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One topic that gets brought up quite a bit is whether kids should be susceptible to drug testing in Kansas schools. Currently, children at both secondary and elementary schools can be asked to partake in drug tests. This is based on two separate opinions by the United States Supreme Court. In general, these two opinions state that secondary and elementary school students can be drug tested when they are involved in sports or other extra curricular activities (Vernonia School Dist. 47J v. Acton and Board of Education v. Earls).

In approximately 20 states, an individual is legally permitted to possess and use marijuana for limited, medical purposes. Currently, neither Kansas nor Missouri permit the use of medical marijuana, but a concern arises when a resident of another state comes to either Kansas or Missouri and is found to have the drug for medical reasons.

Recently, there has been news about Missouri passing a law that would legalize marijuana. A bill was filed by Rep. Chris Kelly (D-Columbia) that would permit state marijuana users to possess and transport up to one pound of the drug, a pound of hashish, and more than a half-gallon of hashish oil without needing to obtain a license.

Using profanity towards an officer and even "flipping off" law enforcement is considered protected speech and cannot be the basis for a Disorderly Conduct charge.

We have all seen the images - a person blowing into a breathalyzer after getting stopped by police or, maybe even someone getting their blood drawn in order for the officer to determine the driver’s BAC. Many people assume that if you get pulled over by Kansas law enforcement under the suspicion of drunk driving, that you must submit to these types of tests. That’s just not true.

Over the last few months, there has been a lot of news about recent issues related to blood samples and DUI testing. Specifically, samples have been compromised and have caused innocent people to be convicted of DUI and face a long list of associated penalties.

Everybody knows that feeling. That uneasy feeling you get when you see a police car in your rearview mirror. Then, the officer’s lights start flashing and you realize that you are getting pulled over. You start to feel anxious and maybe even begin to panic a little bit. Many people start feeling this way even when they have done absolutely nothing wrong.

Earlier this month, the Kansas Court of Appeals set an important precedent related to the state’s implied consent law. The law says that any person who operates a vehicle in Kansas has been deemed to have given consent to a chemical test of breath, blood, or urine. This law had generally been construed pretty broadly, but the recent case of State v. Declerck has drawn a critical line in the sand.

Officers in both Kansas and Missouri tend to rely on three main field sobriety tests in order to help evaluate a driver’s level of impairment. If you are stopped by law enforcement in either state, you will likely be asked to perform one or more of the following: One-Leg Stand, Walk and Turn, or HGN.

Each state has different laws related to DWI and what happens when you refuse to submit to various tests requested by law enforcement. These penalties are typically pretty rough. However, Missouri provides for a unique opportunity if specific factors have been met.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), there are currently 41 states that ban text messaging for all drivers. Further, 12 states prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones at all.

All drivers suspended for DUI in Kansas can apply for and receive a restricted Permit allowing for driving under limited conditions.  On a breath test failure, the waiting period is 45 days and the required length of the interlock depends on the breath test results; For instance,  a test of .15% ...