Country Stampede, 2018

Country Stampede 2018 has come and gone and left some in its wake with criminal allegations. The majority of those allegations will arise from the Pottawatomie County District Court, but much also could arise in the Riley County District Court.  DUI charges, MIP charges, MIC charges, batteries, and many other alcohol related offense get charged over this weekend.  There also is an increase in Marijuana and other illegal drug charges. 

If you received a DUI, it can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, regardless of what state you're from.  DUI defendants typically receive a DC-27 form which is the form the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles will use to begin the procedure to suspend your driver's license.  If you received one of these forms you have a limited time to send in a letter and payment for a hearing to be held before your license can be suspended. A qualified DUI defense attorney can complete this process for you but it is important to engage an attorney early enough that the deadline to file has not passed.

For MIP and MIC charges at Country Stampede, the vast majority will arise in Pottawatomie County District Court, which is located in Westmoreland, Kansas - about 30 minutes drive to the Northeast from the Country Stampede festival grounds. They hand out these charges with great frequency during the festivities and making the return to Kansas for those out of town can add to the already burdensome event of getting a citation.  Contacting an attorney that serves the Pottawatomie County area can sometimes avoid the necessity of coming back and can otherwise smooth a complicated process.

Divorce and Child Custody Lawyer

With the addition of Jeff Adam to The Robinson Firm LLC the Manhattan, KS law firm is now composed of two attorney's and more than 20 years combined legal experience.  Focusing primarily on Family Law, Divorce, and Child Custody Jeff's move to Manhattan from Salina has increased the services we are able to offer and the range of clients we can serve.

When you're looking for a family law attorney you want competent, experienced representation from someone familiar with the local bar.  As someone who has practiced in multiple counties including Riley County, Junction City and Geary County, Dickinson County, Pottawatomie County, and Saline County, Jeff is prepared to provide aggressive representation for your domestic matter.

Jeff also has extensive experience defending complex criminal defense matters and if your domestic litigation is tied to criminal allegations Jeff's experience is a perfect fit for your legal representation needs. 

If you need an attorney anywhere in North Central Kansas, contact the Manhattan, Kansas Attorneys at the Robinson Firm. We're here to help you navigate your legal issues with confidence and we're dedicated to achieving your best outcomes.

TEXTING AND CELL PHONES IN KANSAS

In the State of Kansas, texting is illegal for all drivers of all ages and cell phone usage is banned for all learner permit and intermediate license holders.  Many cities in Kansas have adopted their own ordinances relating to cell phone usage.

            In the City of Manhattan cell phone usage is illegal in a motor vehicle, unless the cellphone is configured for hands-free use.  A misunderstanding about the texting law in Kansas is that drivers can still be ticketed for checking their cell phones or sending text messages while they're at a stoplight.

            Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents on Kansas roadways. If you cause an accident while using your cell phone in Kansas you can be held responsible if someone is hurt or killed.

            Injured in Manhattan, Kansas, Geary County, or Pottawatomie County?  Injured anywhere in North Central Kansas? Call and a personal injury  attorney in the area to provide aggressive prosecution of the person who hurt you.

I-70 Drug Charges, Riley and Geary County

Since the legalization of Marijuana by neighboring state, Colorado, the number of felony drug traffic and drug distribution charges in Riley County and Geary County have increased significantly as patrols on I70 K-9 units of Geary County Sheriff's Department have increased.  Felony drug trafficking charges range in severity depending the amount of drugs in question.

In Kansas, a Possession with Intent to Distribute charge falls into one of four drug felony categories.  Level 1 drug felonies are the most severe in terms of penalty. Level 5 is least severe.  Typically if there is a charge for possession with intent to distribute the lowest level charged will be a level 4 drug felony. 

The amount of illegal drugs will dictate how high up the felony will be charged.  If a person has more than 1 Kilogram of Cocaine, more than 100 Grams of Meth or Heroin, or more than 30 Kilograms of Marijuana you can expect to be facing a severity level 1 drug felony - the most severe drug felony.  A person with no record whatsoever, if facing a level 1 felony, could expect to see a prison sentence between 138 months and 204 months depending on their criminal history.


If you or someone you know is facing any felony drug charge contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Manhattan, Kansas to begin work to protect your rights and defend you from these allegations.  The sooner you secure representation the better we can defend your rights and protect your interests.

