Family Law

• Divorce
  Divorce law can be very complex, and an attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and options as well as advocate for you is highly advisable. There are certain requirements that one must meet to file for divorce, and a divorce may be brought on the claim by just one spouse that the marriage is irretrievably broken (whether the other spouse agrees or disagrees).
• Child Support
  If there are children of the marriage then legal custody, physical custody and child support issues must be addressed. There may be occasions that a Guardian Ad Litem will be appointed to assist the court in a determination of legal and physical custody. Under certain situations attorney fees can be awarded in favor of one party to be paid by another. A divorce can involve very complex matters of evaluation assets and debts such as real estate, taxes, personal property, partnership interests, trusts, pensions, 401ks, IRA’s and certain assets will require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Determinations of whether certain assets and/or debts are separate property or marital property can often be issues in a divorce that have a significant impact upon the assets awarded and the debts retained.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  “ The entire process of divorce and child custody can be complicated and overwhelming. The courts can be confusing and the delays of hearings are frustrating and don’t make a lot of sense to the average person. Doug Rudman was a voice of reason and calm throughout the whole process.
• Adoption
  Depending on the circumstances some cases will be handled in the Probate Court and some in the Family Court depending on the venue and jurisdiction of the court. Additionally, there are cases in which a party may seek an Adoption or Step Parent Adoption of child. As Guardian, Conservator (care, custody and control of assets that belong to child), Adoptions, or Step Parent Adoptions are complicated, contact us for your free consultation.
• Paternity
• Guardianship
  There are cases in which a parent or both parents are unable, unwilling or unfit to provide the necessary care for a child. In such cases a state may intervene and take a child into protective custody or a child could be left in the care of a family member. In order to establish legal rights to make decisions for a child in this circumstance a family member may seek a legal Guardianship to be able to provide for the care, custody and control of the child.
• Spousal Support
  A spouse can also bring more specific grounds for divorce including, without limitation, adultery, abuse, and/or abandonment. In every divorce case the assets and debts of the marriage must be determined and distributed. Additionally, it must be determined whether a spouse can meet their respective financial needs without the contribution of the other spouse for what is known as “maintenance,” which many confuse with “alimony”.
• Legal Separation
  Additionally, a decree of Legal Separation can be changed to a Divorce Decree if desired. If you are interested in a Legal Separation contact us for your free consultation to explore your options.
• Child Abuse
  The State of Missouri through the Division of Family Services is charged with the investigation of child abuse and neglect cases as well as the enforcement of the juvenile code including truancy matters. The involvement of DFS may arise from a hotline call, mandatory reporter or other source.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  When it comes to protecting your freedom, record, and rights there is no substitute for an experienced attorney(s) in your corner going to bat for you. Rudman & Smith is that firm that will go the distance for you and your interests. Few firms can boast of the breadth of experience that Rudman & Smith has in its over 60 combined years of criminal law experience.
• DUI/DWI
  A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction can have devastating affects on one’s freedom, pocket book and driving privileges whether you are a licensed driver or carry a Commercial Driver’s license (CDL). One can face a felony DWI charge, which can result from two prior DUI convictions or two prior alcohol-related offenses.
• Wrongful Death
  Rudman & Smith was retained by a mother whose son was killed by a law enforcement officer. Initially the incident was labeled as a justified killing or self defense until Rudman & Smith discovered a surveillance tape during its investigation. Rudman & Smith filed suit and obtained in excess of $542,000 on behalf of the deceased.
• Traffic Violations
  Traffic tickets and Municipal violations occur when one is charged with violating a municipal ordinance or law. These violations can result in jail time, expensive fines and/or a loss in one’s driving privileges. Municipal convictions may also adversely affect one’s employment opportunities.
• Sex Crimes
  We handle cases involving use of a weapon in commission of drug crime, violent crime, theft or other crime, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a illegal firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, unlawful use of a weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, armed criminal action, possession of an unregistered weapon and sex crimes (rape, sodomy, statutory rape, distribution or possession of child pornography, internet sex crimes, child sex abuse, child molestation).
• Robbery
  Robbery, Burglary, Forgery, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card Device, Theft Crimes/Stealing, Petty Larceny, Shoplifting & Stealing 3rd Offense
• Burglary
  We handle murder cases, assault cases, sex cases. gun cases, drug possession, alcohol possession, stealing/shoplifting, robbery, burglary, property damage and truancy.
• White Collar Crimes
  We handle felony DWI, drug cases/trafficking, child pornography charges, internet crimes, white collar crimes, embezzlement, racketeering and RICO charges, sex crimes and weapons charges
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  In felony cases and certain misdemeanor cases a warrant and/or capias are issued for one’s arrest once charges are brought against you. Once notified by mail, casenet, or by the police simply coming to your place of work or home can lead to problems in your life. Please contact Rudman & Smith in St. Louis, MO immediately to help at (314) 645-7246. We can help!
• Embezzlement
• Drug Crimes
  Possession of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia are just a few charges one can face as a defendant. Each case typically begins with a search and seizure.
• Assault
  An assault can occur when an offensive touching occurs or when one is placed in reasonable apprehension or fear of an offensive contact. These charges may result in jail time and conviction. Do not attempt to represent yourself. Call Rudman & Smith now at (314) 645-7246.
• Murder
  Murder/Homicide/Violent Crime charges are among the worst a person can face. The risks to one’s long-term freedom are threatened and in some cases capital punishment is a real possibility. Having an effective trial attorney(s) with experience is invaluable in defending these types of cases.
• Juvenile Crimes
  At Rudman & Smith, we are comprised of experienced attorneys who can zealously represent you or your loved ones who are facing legal issues in the areas of juvenile law, including representing parents accused of abuse and neglect or facing termination of parental rights, or representing juveniles faced with delinquency allegations.Our lawyers have a broad range of experience as Guardian Ad Litems, Court Appointed Special Advocate, and head of the St. Louis County Youth Advocacy Unit.
• Probation Violation
  Rudman & Smith have handled thousands of these types of probation violation cases and we can help you. Our goal is that you do not receive an enhanced penalty, a conviction, jail time or any further condition of probation. Further, Rudman & Smith has been retained to try to obtain an early termination of probation for our clients and have been successful at this endeavor most times over the years.
• Homicide
• Shoplifting
• Restraining Order
  In the event that a party who has an intimate relationship with someone, such as residing in the same household, formerly dating, has a child with someone (whether married or not, and is being threatened with harm or has been harmed by someone, one may seek an Order of Protection (more commonly known as a restraining order) from the appropriate Circuit Court, and seek Ex Parte Order of Protection, and at minimum obtain a hearing date on the matter.
• Forgery
• Internet Crimes
  Sex cases, including but not limited to rape, sodomy, statutory rape, distribution or possession of child pornography, internet sex crimes, child sex abuse, child molestation, sexual misconduct carry stiff penalties under the law. Some cases require statutory mandatory minimum terms.

