Criminal Law in Kansas and Missouri
An experienced attorney is your best defense
A criminal offense charge can change your life. If convicted, you could face fines, imprisonment, and depending on the charge, a lifetime of damaged reputation, lifestyle, and family life.
An attorney familiar with the courts of Missouri and Kansas can help you build a defense that potentially lessens the adverse impact. Let Chris Fletcher at Johnson County’s Fletcher & Rohrbaugh, LLP help you ease your burden. Chris knows how to anticipate the prosecution. He knows how to meticulously research the situation to challenge evidence. He knows how to help you.
Even if you think the charges are minor, think again. What you do not know can have a large impact on your life. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can be your best defense and can help you make informed decisions. We stand by you through every stage of the process, even after the judge or jury’s decision. If necessary, we take your case to the state appellate court to appeal the decision.
While we handle all types of criminal cases, including probation violations, we are especially well-equipped to help clients who have been charged with the following:
DUI/DWI
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) are serious charges. Drunk driving laws in both Kansas and Missouri are getting stricter. If you have been charged with either DUI or DWI, this is no time to take chances. Consequences can be immediate and severe. You could stand to lose your driver's license. Within ten days of receiving a citation, you must request an administrative hearing. Seek the help of an experienced DUI/DWI attorney at Fletcher & Rohrbaugh, LLP. We do all we can to help you keep your license and limit any adverse consequences on your life.
State felonies
Felonies and misdemeanors are two types of criminal offense. Typically, felony charges are more severe and, therefore, more serious than misdemeanors. Consequences if convicted range from losing your right to vote, obtaining a passport, possessing a firearm, registration on a government list, to a criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life.
It is important to know your rights and put yourself in the hands of experienced criminal defense attorneys.
At Fletcher & Rohrbaugh, LLP, we handle criminal charges in both Kansas and Missouri. We are especially suited to defend those facing felony charges in these states. We conduct thorough research into your circumstances, anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and arguments, and fight zealously for your rights involving the following:
- Drug manufacture, possession, and distribution
- Sex crimes, including sexual assault, lewd and lascivious behavior, and solicitation
- Person crimes such as robbery and aggravated battery
Domestic violence
Domestic violence includes crimes involving abuse and neglect of children, spouses and domestic partners, and elders. It covers not just physical abuse, but also verbal threats, emotional abuse, harassment, and stalking, actions intended to control the behavior of someone else.
Although domestic violence is indeed a crime recognized by every state, the laws vary. Fletcher & Rohrbaugh, LLP can help you understand how Kansas and Missouri laws apply to your situation. Convictions can include hefty fines and imprisonment and can affect your ability to see your children and your rights with respect to divorce. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you could risk deportation.
Civil actions may also be brought in cases of domestic violence. Let the experience of Fletcher & Rohrbaugh, LLP help you.
Traffic tickets
If you receive a traffic ticket, you face a range of punishments from substantial fines to time in jail. At Fletcher & Rohrbaugh, LLP, we help Missouri and Kansas drivers, including those in Johnson County, take immediate action. We handle any type of traffic matter:
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As with any criminal offense case we handle, we work diligently to examine all facts surrounding your charge and provide you with an assessment of likely outcome. Our experience helps us formulate strategies and a course of action that is best for you.
What you can expect from the legal process
The following are the steps involved in criminal offense charges:
- Stop—The police may stop you for questioning. You have the right to refuse to answer.
- Search—If probable cause exists, a judge can issue a search warrant to look for items connected with the alleged criminal activity. Warrants are not necessary for all searches.
- Arrest—In order to be arrested, there must be probable cause that a crime was a committed and that you committed it. You have two important constitutional rights: the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. (See our information pamphlet, What You Should Know If You Are Arrested.)
- Booking–Following your arrest, the police escort you to the police station to book you. You are fingerprinted, searched, and photographed and may be interrogated.
- Appointment of an attorney—If you cannot afford an attorney and you have been charged with a crime punishable by imprisonment, an attorney is appointed to defend you.
- Arraignment—You appear in court once criminal charges are filed and you must enter your plea to the crime with which you have been charged.
- Bail/bond—Cash bond, a bail bond, or a pledge of property to ensure you appear for further criminal proceedings.
- Speedy trial—The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial. A trial must be held within a certain time frame after you have been charged.
- Trial—If you do not reach a plea agreement with the prosecutor (most prosecutors will consider one), your case moves toward trial. Depending on the jurisdiction and the charges, you may have the right to a trial by jury.
- Appeals—In the event you are found guilty, you have the right to an appeal. A high court will review the matter.
- Expungement—In many circumstances, you may be able to have your criminal record erased.
The more you know, the more you can help your own situation. See our information pamphlet, What You Should Know If You Are Arrested.
What you should know about testifying at a trial or deposition
We have developed an informational pamphlet, What You Should Know about Testifying at a Trial or Deposition, to answer many questions you may have.
Experienced. Practical. Affordable.
Do not put your life and lifestyle at risk. When you have been charged with criminal offenses, including DUI, DWI, state felonies, domestic violence, and traffic tickets, take action. Let the experienced Johnson County, KS defense attorneys of Fletcher & Rohrbaugh, LLP ease your burden with practical and affordable solutions. Call us at 913-390-8555 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.