Personal Injury in Manhattan, Kansas

Personal injury is a term of art used to refer to the tort of negligence which causes bodily injury to some individual. Negligence can come in many forms including negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in a wreck or some other type of damage.   When you are in an automobile accident and you are hurt it's a personal injury claim.  Generally the person who caused the accident due to their negligence should be on the hook to "make whole" the person they harmed.  This means compensating the injured party for their medical bills, lost work, lost property, and any other types of loss arising from the car accident.

When insurance companies are involved their goal is not to make a person whole but to limit the cost in terms of payout they must make to the injured party.  Their sole purpose is to pay as little as possible.

It's a competent personal injury attorney's job to maximize recover by holding the insurance company to their duty.  When a personal injury attorney insurance take notice and low-ball offers usually cease.    Contact from the opposing insurance company will also stop.

Injured in Manhattan, Kansas, Geary County, or Pottawatomie County?  Injured anywhere in North Central Kansas? Call and a personal injury  attorney in the area to provide aggressive prosecution of the person who hurt you.

Manhattan, Kansas Attorney New Expungement Website

Soon this firm will be offering a new website which will be geared exclusively towards Kansas expungements.  The website will offer information which will streamline the expungement process and offer an affordable solution to getting experienced expungement representation.  This website is offered by the Robinson Law Office and will serve all jurisdictions in Kansas including Sedgwick County, Johnson County, and Shawnee County. Luckily Kansas is a state that allows expungement of many crimes and has even recently reduced the required waiting period expunging a DUI conviction.  An expungement allows you to treat the crime as if it never happened.

The Manhattan, Kansas law firm will still offer criminal defense representation in Riley County, Geary County and surrounding areas.  This includes strong criminal defense representation for DUI, high level drug crimes, and domestic related crimes.

Felony Criminal Defense Attorney, Manhattan Kansas

In the arena of criminal defense representation in Kansas there are really two subsets of charges that a person can face.  A Misdemeanor charge and a Felony charge.  Felonies are much more serious than Misdemeanors and almost always carry a more severe penalty.  The level of your charge also may dictate what court you will be required to appear in.  The local Municipal court will likely have authority to handle most misdemeanor cases so long as the alleged crime occurred within the city limits.  If in Junction City City limits, then the Municipal Court of Junction City may have jurisdiction.  Same goes for Manhattan City limits and the Manhattan Municipal Court.

Felony charges, no matter where they occurred within the county, will always occur at the County District Court.  This is because the seriousness of the charge means it must be heard by a judge of the State of Kansas.  As someone charged with a Felony in Kansas, you are also entitled to an extra hearing on the matter. That hearing is called a preliminary hearing.

A preliminary hearing is a "probable cause" hearing wherein the state only need put on a little bit of evidence to prove that there is probable cause that a felony was committed and the defendant was the one that committed it.  Because it is only a probable cause standard most preliminary hearings are not won but are rather used to flush out details in the State's case or pin down the witnesses who will be testifying at trial.

For representation by an experience attorney for a felony in Manhattan, Kansas or Junction City, Kansas contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in the area.

Country Stampede 2015

It's that time of year when the weather gets hot and the Tuttle Creek River Pond campgrounds start to get a little crazy.  It's Country Stampede time in Manhattan, Kansas.  Country music will be center stage for the entire Country Stampede weekend while more than 30,000 people camp out, party, and over-consume.

The party atmosphere and heavy drinking at Country Stampede also means there will be an abundance of law enforcement available to keep the peace.  They will be on the lookout for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) minor in consumption of alcohol, minor in possession of alcohol, and other alcohol related offenses.

A DUI at Country Stampede could land you in jail and ruin your weekend.  And MIP or MIC won't land you in jail, but it could really put a damper on things.

If you are being pulled over and you have been consuming alcohol, here is what you can expect:

1. The officer may ask you if you've been drinking.  This question will depend on the reason or offense he/she is pulling you over for.  If you failed to maintain a lane, it's likely you will get this question. If you're speeding, it may be less likely. If it's 2:30 a.m., you can expect the question almost 100% of the time.

2. If you answer "yes" to the question above or the officer detects alcohol or observes indications of driving under the influence, you are likely to be asked out of the vehicle.  A series of tests will be administered that will try to gauge your level of intoxication. You are NOT obligated to take these tests and you may politely decline them.

