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.

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.

Drug Possession Attorney in Kansas: Country Stampede ­­­

Possession of illegal drugs or paraphernalia will likely land you a criminal charge for possession of controlled substance.  Things like Mary Jane, cocaine, molly, snow, X, marijuana, blow, reefer, powder, soft cookies, are all terms for drugs which are illegal to possess in the State of Kansas.

Possession of a controlled substance, paraphernalia, or any form of drug, can land you with some harsh consequences. Even the residue in a smoking or storing device (sometimes called resin) can be grounds for a possession charge if it tests positive for a controlled substance.

Drug possession charges range from a misdemeanor to a felony with the possible sentence range from diversion to prison.  There also may be educational class requirements to educate about drug addiction.  Sometimes many hours of community service will be required. And needless to say, you can expect thousands of dollars in fines if you get convicted.

For more information and a free consultation, contact a Kansas Criminal Attorney in your area. The knowledge and skill of your legal counsel can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Important Information if You've Been in a Car Accident

When you are hurt in an auto accident, the first thing is to make sure you are getting the medical help you need.  Priority number one is getting better and being healthy.  

Your second priority should be to contact a lawyer. If you've been in a car accident in Manhattan, KS it's important to contact a local car accident lawyer who is familiar with the local court rules and procedures.  Sometimes an insurance company will try to contact you and ask you questions about the accident.  Do not answer their questions.  In all likelihood these companies are going to be looking for someone to pin liability on.  Even if you were not at fault it's best to instruct the insurance company that they should direct their questions to your attorney. 

This bellies the importance of contacting an attorney soon after you've been hurt in an accident.  Once you hire a car accident attorney, he or she will begin working for you to get the best possible outcome and "make you whole."

The term "make you whole" is underlying idea behind the personal injury lawsuit.  When you have a major personal injury, for example, if you lost a limb, it's the lawyer's job to help asses how the loss of that limb will negatively effect your life.  If you lose the ability to golf and you prior to the accident you loved to golf how do you quantify in terms of monetary value the loss of being able to play golf every Saturday?

Through the use of experts and medical professionals we try to get some idea of the loss which you suffered due to your unfortunate car accident.  The civil suit then makes the effort of recouping in monetary value what you've lost. 

If you've been in an accident and been injured it's important to contact a lawyer that can help you as sometimes certain time constraints in filing suit can prevent you from recovery.  Contact a Manhattan, KS car accident attorney today to help you when you need it most.

Drug Possession Charges in Manhattan, KS

An unfortunate result of being a college town, Manhattan, KS has it's fair share of drug use and trafficking.  Many a young college student, in the throws of college experimentation, will try marijuana and other drugs during their stint at Kansas State University.

Illegal or not, young men and women will inevitably try new things and sometimes it will lead them to getting caught with Marijuana, Cocaine, Psilocybin, among others, by the Riley County Police Department. No one ever wants to make the call to their parents to inform them you were caught with possession of controlled substance here in Manhattan, KS.  It's worth noting that your first possession of Marijuana charge is a misdemeanor but your second is an automatic felony. 

If you get caught with possession of controlled substances in Riley County, Geary County, or the aptly named Pott. County, contact a local Manhattan, KS lawyer to see what you can do to protect your rights and preserve your chances of a positive outcome at trial.  And if you're selling, don't forget to have a tax stamp for your drugs. 

Car Accident Attorneys in Manhattan, KS

While we don't advertise like they do in bigger cities, it doesn't mean a Manhattan, KS car accident lawyer can't get you the recovery you deserve.

Topeka and Wichita aren't the only places to go, typically, lawyers in those areas will have to contact one in Manhattan anyway to assist with filings and local court rules. 

If you've been in a car accident in Manhattan, KS, or a car accident in Pottawatomie County, it's important to contact a Manhattan, KS attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.  Do not sign anything from an insurance company until you've contacted an attorney.  And do not admit fault.

When you call our office, you will get personal attention from a knowledgeable attorney that will help you evaluate your car accident or personal injury case.  This consultation is free and we work on a contingent basis for personal injury representation so we don't collect unless you collect. 

