Now Defending Criminal Cases in Ellis, Clay, Morris, and Dickenson Counties

From a small town? Found yourself in some legal trouble? A Riley County attorney is now serving the neighboring counties for all of your legal needs. Services include: DUI defense, minor in possession/consumption defense, expungements, drug charges, theft, paraphernalia, evading arrest, domestic charges, and juvenile offenses.  Our office provides free consultations and we are able to travel.  

Our office will continue to provide legal representation for criminal defense matters in Riley, Pottawatomie, and Geary County, our services are expanding to the new areas mentioned above. 

If you have any questions or would like a free consultation to discuss your legal options in a criminal matter, contact a Manhattan, Kansas Attorney.

Geary County Expungement and Junction City Expungement

In Kansas, an expungement is the way to clear your record of a particular conviction or numerous convictions that stem from the same case number. If you want a fresh start or are you trying to rid yourself of past run-in’s with the law in Geary County or Junction City, and expungement is the way to do it.

Before you contact a Kansas attorney for your Geary County or Junction City Expungement, you will need to be prepared with the following information to assist your attorney with a speedy resolution to your case:

1.      The name you were arrested under and your date of birth

2.      Your current address

3.      The court or county in which you were arrested

4.      Your court case number OR if you don’t know it the approximate year of your arrest.

5.      Have you been in trouble with the law since your conviction?

6.      The date of the termination of your probation/sentence/diversion.

The cost for filing an expungement in the Riley County District Court and in the Geary County District Court is $119.00. These prices are subject to change as each court raises their prices from year to year, so always check with a local attorney that can give you an exact amount.  Attorney's fees can also vary widely depending on the type of case, number of convictions, and number of expungements that need to be filed.

Once a Kansas expungement attorney has this information, it becomes a much easier process for them to assist you. For more information and a free consultation, contact a Kansas Expungement Attorney in your area. The knowledge and skill of your legal counsel can make a major difference in the outcome of your new beginning.

Minor in Possession in Pottawatomie County: Country Stampede

Country Stampede has officially begun! If you’re underage and happen to receive a minor in possession while enjoying the concert, then you need to know your next move. First, what is a minor in possession? A minor in possession, or M.I.P., is any one under the age of 21 who is found to possess, obtain, purchase, or attempt to purchase alcohol. A minor in possession is a Class C misdemeanor.

Much like an M.I.C., a minor in possession in Pottawatomie County or Riley County are punishable with a fine up to $500, community service, and a certificate of completion from an Alcohol Education class. For your first offense, you could also possibly lose current or future driving privileges for 30 days.

While this may not sound like a big deal, DON’T throw that ticket away thinking the citation will disappear. If you fail to appear at your court appearance, three months later you will receive a notification that your driver’s license has been suspended. Needless to say, the sooner you contact a knowledgeable Kansas Attorney to represent you the sooner he or she will be able to guide you through the legal process.

For a free consultation regarding your Minor in Possession in Pottawatomie County, contact a Defense Attorney in the Pottawatomie County area, and speak directly with our helpful staff today.

Manhattan, KS Municipal Court Diversion

Before you go on Diversion in Manhattan, KS Municipal Court for something like possession of Marijuana, you should be fully aware of what you're signing on to.  To start, possession of Marijuana is not always an offense where diversion is offered.  Manhattan, KS Municipal Court is one of the places where diversion is an option.  If your possession of Marijuana charge is in Manhattan, KS municipal court, lucky you, BUT be prepared to pay.

Just to get on diversion it will cost you at least $1,020.00.   That's a lot of money.  Second, you should be prepared to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and serve some community service.  

Understanding that this is probably the minimum for diversion that you can expect, now we should consider the alternatives to diversion.  These alternatives should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the professional advice of a Manhattan, KS attorney who practices regularly in Manhattan, KS Municipal Court can help you evaluate your options and make the choice that is right for you.

If you'd like a knowledgeable lawyer in Manhattan, KS to help you evaluate your case, please contact one here: www.manhattanksattorney.com

Getting a Diversion for Possession of Marijuana in Manhattan Municipal Court

Manhattan Municipal Court is one of those rather rare places in Kansas that the City Prosecutors offer a diversion for possession of Marijuana.  That diversion, however, comes at a price. 

Not less than $1,000 is the price of diversion for possession of marijuana.  And if you're under 21, you will be required to take the ubiquitous Drug and Alcohol Evaluation, which could add to your expense. 

