Freedom is fragile — so fight for your legal rights!

Nineteen years in prison for a stolen loaf of bread!  Les Miserable is the classic tale of justice run amuck.

The struggles of Jean Valjean to rebuild his life after rotting in prison for so long remind us that life is often unfair.

Honesty is a pillar of society, but so is a fair justice system.

We celebrate freedom  and justice for all on the 4th of July.  Or so we claim!  What does it mean to be just? 

A simple definition on http://dictionary.com says that being just means — guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness! 

Like Javert in Les Miserable , we sometimes encounter  laws or a law enforcement official with an overblown sense of justice.

Think of Andy Griffith’s side-kick,  Barney Fife. Andy was forever reigning him in and bringing common sense (reason) to the law.

Andy’s wit and humor balance out Barney’s impulsiveness, and, dare we say,  lack of a fully-developed sense of a justice? We’re all a bit relieved that Andy, not Barney, is the Sheriff of Mayberry, USA.

Let’s talk about some petty theft laws on the books that could get you in serious trouble in the state of Missouri — if applied without a well-balanced sense of justice.

Say your eighteen year old son has a buddy. For some unknown reason, they decide together that stealing the neighbor’s  U.S. flag out of their yard is a great feat of daring!

The only problem? Your neighbor has been in a property line dispute with you for years. Not that your son has paid too much attention. He was just “sowing a little harmless wild oats” that night,  right on candid camera.

Yes, indeed! In this high-tech era, your neighbor caught both boys in the act.  The situation escalates.  No second chances for your son. Your neighbor is determined to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

You are horrifed to find out that your son, with his whole life before him — and no criminal record– is faced with a Class C felony for a petty theft. What was a simple act of foolishness has turned into a life-shattering nightmare!

Yep!  Somewhere along the way, someone decided that flag-stealing was a crime punishable by possibly at least a year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 dollars.

You hope and pray that the judge that day will be guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness.  That’s what our United States flag is supposed to stand for, after all!

Maybe you or a family member are facing a petty theft charge that has the power to turn your life completely upside down.  You need the legal services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who is committed to justice!

The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC will give you a free initial consultation. You will receive a fair evaluation of your case.  As a meticulous, aggressive criminal defense lawyer, Nathan A. Steimel will fight for your freedoms in court.  Call (636)244-3737 to schedule your free consultation

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