* Hiring an attorney is a complex and important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements (or a blog entry, for that matter) and you should consider your options to find an attorney right for you. This is not legal advice but simply information offered by  Blake Robinson Attorney at Law in Manhattan, KS. 

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

4th of July Celebrations and the Law

The 4th of July is almost here.  Easily my favorite holiday.  Unfortunately, it's a time when the combination of heat, celebration, and inebriation creates a volatile mix. 

Part of many people's celebration of the 4th includes drinking alcohol and being at the lake or pool.  Drinking in the hot sun can dehydrate you extremely fast and lack of hydration can cause symptoms similar to over-intoxication.  Heat stroke is one of the most dangerous heat related injury and it's symptoms include nausea, vomiting, disorientation. 

Another point of concern for the summer holiday season is the mixture of explosives and alcohol. Any nurse or ER doctor can testify that the number of burns and accidental firework related injuries goes up substantially over the 4th of July holiday. 

Boating while intoxicated is a third area to be aware of over the holidays.  In Manhattan, KS there's a number of nearby lakes and reservoirs to visit for the fourth.  Tuttle Creek, Milford Lake, and Pottawatomie County Fishing lakes one and two all have the same laws as they relate to boating under the influence.  Much like driving a vehicle, if you are boating you automatically consent to a preliminary breath test to test for blood alcohol.  If you refuse, they automatically revoke your boating privileges. 

Two final points: 1. The fourth of July is a time for celebration, family, fireworks, and fun.  Like many major holidays, law enforcement agencies make it a point to conduct DUI Checkpoints to screen for drunk drivers during these times.  2. When you are firing off fireworks that are illegal for your area, it's a beacon for police officers.  Don't get caught with a MIP AND an illegal fireworks ticket because you fired a few black cats in Manhattan, KS City Limits and brought attention to yourself.


This blog is not legal advice nor intended to be legal advice, it's simply information provided by Manhattan, KS Attorney.

Country Stampede Weekend

Country Stampede has come and gone and the many out-of-towners have gone home.  In their wake, Pottawatomie County and Riley County have a large new case load of Minor in Possessions, DUIs, and a host of other alcohol related infractions.

For Pottawatomie County, Kansas Country Stampede weekend is like Black Friday is to Wal-Mart.  Obviously the cost of these tickets is doubly burdensome for many not from the Flint Hills area.  Having to return to Pott. or Riley County District Courts at some date in the future to appear and simply enter a plea of no contest and obtain a diversion is a pain.  If you're more than 2 hours away from Manhattan and must miss a day of work to make your court date, it adds insult to injury.

A knowledgeable Manhattan, KS attorney can appear for you at your initial appearance and assist you with your MIP, DUI, or alcohol related infractions in both Manhattan City and County District Court as well as District Courts in the surrounding areas.

Country Stampede

Country Stampede officially starts tomorrow.  This means Country Music fans from all over the state and surrounding states will be flocking to Manhattan to partake in what is, for many, their favorite vacation of the summer.  Unfortunately, summer is often the time of year that the City of Manhattan schedules most of their road work and city construction projects because the students, who comprise a large part of Manhattan's population, have gone home for the summer.

This year is not exception and construction projects on K-18 between Ogden and Manhattan are in full effect.  There is also construction projects being completed on Poyntz Avenue as well as McDowell Creek Road making access off I-70 for those coming from the West a major concern.

These construction areas are also areas that Riley County Police Department set up routine posts to catch people speeding.  The problem with construction zones is that, in Kansas, fines double.   This includes fines for following too close.

This brings me to the current new development at the RCPD, new camera technology which allows officers to determine how close, in terms of seconds, one vehicle is following another.  This technology makes a following too close ticket, which was once very difficult to prosecute, an easy case to make in front of the court.

With this new enforcement capability, there's no doubt "following too closely" tickets will increase greatly in the Manhattan and surrounding Riley County area.

You don't have to take this ticket lying down, however, and should contact a Manhattan, KS attorney to help evaluate your "following too closely" ticket