3.  The officer may also ask that you take a preliminary breath test or PBT.   The officer will tell you that a refusal of the PBT is a traffic infraction. If you blow and it is over a .08 blood alcohol level, you will be arrested for DUI and taken to the police station, either Riley County Police Department or the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office.

4. Once you get to the station you will be asked to take a breathalyzer via a large, carefully calibrated Intoxylizer machine which will measure your blood alcohol level.  This test, the one they conduct at the police station, is the test which is admissible in a criminal trial to prove that you are driving while under the influence (over .08).   If you blow over this number, you will be issued a citation for DUI, given a bond likely in the amount of 750.00, and be required to appear at the court date provided to you on your bond sheet.   The location where you were stopped will dictate what court you will have to appear in.

This is just a very rough run down of a DUI arrest process. There are many varied scenarios for how it can unfold that must be examined on a case-by-case basis.  If you find yourself with a DUI, MIP, or MIC while at Country Stampede, call an experienced Manhattan, Kansas DUI attorney.  

Fake Patty's Day 2015

Fake Patty's Day is upon us in the Manhattan, Kansas and local business as well as local law enforcement is gearing up for for a crowd.

It is well known that alcohol will be consumed in vast quantities during Fake Patty's and with over consumption comes a host of problems, the least of which is may be a hangover and some regret.

Riley County Police Department typically beef up security in Aggieville and surrounding areas. If you are under age and consuming alcohol, your chances of getting a minor in possession or a minor in consumption is significantly higher on Fake Patty's Day.

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Manhattan, Kansas may also see an uptick in frequency during this raucous weekend.

Typically a DUI will land you in jail for the night or until someone can bond you out.  MIP or MIC will usually result in a simple citation and a notice to appear or NTA at a certain date/time/courthouse in Manhattan.

For victims of DUI charges, there are important deadlines that need to be addressed and taken care of as soon as possible after receiving a DUI citation.  An experienced DUI attorney in Manhattan, Kansas can assist you and will know what those deadlines are and how to address them.

If you find yourself with more than a just regret and a banging hangover on the day after your Fake Patty's Day, contact our office for a consultation.

Personal Injury Lawyer: In need of help?

In an instant, your life can be changed as a result of a car accident. The Blake Robinson Law Firm has first-hand knowledge of the ways in which a motor vehicle accident can impact the quality and enjoyment of your life. Accidents often result in property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, and serious bodily injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a car accident, it is in your best interest to consult with a Manhattan, Kansas personal injury attorney soon after the accident.

Auto/ motorcycle accidents can cause permanent personal injuries. If left untreated or if treated improperly, injuries and pain from automobile accidents can last for extended periods of time, often resulting in significant pain and discomfort, as well as limitations in a person's physical activities. It is very important for car accident victims to seek proper medical attention if they have been injured as a result of an accident.

If you have been in an accident, it is critical that you consult with a Manhattan personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Blake Robinson Law will discuss your potential claim and available options, as well as work with the at-fault party's insurance company to make sure all of your personal and legal needs are handled effectively.

Country Stampede in Riley and Pottawatomie County

Country Stampede 2014 is upon us.  It's a time for country music and usually a lot of alcohol consumption.  As such it's one of the busiest times of year for the RCPD and local law enforcement. During Country Stampede, officers from the Kansas Highway Patrol also help enforcement.  Many Minor in Consumption and Minor in Possession tickets will be issued.  

As a minor, trying to avoid situations where you may be caught with alcohol in your hand whether the container is open or closed.  This could include coolers of beer.  Minor in Possession (MIP) and Minor in Consumption (MIC) is a great way to ruin your Country Stampede experience. Don't forget, you have the right to remain silent, so before you say anything to incriminate yourself, tell them you will only be speaking to your attorney. 

DUI charges are another frequent incident at Country Stampede.   In the State of Kansas, to be convicted of Driving Under the Influence citation or a D.U.I., an individual must have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level above a 0.08 or be under the influence to a degree that renders you unable to safely operate a vehicle.  For many people that can be one or two standard size drinks over the span of a couple hours! Before the celebrating begins, designate a sober driver or agree on taking a taxi because being charged with a D.U.I. can dramatically change your life. After receiving a D.U.I., you only have 14 days to request a driver’s license hearing to preserve your driving privileges. it's best to immediately contact an experienced DUI attorney in Manhattan, Kansas to begin the process of defending you. 

Legal trouble can have harsh consequences that will affect your future. It is important to know you rights and plan ahead! However, if you do find yourself in need of a lawyer, you should contact a knowledgeable Riley and Pottawatomie County attorney to assist with your legal needs.

Eligible for an Expungement in Kansas?

Do you have a past criminal history? Are you wanting to start fresh by removing criminal charges and convictions from your criminal background? An expungement can remove some charges and convictions but not all of them are equal and it is helpful to know what can be expunged, how long you have to wait to expunge them, and what it costs to get them expunged.

If you have completed your sentence or have been discharged from probation, community corrections, parole, or post release supervision, you may be eligible for an expungement.  The severity level of the crime determines the waiting period and can be summarized as follows:

After three years these convictions could be wiped off your record: traffic infractions, cigarette or tobacco infraction, misdemeanor or a class D or E felony. (prior to 1993).

After July 1, 1993 nondrug crimes, severity level 6-10, and felony crimes with a severity level 4 may also be expunged.

After five years some of the following convictions could be removed from your record: felonies class A, B, or C (prior to 1993); or crimes after July 1, 1993 such as, a non drug crime, severity level 1-5 or any felonies with a severity level 1-3 on the drug grid. Other crimes that are allowed to be expunged include vehicular homicide, driving with a invalid license, perjury, using false information, failure to stop at the scene of an accident, and driving without insurance.

But this does not come with out a price, an expungement for one case at the Riley County Court House has a filing fee of $119.00 and at the Manhattan Municipal court it is $60.00. Filing for an expungement of your records does not guarantee that you will receive the expungement.

This is not a complete list, knowing what can and can’t be expunged and the process to receive one can be confusing, especially if there are multiple cases. In order to ensure your speedy expungement, contact a Kansas expungement attorney for a free phone consultation today.

This is not legal advice and should not be taken as such.  This is for informational purposes and does not create an attorney/client relationship. Every case is different and if you want an attorney with Kansas expungement experience contact an expungement attorney in your area.

Heavy DUI Patrol in Riley County, Kansas

As the school year comes to a close, the Riley County Police Department will be conducting a DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday, May 16, 2014 in the Manhattan area.

At a Saturation Patrol officers will be looking for signs of driving under the influence due to alcohol or drugs, as well as other traffic violations. This DUI Saturation Patrol in the Manhattan area is the first in a series of five that will be conducted this year.   

If you do find yourself in any form of legal trouble, contact an experienced Manhattan, Kansas Attorney for more information and a free consultation. The knowledge of a Manhattan, Kansas DUI attorney can help you with your criminal charges.   

If you are facing DUI charges in Junction City, our services are also offered in Geary County and at the Junction City Municipal Court.

Minor in Possession on Fake Patty’s Day

Tomorrow is the big Fake Patty’s Day celebration!  If you are a minor and you are caught drinking or carrying alcohol by the Riley County Police it is likely that you will end up with a Minor in Possession/Consumption (MIP or MIC). A run in like this with law enforcement can be a real damper to the rest of your Fake Paddy’s celebration.   

If you are a minor here are some things you may want to keep in mind with regard to MIP or MIC:

1. Do not take an open container or a closed container of alcohol ANYWHERE. If an officer finds you, he can cite you for a Minor in Possession.
2. If you are at a house party that seems to be getting out of hand and you think the cops may arrive soon, LEAVE. Even if you are not drinking, you could be charged with a Minor in Possession (MIP). If you are drinking and the owner of the house is of lawful age to drink, they could be charged with Supplying to a Minor and you could be cited for a Minor in Consumption (MIC). Hosting to a minor could lead to a fine up to $1,000.00.
3. Avoid the bar scene. Getting caught with a fake I.D. could lead to a Possession of a False Identification and may be a serious felony. You could also be charged with Attempting to Purchase Alcohol. Do not ask to borrow your friends I.D. this could also get them in trouble with the law.

So as a reminder, try not to drink in excess this weekend and obey the law. If you are underage, you are more likely to get an MIC/MIP on Fake Paddy’s then most other days out of the year.  If you do find yourself in need of legal assistance, contact a Manhattan, KS attorney for a consultation in your case.

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.

