When you’re arrested, your first instinct may be to call home and explain what happened. But every jail call in Missouri is recorded — and prosecutors can use your own words against you. In this post, Jefferson City defense attorney Sarah Ernst explains why you should never discuss your case over the jail phone and what to do instead to protect your defense.

Being served with an order of protection in Missouri can feel overwhelming. This blog explains how these cases work, the common mistakes to avoid, and why local knowledge in Cole, Miller, Camden, and Morgan counties matters. Protect your rights with clear guidance and experienced representation from Ernst Law.

When you’re facing criminal charges in Central Missouri, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to rely on a public defender or hire a private attorney. Public defenders are talented, dedicated lawyers, but often overloaded with cases. Hiring a private criminal defense attorney gives you the power to choose your own advocate—someone with the time, resources, and accountability to put your case first.

Facing an assault charge in Jefferson City can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Learn how Missouri law defines assault, the penalties you could face, and the defense strategies that may protect your rights. Discover why having a local attorney matters.

Driving while revoked is more than just a traffic ticket—it’s a criminal charge that can lead to jail time, fines, and a longer license revocation. If you're facing DWR charges in Cole, Miller, Camden, Moniteau, Osage, or Pulaski County, Sarah Ernst at Ernst Law LLC can help protect your rights and fight for your future.

Ernst Law LLC, founded by attorney Sarah Ernst, is now open and accepting clients throughout Missouri. The firm focuses on criminal defense and appellate advocacy.

At Ernst Law LLC, attorney Sarah Ernst helps clients make informed, strategic decisions about plea bargains in Jefferson City and surrounding counties. She knows how local prosecutors operate, understands the long-term impact of every plea, and works to secure the best possible outcome—whether that’s an offer worth accepting or a case worth fighting.

At Ernst Law LLC, attorney Sarah Ernst helps clients understand every aspect of their case before they enter a plea. Based in Jefferson City and serving Central Missouri, Sarah ensures you know what SIS or SES really means—and whether it's in your best interest.

Should you let a judge decide your fate—or a jury? The answer depends on your charges, the facts, and the courtroom. Learn the pros and cons of each trial type and how Sarah Ernst helps clients across Central Missouri choose the path that gives them the best shot at justice.

After passing the bar exam, I was hired as an assistant attorney general in the criminal appeals division and successfully argued to uphold convictions in all three of Missouri’s appellate courts. 

These combined experiences gave me a unique advantage once I entered private practice and began representing criminal defendants in both the circuit and appellate courts.