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  An injury at work can be devastating to both your body and your financial situation. At Rudman & Smith we will fight hard to ensure you are provided with medical care you need and the compensation that you are entitled to under the law. Most employers in the State of Missouri and Illinois are statutorily required to be responsible for their employees who are injured in performance of their duties on the job or exposed to occupational disease arising out of and in the course of employment; however, the statutory requirements are complex and legal assistance can make all the difference in your worker’s compensation recovery.
• Wrongful Termination
  Employee was wrongfully terminated by his employer. Employee retained Rudman & Smith. Employer claimed said termination was warranted. Rudman & Smith zealously pursued said claim and obtained a negotiated settlement of $100,000.
• Employment Discrimination
• Sexual Harassment
  “ I hired Derek Rudman and his partners in a sexual harassment case against one of the largest corporations in the country and abroad. My attorneys fought tooth and nail to secure a hefty confidential lump sum settlement.

Property Law

• Property Damage
  Other offenses we've handled include violations of ex parte order of protections, resisting arrest, property damage, falsifying police reports, tampering first and second, leaving the scene of an accident and minor in possession

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Rudman & Smith has a long history of obtaining substantial judgments, settlements, and awards on behalf of its clients, both through litigation and negotiated settlements. Plaintiff verdicts and favorable settlements are the result of excellent legal skills and thorough preparation. You can trust your serious personal injury case to Rudman & Smith because of our track record of proven success. A small sampling of results obtained on behalf of our clients are as follows...
• Medical Malpractice
  Doctors and health care professionals have a duty to provide services and treatments in a responsible or competent manner. When this duty is breached, good people may unjustly suffer. The law allows for financial recovery when people are injured due to the negligence of doctors, health care professionals, or hospitals. If you or a loved one has been injured due to medical negligence, do not delay. Call immediately for a free and confidential consultation.
• Dog Bites
  Dog owners have a duty to maintain control over their pets. Certain animals and some particular breeds of animals have a dangerous propensity for attacking people. These types of attacks can result in serious injuries and even death. Dog bites can cause severe and permanent disfigurement or scarring. You may be entitled to compensation if you have sustained a dog bite injury or some other injury due to an animal attack. Call Rudman & Smith in St. Louis, MO at once.

Trusts and Estates

• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy