DUI Lawyer - Junction City and Manhattan Kansas

Weather is getting colder and the holiday's are fast approaching here in Manhattan, Kansas.  With the holidays comes celebration and good cheer and also alcohol.  It's easy to have too many glasses of wine with Thanksgiving dinner or one too many sips of Scotch afterward.  It can only take a couple drinks to reach the .08% blood alcohol level that can lead to a DUI.

Unfortunately, even if you think you're good to drive and haven't had much to drink, you may be asked to take a preliminary breath test if you get pulled over.  Many who don't know if they would pass or not will refuse out of fear and out of hope that the officer will just let them go.  Typically if you've been offered a preliminary breath test and you refuse you will be arrested anyway.  The other side of this is that if you do blow and it shows that you are above a .08% then you WILL be arrested for suspicion of DUI.

If you suspect you or one of your family members have had too much to drink, even if it's just two or three drinks, it's better to air on the side of caution.  A few of the many misconceptions about drinking is that water, coffee, or food will "sober you up" and then you'll be fine.  The truth is none of these activities will reduce your blood alcohol in any way.  Only time and your metabolism can remove alcohol, and alcohol's effects, from your body.  Driving under the influence can result in a range of punishments, not the least of which is losing your driver's license and paying a large fine.

If you or a loved on find yourself in trouble for driving under the influence in Manhattan or Junction City, Kansas it is best to contact an attorney immediately.  The sooner an attorney from the Manhattan or Junction City area can get on the case, the more help they are likely to offer.

Contact a Manhattan, Kansas attorney for a free consultation for your DUI.  Remember - you have 14 days to take action to preserve your driving privileges. 

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.

Manhattan, KS Weekend Checkpoint - August 16, 2013

After this weekends DUI checkpoint in Manhattan, KS you may find yourself with a DUI charge and a notice to appear in Manhattan Municipal Court.   The important thing to note is the timer period you have to request a driver's license hearing to preserve your driving privileges. You must send a special request and a $50.00 fee to the Kansas Dept. of Revenue in order to be given a hearing on your driver's license suspension.

An experienced DUI attorney can help you with the entire process. 

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.)

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.

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.

Minor in Consumption at Country Stampede

With Country Stampede right around the corner, there are some things everyone should know to protect themselves and their records while still enjoying the concert. If you happen to receive a “Minor in Consumption” in the State of Kansas, during Country Stampede, or any time in the year, it is important to know exactly what you are facing. A minor in consumption, also known as an M.I.C., is a citation given to any minor who is under the age of 21 and found to have been drinking but does not have alcohol in his or her possession. In the state of Kansas, a Minor in Consumption is a Class C misdemeanor. A M.I.C. charge can be punishable by a hefty fine, hours of community service, and a certificate of completion of an educational program that deals with the effects of alcohol.

For a free consultation regarding your Minor in Consumption, contact a local Riley County Criminal Defense Attorney. The sooner you have contacted a Kansas attorney to represent you the sooner he or she can help you navigate your way through your Minor in Consumption and all the steps that will need to be taken in Pottawatomie County, Riley County, or Manhattan Municipal Court.

Junction City DUI Attorney

If you get a DUI in Junction City or anywhere else in the State of Kansas you have 14 days to request an administrative hearing from the Kansas Driver Control Bureau.  The procedure for doing this is found on the back of the DC-27 form which you should have been given after your arrest. It's a pink piece of paper that is a copy of your arresting officer's certification that you either failed or refused a preliminary breath test.

In order to protect your driving privileges, contact a knowledgeable Junction City DUI attorney to help you review your case.  The sooner an attorney is contacted the sooner they can begin protecting your driving privileges and taking action in your criminal case.   This also brings up an important point: your driver's license hearing request associated with your DC-27 form is not usually relevant to the criminal aspect of your DUI.  So if you get a "win" on your administrative (a.k.a. driver's license) hearing it does not mean you have beat the criminal charges associated with the DUI.  The same applies in the criminal case in that if you get a "win" on the criminal side, it does not necessarily mean that your driver's license and driving privileges will remain after you get a DUI.

