Under Kansas criminal law disorderly conduct is a crime. This is where you are accused of doing something to violate the peace of the public. This charge is most often brought where the following have occurred:

• using offensive, obscene or abusive language
• noisy conduct that causes alarm, anger or resentment in others
• brawling
• fighting
• disturbing an assembly, meeting or procession
• party that is out of control

The penalties include $500 fine and 30 days in jail. Criminal record, loss of employment, inability to get a loan, revocation of probation or parole, etc. are some of the lasting consequences, after you complete what the court orders. Disorderly conduct, while one of the low-level offense in Kansas, should be taken just as seriously. Don't just take a plea deal. There are defenses to this charge. We are here to help you today 913.602.7288. Call Attorney T. Morton now.

• BE ON TIME. The last thing you want​​ is to be so late that a warrant is issued for your arrest. Better even, be early. Kansas courts typically call those with lawyers first but, that doesn't mean you shouldn't already be present if you don't have one.
• DRESS APPROPRIATELY. You don't have to show up in a suit but, make sure your clothing is respectable and clean. 
• BE POLITE TO EVERYONE. Whether it's the court clerk, District Attorney, etc. you should use your manners in your interactions with them. That includes using an appropriate tone and volume while waiting inside/outside of the courtroom.
• DO NOT ENTER A PLEA. Your first hearing should simply be an advisement of your rights and the crimes you have been charged with, and setting of your bail. If you are asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty request legal advise first. 
• UNDERSTAND BAIL. Depending on what county you were arrested/charged in the conditions and type of bail you qualify for may vary. Pay close attention to, and adhere to, any conditions of your bail (ex. reporting to probation, getting an evaluation, etc.). Failure to do so will only compound your already scary circumstances and could result in you being taken back into custody. 
• REQUEST/HIRE REPRESENTATION. Your freedom and rights need to be protected. Without proper legal advise you are risking your future. You may think you cannot afford, or don't need, an attorney but, you are wrong. 

You have questions and we have answers. Call today @ 913.602.7288. 

In Kansas, long before your guilt or innocence is proven, DUI charges  automatically require an hearing. This hearing is separate and unique from your criminal court dates.  Here's is what you need to know:

1. You must attend both the administrative law hearing (to protect your driving rights) and the criminal court dates (to protect your freedom);
2. Refusing to perform sobriety testing (breath, blood, etc.) you will be given a pink slip (DC-27). Your actual license will be taken and this slip of paper will become your temporary license. It is only valid 30 days;
3. After getting the pink slip, you must request the administrative hearing within 14 days, and subpoena the arresting officer;
4. Failure to schedule that meaning will cause your license to be automatically suspended for 30 days to one year;
5.  You must take care of the administrative process, even if you are found not guilty of the DUI; and
6.  The only way to get your license's validity extended, beyond the initial 30 days, you must complete the administrative hearing.

While the the two hearings are different, the defenses and evidence in one can impact the other. You shouldn't face these hearings alone. The potential consequences are great, such as:

• Loss of employment;
• Restrictions on your ability to do your day-to-day tasks;
• Increase in insurance rates;
• Criminal record;
• and more.

Call us today at our law office in Kansas City, Kansas. We can take swift action on your behalf and fight to protect your driving privileges and freedom. 913.602.7288

You've probably come across this blog because you, or someone you  know, is facing driving under the influence charges (DUI). Know that you are not alone. Many, regardless of their job, financial status, prior criminal history (or lack thereof),  face these charges. Whether you are facing your first or, have had several charges, DUI is a serious criminal offense. This blog will help give you some important information about defending against these charges:

• Take notes immediately following your stop. These notes will help you when faced with the police report and should your case go to trial;
• Pay attention to what reason the officer uses to stop you. If you are stopped, and not immediately told, ask why the officer has stopped you. If they did not have reasonable suspicions to stop you and probable cause to arrest you, your rights have been violated;
• Field Sobriety Tests, in Kansas, are commonplace. You will likely take field sobriety tests. Prior to administering these tests, the officer must inform you of the implied consent law in Kansas. Implied consent means that, by driving on Kansas roads, drivers automatically consent to field sobriety testing. In other words, you will be charged with an offense if you refuse field sobriety testing.
  While the results of standardized field sobriety tests are admissible in court, these tests — including the walk-and-turn test, the one-legged stand test and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test — are not always accurate indicators of driver impairment; and
• The Intoxilyzer 8000 tests. Kansas law enforcement typically use this equipment as the current breathalizer. While law enforcement, and the DA, will assure you of its accuracy, the results can be disputed (ex. issues with breathing, improper administration, etc.).

There are many more questions you likely have. This can be a scary process and the potential, long-term, consequences are great. You need a qualified attorney to defend your rights. Call us today at 913.602.7288.

The untimely loss of a loved one can come as the shock of  lifetime. The loss of a loved one because of the carelessness of someone else adds to the already existing pain. To move forward with holding the at-fault party accountable, in the Kansas courts, you must establish the following:

• The death of a person
• The cause of death is directly tied to another person’s negligence or harmful intent
• The monetary suffering of the decedent’s family members caused by the death
• A personal representative appointed for the decedent’s estate

Family members, together or alone, can bring wrongful death suits in Kansas. The number of reasons you may file for wrongful death varies, and navigating the complex statutes surrounding wrongful death suits requires the expertise of a skilled attorney. Laws on wrongful death vary state by state, and the experience of an attorney who understands Kansas state laws is vital. You have questions and we have answers. Call today for your free consultation 913.602.7288.

