hours of the accident. Some injuries take time to appear, and early documentation from a healthcare provider helps connect your injuries to the crash if you pursue a claim later. Notify Your Insurance Company Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident. Be truthful and factual about what happened but avoid guessing or admitting fault. Insurance companies will conduct their own investigations, and anything said prematurely can affect your claim. Keep All Records Organized Create a folder or digital file to store every document related to the accident — police reports, repair estimates, medical bills, and correspondence with insurance companies. Staying organized helps your attorney and ensures no details are lost. Speak with an Experienced Attorney Car accidents often lead to complex insurance negotiations and unexpected medical expenses. Consulting with a personal injury attorney early can help you understand your rights, evaluate potential claims, and prevent costly mistakes. Final Thoughts A car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward can make a significant difference in your recovery — both physically and financially. If you’ve been injured in an accident in the Kansas City metro area, Kelly & Jansen, LLC can help you understand your legal options, communicate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for your losses.