For more information, contact an attorney who serves the Junction City, and Manhattan, Kansas areas.

Bonding out of Riley County Jail

When you are arrested and taken to jail it's probably because you're suspected of a crime. Going to any jail, including the Riley County Jail, is an uncomfortable experience and usually once you're there you want to get out as soon as possible.

Unless you have a large amount of liquid cash sitting in a bank account, or your bond is extremely low, you will probably need the use of a Riley County bail bondsman.  This bondsman will "post bond" for you and in exchange you will pay 10% of the bond.  This bondsman now becomes indebted to the courts for the amount of the bond if you fail to show up.  This means every bondsman who bails you out has a vested interest in you showing up to court.  They will actively find you in the event you fail to appear.

For something like a DUI in Riley County, most bond amounts will be between $500.00 and $1,000.00.  For felonies, violent crimes, or for defendants who are deemed a "flight risk" bonds can be much, much higher. 

A bondsman who is available 24/7 is going to be your best bet for bonding out of jail as soon as possible.  The sooner you've bonded out the sooner you can contact a Riley County Criminal Defense Attorney about your case.  The sooner an attorney is on your case, the sooner he or she can begin helping you achieve a speedy, discrete resolution of your legal issue.

If you need an attorney but can't afford to bond out you may have a family member contact an attorney for you or make a collect call to an Manhattan, KS lawyer who can assist you.  You may have an option for a bond reduction at your first appearance or some other way to put up collateral in order to satisfy your 10% bond requirement. 

Manhattan, KS Criminal Defense Attorney - Personalized Representation

Needing a criminal defense attorney? When I get a call from someone in trouble with the law a common question is: "Can I just go do it myself?"

If you're charged with a crime in Manhattan Municipal Court or Riley County District Court getting a favorable resolution is not your typical do-it-yourself projects. 

There are a number of steps that must be taken in order to fully prepare for defending a criminal case.  It won't be enough to just go in front of the judge and explain what happened and why you shouldn't be convicted of the crime charged.   If you want a chance to do that, you will have to have a trial and you will have to testify.  Unfortunately you will likely be testifying against a police officer who made a report of the alleged crime shortly after the arrest or citation was made.  This means that the Riley County Police Department officer will have things in front of him or her that will refresh their recollection of the event and their testimony will likely carry more weight than yours.

It's not always right, but that's often the way it is.  Luckily, there are ways to prepare your case so that you will have a fighting chance.

Of the things you can do in order to fully prepare for a criminal defense trial, many are not obvious.  A criminal defense attorney with experience evaluating, trying, and defending criminal charges in Riley County and Manhattan, KS will give you your best shot.  Contact our Manhattan, KS law office for a no-cost consultation.  At our new downtown Manhattan location, our staff will give you the personalized representation you deserve.  When you call, you'll talk directly to a Manhattan, KS attorney who regularly practices in Manhattan, KS, Junction City, KS, and Pottawatomie County.

This is not legal advice but simply a blog written by the folks over at  Blake Robinson Attorney at Law in Manhattan, KS for information purposes only.

Fake Patty's Day 2013

Tomorrow is the hallowed Fake Patty's Day celebration here in Manhattan, KS!  While a boon to many bars in the Aggieville area, it's also an event that requires additional police presence and EMT workers.  Part of the effort to keep Fake Patty's attendees safe is making a medical pavilion in the City Park just South of Aggieville. 

If you intend to participate in Fake Patty's festivities and you want to stay out of both the medical pavilion and the custody of RCPD, here's a short list of dos and don'ts:

1. Don't take an open container out in public.  This includes the sidewalk right outside your (or your friends) house.  All sidewalks are public property.  So are alleyways.

2.  If you're a minor, don't take an open container (or closed container) of alcohol ANYWHERE.  That's Minor in Possession (MIP).

