PMCW Law

How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? If you're like most Americans, you and your family probably gather around the dinner table and enjoy a feast of turkey, green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, and countless other delicious dishes - but have you ever wondered how people celebrate Thanksgiving in other cultures? Many of us think of Thanksgiving as a holiday that is only celebrated in America, but the truth is that many other countries and cultures have some sort of custom designed to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for another plentiful year. In honor of Thanksgiving, the team at the Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. is here to explore with you some of these different traditions from around the world. Ancient Rome Some people are surprised to learn that ancient Rome was actually the birthplace of many modern Thanksgiving traditions. Just like today's American Thanksgiving, the ancient Roman celebration incl...

Unfortunately, adults are not the only perpetrators of crime in our area; juveniles have been known to commit various crimes on multiple occasions. Depending on the severity of their crimes, the consequences of their convictions can impact these young people's lives for years to come. Because of the potential for lifetime consequences, juvenile law at the Lake of the Ozarks can be more than a little scary and overwhelming.  This week, the team at the Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. are here to answer some of the questions you may have about this important legal discipline. 1. Can A Juvenile Ever Be Charged As An Adult? In some situations, yes. For example, a juvenile who is at least 12 years old may be charged as an adult if he/she has been charged of a felony. 2. At What Age Is Someone Considered An Adult Under Missouri Law? Under certain sections of Missouri statutes related to c har ging criminal offense , any person age 17 or older...

S tarting your own business can be incredibly rewarding financially, mentally and emotionally . Of course, it an also be incredibly challenging. Starting a business at the Lake of the Ozarks requires many details and specifications being met and attended to - and failure to properly establish a business can have serious consequences for both you and the business. If you are thinking about starting a business in the future, our business attorneys in Camdenton, MO may be able to help you avoid some of these potential pitfalls. This week, we're here to help clear up some common misconceptions about starting a business. Misconception #1: "I Only Need A Business Plan If I'm Going To Apply For A Loan." While it is comm on for lenders to require a solid business plan as part of the loan application process, you should create a business plan regardless of whether or not you intend to apply for a loan. Your business plan will serve as a valuable guide throughou...

Getting pulled over while driving can be incredibly stressful and nerve-wracking - and getting a ticket can be even worse. Unfortunately, getting a ticket causes more problems than an increased heart rate and a late arrival to your destination; it can also have long-term consequences on your driving record. The team at Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. may be able to help you reduce the penalties on your record (and your future). Missouri Traffic Point System The State of Missouri keeps track of everyone's driving records by assigning points to drivers' licenses when they are caught violating various traffic laws. The amount of points assigned will depend on the severity of the offense. Here are a few examples of offenses and their assigned point values (Source: DMV.org) : Speeding (more than 5 mph over the speed limit): up to 3 points Stop Sign Violation: up to 2 points Failure to Produce Insurance ID: up to 4 points 12 points can be given for se...