Criminal Defense Attorney in Kansas City, Kansas

Being charged with a crime or being under investigation for one can be a frightening experience. Even the mere accusation can take a heavy toll on your relationships, job, finances, and emotional health. The accusation of any crime, large or small, first or repeat offense, without or without a charge or conviction, can change your life.

Your future may depend first on the choice to retain legal representation and second, on which criminal defense attorney you choose. Whether or not you committed a crime, if you have been accused of, charged with, or are being investigated for a crime, you need an experienced and tenacious criminal defense attorney in your corner.

I started my career as a prosecuting attorney. Now, I put that knowledge and experience to work for clients throughout Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri at Richman Law Office LLC.

If you have been charged with a crime, contact me today to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and start building your defense.

Criminal Charges in
Kansas & Potential Penalties

Crimes in Kansas are classified as violations, misdemeanors, or felonies, depending on the severity of the crime as defined by state law.

Misdemeanors are generally less serious crimes. In Kansas, misdemeanors are classified as A, B, C, or Unclassified. Penalties for all misdemeanors may include fines and if warranted, completion of drug or alcohol education programs. Class A misdemeanors may also include jail terms of up to one year, Class B up to six months, and Class C up to one month.

Felonies are more egregious crimes with much stiffer penalties, based on the “class” or severity of the crime. The Kansas legislature has adopted felony sentencing guidelines judges must follow. The guidelines, laid out on a drug and non-drug grid, are designed to provide consistency in punishments.

Felonies are divided between drug and non-drug offenses, each with its own sentencing grid based on the severity of the crime. Non-drug-related offenses are ranked from Level 1 through Level 10 with 1 being the most serious. Drug offenses are ranked from Level 1 through 5. Punishment is also based on the number of prior convictions. Fines for convictions range from $100,000 to $500,000. Prison terms can range anywhere from one year to life in prison.

Criminal Charges Handled
at Richman Law Office LLC

I represent clients charged with virtually any misdemeanor or felony crime in Kansas, including but not limited to:

• Assault: Knowingly placing someone in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm.

• Battery: Knowingly or recklessly causing bodily harm or physical contact in a rude, insulting, or angry manner.

• Domestic Violence: Any crime committed against a current or former family member, household member, or someone with whom you have had a dating relationship.

• Drug Crimes: Including possession, cultivation, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances, precursors, and paraphernalia.

• DUI: Operating or attempting to operate any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

• Murder: Including capital murder, intentional or premeditated murder (first degree), or the intentional, unintentional, or reckless murder of another (second degree).

• Sexual Battery & Rape: Touching someone over the age of 16 years without consent for purposes of sexual arousal or satisfaction. Rape is engaging in sexual intercourse without the person’s consent.

• Theft/Burglary: Any act intended to deprive an owner of possession, use, or benefit of their property or services. Burglary is the act of entering a vehicle, house, or business intending to commit theft.

• Traffic Violations: Including violations for speeding, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license or without insurance, expired license plates, failure to yield, and more.

Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Because even a minor criminal charge can seriously impact your life, it is wise to retain a criminal defense attorney to represent you. If you have little income to hire an attorney, you may qualify to have a public defender appointed by the court. You should know that public defenders carry tremendous caseloads and may not be able to give your case the time and attention it needs.

As a former prosecuting attorney, I understand the heavy caseload public defenders carry. I also know those caseloads often result in a public defender’s recommendation that you accept a plea deal offered by the prosecution. While expeditious for both the prosecuting attorney and the public defender, a plea deal is not always the best option for a defendant.

A private criminal defense attorney will devote far greater time and attention to your case and fight aggressively for the best available outcome. It is true that with criminal defense, you get what you pay for.

Work with An Attorney You Can Trust

If you choose to not retain an attorney to defend you against any criminal charges, you might be making a mistake that negatively impacts the rest of your life. Even if you committed the crime, an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to fight the charges or guide you to less serious punishment. I am dedicated to giving each client the full attention their case demands and to providing aggressive criminal defense in and out of the courtroom.