PMCW Law

Thinking about passing away is something that most don’t like to think about or discuss.  Most of us don’t like planning for our death, but you owe it to your loved one's to have a plan in place.  A will allows you to designate what will happen to your possessions and estate in the event of your passing . We know getting your affairs in order may not be something you desire to do, but it is something you need to do.  The  Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. will answer some frequently asked questions about wills.  Our  experienced estate planning lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks  and our probate administration attorneys can help you along every step of the way.  Estate Planning vs Probate Administration  What's The Difference? Passing money, possessions, property, and other assets from a deceased loved one to surviving family and friends is often a two-step process. First, decisions must be made ...

In Missouri, there are three different types of criminal charges, including felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. The type of crime you are charged with is determined by the elements of the offense, as well as the range of punishment the individual could receive. These three criminal charge categories differ significantly and the law offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. give you a reference guide below. Infractions An infraction, often called a violation or petty crime, is an offense that is typically penalized by fines, but not jail time. Traffic offenses are the most common form of infraction and these types of crimes may be handled in the municipal court. Misdemeanor A misdemeanor is less serious than a felony and tend to be the most common type of charge. Missouri categorizes misdemeanors into various classes: Class A through Class C. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious. Misdemeanor charges are issued by the state and include a wide...

The 2nd annual Pumkin Chunkin Palooza is almost here! Pumkin Chunkin Palooza is a Fall, family friendly event at the Lake of the Ozarks and proceeds help four local lake charities. This event is organized and presented by the "Power of 4" Rotary Clubs of the Lake of the Ozarks. Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch are strong supporters of Rotary, with several of our Lake of the Ozarks Attorneys serving as Rotarians.  The Pumkin Chunkin Palooza will take place Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Ozarks Amphitheater in Camdenton. Here’s a list of the event activities, schedule, the charities the event benefits, and the cost to attend the event. The Event Activities and Schedule The Pumkin Chunkin Palooza family events this year will include the following: • Face Painting • Petting Zoo • Pony Rides • Bounce Houses • Corn Crib Pit • On-site Pumpkin Decorating • Children's Magic Shows • 1 lb. Central Dairy Ice Cream for $1.00  ...

Criminal offenders are lumped into one of two broad categories: "juveniles" and "adults." Though there are some exceptions, people who commit crimes while still under the age of 18 are tried typically as juveniles in most states. The juvenile justice system is gentler than the adult version, with more emphasis placed on reform. Our juvenile justice attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to help educate you on the juvenile justice system and how it impacts today's delinquent youth. What is the Cut-Off Age to Classify as a “Juvenile Delinquent”?  A juvenile may be tried as an adult, if the crime in question is particularly heinous, such as murder and/or rape. However, individuals between the ages of 10 and 17 are typically tried in juvenile court. In forty-one states, once individuals turn 18 years old, they will be tried as adults no matter what crime they are alleged to have committed. Missouri, however, is one of seven states wherein individua...