Kansas Expungement of Criminal Record

It comes that time a year again where a New Year’s resolution means a new you. For some that may mean a new diet and exercise regimen, a new job, but for others a ‘new you’ could mean getting rid of your past criminal charges, arrests, or criminal convictions by getting an expungement.

Expungement is the technical term for cleaning your record.  To “expunge” means to strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.  In essence your are “striking out” old arrests, criminal records, and convictions when you have them expunged in Kansas.

A past crime, no matter how long ago, will not disappear over time on its own. You will need to request its removal by obtaining an expungement.  Whether you were convicted or arrested, an expungement can be a viable option for you depending on the severity of the crime and how many years have elapsed since that said conviction or arrest.

The costs of an expungement will vary depending on the court you were convicted in.  A city Municipal Court and a County District Court, even if in the same county, will have their own procedures and costs for getting your criminal records expunged. 

Cost To Expunge Your Criminal Record

The filing cost of most expungements in a Kansas District Court is $119.00.  This is the payment that must be made to the District Court Clerk of the County where you were arrested or accused.  Filing in some municipal courts can range in cost from free, all the way to $119.00.

            An expungement can be a lengthy process that you may not understand or have time to complete on your own. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney who handles Kansas expungements, this process can be less burdensome on you. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you will be able to start on the ‘new you’ that you hope to see in the upcoming year and get your old convictions or arrests of your record.

Contact a Kansas expungement attorney for a free phone or in office consultation regarding your expungement today.

             

New Expungement Fee in Manhattan Municipal Court

An expungement in Manhattan Municipal Court is a way you request that your record be cleared of a conviction or multiple convictions stemming from the same case number. As of October 1, 2013 a $60 fee will be charged to file an expungement through the Manhattan Municipal Court.  Previous to October 1, 2013 costs of an expungement in the Manhattan Municipal Court has been free.

Before contacting a Kansas attorney for more information on the proper course of action to file for an expungement, you will need to gather some information to assist in the process. For the list of information as well as more information on expungements, please see our blog entries on Geary County Expungement and Junction City Expungement.

Once a Kansas expungement attorney has this information they can help you obtain a fresh start by expunging your old charges and convictions. For more information and a free consultation, contact a Kansas Expungement Attorney in the Manhattan, Kansas area.

Heavy DUI patrol in Riley County, Kansas

Tonight the Riley County Police Department has planned a Saturation Patrol in the Manhattan and surrounding areas. This is the sixth one of its kind this year. The Saturation Patrol is a surplus of officers that are keeping an eye out for impaired driving and other traffic violations. With that being said, designate a sober driver, call a cab, phone a friend, or walk.

If you do find yourself in any form of legal trouble, contact a Riley County Attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the best outcome to your case. 

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.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Country Stampede

After last night’s downpour, campers at Country Stampede were probably trying to leave the campgrounds and escape to a warm, dry location.  Before you jump in your car, be sure you’re not under the influence.  Even just moving your vehicle while your intoxicated could land you with a DUI. 

In the State of Kansas, to be convicted of Driving Under the Influence citation, or a D.U.I., an individual must have a Blood Alcohol Content level above the legal limit of 0.08. For many people that can be one or two standard size drinks over the span of a couple hours!

At Country Stampede in 2012, Kansas State Highway Patrol Troopers handed out over 27 DUIs  during that weekend. Here are a couple ways to avoid getting a DUI or any other citation in the State of Kansas at Country Stampede or over the July 4 weekend:

1. Designate someone as the sober driver.
2. If you must drive and everyone has been drinking, CALL A CAB
1. Bell Taxi- 785-537-2080
2. Wildcat Taxi- 785-320-7818
3. ABC Union Cab- 785-537-1295
3. Don’t forget to buckle up.
4. Be cautious of all other drivers on the road around you.

Getting a D.U.I. in the State of Kansas is expensive and can dramatically change your life for the worse. If you do happen to get pulled over and cited for a DUI, you should contact a DUI attorney in the Manhattan, Kansas area as soon as possible. Remember, you only have 14 days to preserve your driving rights so don’t hesitate to call for your free consultation.

If you are about to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking and you are of legal age to drink in the State of Kansas, but you are unsure if you are under the legal limit to drive this website can help. (Note: this is just a website and will not calculate your blood alcohol content with 100% accuracy.)