Finally,  between 0 and 100 hours of community service.  Let me tell you, 20 hours is a lot of community service.  100 hours is almost unthinkable.  That's a lot of time doing labor or work and not getting paid for it. 

If you find yourself contemplating a diversion in Manhattan Municipal Court for Marijuana, you may want to contact a Manhattan, KS attorney to discuss your options.  

Pottawatomie County Criminal Charges

One of the complications of living in Manhattan is the close proximity of Pottawatomie County.  The county line between Pottawatomie County and Riley County essentially runs down Tuttle Creak Blvd.  This means a fair portion of the business that serve Manhattan, KS are actually in Pottawatomie County.

When an alleged crime is committed in Pottawatomie County, you must go to Westmoreland, KS to the Pottawatomie County District Court.  This can be very inconvenient as the drive takes about a 30-minutes from Manhattan. 

The rules are different in Pottawatomie County District Court for certain things such as applying for diversion.  For example, for an MIP in Manhattan, applying for a diversion is free.  In Pott County, there is a $10.00 diversion application fee which must be paid at the time you apply for diversion or it won't be accepted.

Someone who is a resident or is just visiting the Manhattan, KS area could find themselves in any of the three Courts: Pott County District Court, Riley County District Court, or Manhattan Municipal Court.  Naturally, things can get complicated in a hurry.

Be sure to speak with a Manhattan, KS attorney who is familiar with the unique rules of each court who can also  help you get clarity when things get complicated and assist in resolving your legal matter

Don't Just Settle for a Diversion for a DUI

When you get a DUI in Manhattan, KS, Riley County, Geary County, or the surrounding areas, it's important to know that by entering into a diversion you agree to be found guilty if you don't successfully complete your diversion.  This means that if you fail to abide by the terms of diversion, you will likely get the full punishment of being found guilty of DUI.

Before you agree to a diversion, you should have a DUI attorney obtain discovery on your case to evaluate whether your rights haven been violated.  Otherwise, you might forgo your right to a trial when a trial would have been in your best interest.

Even if it turns out that, after review of the discovery, you still want to pursue a diversion, knowing that you have looked at the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest will give you piece of mind to know that diversion was the right choice for you.

Contact a Manhattan, KS attorney today for assistance and a free consultation so you can know the options you have before you waive or forgo your rights.

Junction City Municipal Court

Much like the Manhattan, KS Municipal Court, Junction City Municipal Court serves the city and presides over non-felony, misdemeanor and traffic infractions.  The Court is located at 225 W. 7th Street in Junction City.  The presiding Judge is Judge Powers.

The Manhattan, KS lawyer, despite the namesake, practices in Junction City and the Geary County District Court and is available to talk about and give you a free consultation regarding your legal matter.

New Kansas DUI Law

On July 1st of this year a new DUI law in Kansas came into effect.  This law changes the charges for refusing to provide a blood, breath, or alcohol test when you have a prior DUI charge or DUI diversion.

Now, when you refuse a blood alcohol sample, and it's been less than 10 years since your alcohol related driving infraction the first time it's a misdemeanor.  The second time, a felony.  This compounds your problems considerably because now, you have a DUI, an traffic infraction from failing or refusing a Preliminary Breath Test, AND a misdemeanor or felony if you refuse to incriminate yourself by providing a blood alcohol sample.

If you have a DUI or other alcohol related charge, it's important to contact an attorney to help explore your options and determine if your rights have been violated.  Contact a lawyer in Manhattan, KS to help you evaluate your case.

Getting on Diversion for MIPs and DUIs

It's often the case that, if it's your first offense, the prosecutor in Riley County District Court, Manhattan Municipal Court, or Pottawatomie County District Court will offer you diversion. Diversion is a contract between the state or city prosecutor and the defendant (the person alleged to have committed the crime). 

The contract typically states that the prosecutor will agree to dismiss the charges if the defendant abides by the rules of the diversion.  Typical rules of diversion include things such as:  paying a fee, doing community service hours, completing an alcohol and drug evaluation, and staying out of trouble (and Aggieville or local bar district) until diversion is completed. 

Diversion is a great option for many with their first DUI or MIP, however, it's always important to understand that you are giving up your right to a trial when you enter into diversion.  Before you commit yourself to a diversion, it's important to contact a local attorney to review your case and request discovery on your behalf. 

If you're thinking about diversion for your MIP or DUI in Riley County or surrounding communities, contact a lawyer in Manhattan, KS.