If you are being investigated, have been arrested or indicted for a drug crime, you probably have more questions than ever before in your life. Kansas law enforcement and the DA are going to do everything in their power to convict you. You need an aggressive criminal defense attorney to handle your:

• Drug possession
• Drug possession with intent to sell
• Sale of controlled substances
• Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute
• Drug trafficking
• Possession of pre-cursor chemicals (i.e., meth ingredients)
• Manufacture or cultivation

You should not handle these cases alone. A misdemeanor can be increased to a federal charge for possession of substances (marijuana, ecstasty, cocaine, etc.) over a certain quantity. Having a firearm, conspiracy, prior convictions, and more can automatically increase your mandatory minimum sentence, if your convicted. Even a seemingly minor charge has serious consequences. 

What can we do for you? We can help you navigate rules and procedures of the criminal law process, ensure your rights are protected, prevent unlawful evidence from being used against you, shield you from incriminating yourself, get your charges dismissed or reduced, and more.  

Whether the police arrested you for drug possession or sale, or you are involved in an investigation of major drug dealers, your rights and your freedom are in jeopardy. Contact us now 913.602.7288 to discuss your options. We accept major credit cards and have payment plans. 

Were you arrested, or suspected of a crime, in Johnson County, Kansas? You have rights and you should exercise those.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT.
As you probably know, anything you say can and WILL be used against you. So don't say anything. Don't give a single detail without legal advise first. The more you say, the more you may risk your freedom.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO AN ATTORNEY.
Legal counsel in this moment not only could give you peace of mind but, also mean your rights are fully protected. You must affirmatively ask for a lawyer (ex. "I want my lawyer!") and don't ever waiver from that request. Once you do that the police must stop asking questions.

NEVER CONSENT TO A SEARCH.
Police typically need a search warrant to go through your car, house, belongings, etc. If they have the right to search they will. If they don't they will have to ask you. You should never give them permission to perform a search. If they are asking for consent, refuse and ask for your lawyer.

The best thing you can do, right now, is get a lawyer. You need an experienced lawyer to help you protect your rights. Call our office now @ 913.602.7288, we accept credit cards and have payment plans. 

If you have been arrested for a crime, in Johnson County, Kansas, you probably have lots of questions. You are probably feeling fear, confusion, embarrassment and more. To add to it, the financial burden is likely another, added, concern. We are here to tell you that a quality defense does not have to bankrupt you. Here are some of the common charges for Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas criminal defense attorneys:

• Traffic Infractions (non-DUI) Charges:  $1,500 - $3,000
• Misdemeanor Charges:  $3,000 - $5,000
• Felony Charges:  $5,000 - $8,000
• Many offices offer of $1500 down, for entry of appearance, and then payment plans.

Remember that the cost to take your case to trial, federal charges, multiple charges, etc. may result in an increase in these costs.

The sooner you get an attorney the better. Call us today @ 913.602.7288.   

The legal age that you can have alcohol is 21, in Kansas. If you are under that  and are found to have alcohol (including beer over 3/2) you could be charged as a Minor in Possession (MIP).  There is one exception to the MIP charge - when under the supervision of your parents you have beer that is 3/2 or under. These charges should be taken seriously. There are short-term and long-term consequences associated with MIP, to include:

• Driver's license suspension;
• Permanent criminal record;
• Fines;
• Potential jail time (usually less than 30 days for your first offense); and/or
• Increased insurance costs.

Would An MIP Aggravate A DUI Charge In Kansas?
No. Being a minor in possession does not increase the consequences associated with DUI charges.
How Is Disorderly Conduct Defined Under Kansas Law?
It a class C misdemeanor, the lowest misdemeanor in Kansas. This charge can be for anything from fighting to screaming curse words at another person. While it is a low level offense, it is a criminal charge that can remain on your record forever. 

Even young adults can be put in jail for these minor charges; especially if you have more than one. The State has, in the past, and will prosecute you. If you are, in Kansas, facing MIP, DUI or any other charges call us today @ 913.602.7288. You have questions and we have answers. 

​Here is a quick overview of the most common, Kansas, criminal charges. To find out what to expect, if stopped or arrested, click HERE. 

Traffic and Speeding:
A standard traffic stop can turn into something serious in an instant. If not handled properly you could have your driving privileges suspended, have a warrant for your arrest, have steep fines, and more. Your attorney can negotiate your charges and give you information about how to best handle your case.  Resist the urge to procrastinate or handle these charges on your own. 

​Drugs and Contraband:
Drug and contraband charges are a serious threat to your future and your freedom.  Possession of small amounts of a drug or drug paraphernalia carry steep fines (starting at one year imprisonment and/or $2,500 in fines, and up). Discovery drugs or contraband can be from any number of interactions with law enforcement (ex. traffic stop, during an arrest, etc.). The first thing your attorney will consider is whether the evidence was obtained within the letter of the law. If not, your attorney will request that it be suppressed.  

DUI, DWI, Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Intoxicated:
In Kansas, driving under the influence has mandatory, minimum, sentence guidelines, even if it is your first time. This will likely include six months of jail and a fine of $1,750, or more. No attorney can negotiate away the mandatory minimum if you accept a plea agreement or are convicted of this crime.  In addition, in Kansas, if you do not request a hearing within 14 days you will likely lose your driving rights. 

Domestic Battery and crimes of Domestic Violence:
In Kansas, if there are allegations of a domestic disturbance someone will likely be arrested. That someone may be you. Even if the other party involved does not want charges brought against you the District Attorney can prosecute you. 

If you have been arrested for, or are under investigation for, any Kansas crime call us today @ 913.602.7288.