3. Drink some water. Eat some food.  Personally, I recommend Hunam Express or Aggie Station.

4. Don't take shots.  (Seriously don't, though Jell-O shots hardly count, still watch their number)

5. Have a designated driver.  Getting a DUI is costly and can change your life.  On Fake Patty's 2013, Safe Ride will also be running during extended hours starting at Noon (12:00 p.m.) on Saturday and running until 3:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. 

6. Finally, a bit of advice that is applicable always, if you must break the law, don't break two laws at once.  If you want to know why, you'll have to pay me a visit.

Manhattan, KS Criminal Defense Attorney

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 carefully to find an attorney right for you. This is not legal advice but simply a blog written by Blake Robinson Attorney at Law in Manhattan, KS for information purposes only.

Fake Patty's Day - March 9, 2013

Fake Patty's day is almost here and the City of Manhattan, KS has some things to mention for those partaking of the FPD 2013 celebration.  One important item to be aware of is the safe ride program available all day for Fake Paddy's participants.  Safe ride will run from Noon on Saturday till 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning.  Getting a DUI in Kansas is expensive and can dramatically change your life for the worse.

The RCPD will also be out in force canvassing the area in and around Aggieville.  This means underage drinkers should be careful.  Even if you are not at a bar, the likelihood of getting a Minor in Possession (MIP) or Minor in Consumption (MIC) will be high.  Those home owners/renters around the Aggieville area also should be careful.  If a member of your party is an under age drinker you may be subject to a hosting ticket and fine which could be as much as $1,000.00.

So in short, try not to drink in excess this weekend and obey the law.  Be careful out there, but if you do find yourself in trouble, contact a Manhattan, KS criminal defense attorney.  We can help.  



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 carefully to find an attorney right for you. This is not legal advice but simply a blog written by Blake Robinson Attorney at Law in Manhattan, KS for information purposes only.

Fake Patty's Day Crime

During Fake Patty's Day, 2012 the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) made 90 arrests.  In 2011 the RCPD responded to more then 766 calls.  The trend for crime is down over the past three years during this unique Manhattan, KS event but it's still important to be careful during this all day bender. 

This includes staying out of handcuffs as much avoiding cons by your fellow Fake Patty's Day attendee.  After last year's Fake Patty's event the Manhattan law office was contacted by a young man who had received an Minor in Possession (MIP) during the Fake Patty's Day celebration.  This individual was one of several in his group who was issued a similar citation.  Unfortunately one of the members of this group claimed her father was an attorney and convinced many of them to give her the tickets and $100.00 and her father would be sure to take care of it. 

Three months later, the client receives notice of drivers license suspension for failure to appear in Manhattan, KS Municipal Court for his MIP.  Needless to say the MIP had not been taken care of and he was now in a much worse situation than before with just an MIP.

Luckily we were able to fix this Fake Patty's Day mishap and help our client obtain a satisfactory outcome, however, the person claiming to have the attorney father has never been identified so be wary of anyone who might claim the same.

Getting a DUI in the Snow in Manhattan, KS

Over the past 2 weeks Mother Nature has been sending lots of snow over the Manhattan and Junction City, KS areas.  Obviously there will be the usual fender benders and other snow related accidents, but what about getting a DUI while there's snow on the ground? 

The snow presents a complicating factor when evaluating whether you've been unfairly charged with a DUI in Manhattan, KS or Junction City, KS.  The icy roads, low visibility, and dangerous conditions all contribute to a driver's behavior and these factors must be considered in the initial DUI evaluation. 

If you get pulled over and cited for a DUI while these adverse conditions exist, you should contact a DUI attorney in the area as soon as possible.  Remember, no matter what the conditions are, you only have 14 days to preserve your driving privileges.

Injured in a Car Accident - What to do

The unfortunate reality of our society is that we are so mobile and vehicles have become so essential to our every day lives that almost everyone, at some point, will be involved in a car accident.   Accidental deaths are the 5th leading cause of death in the United States, this includes deaths caused by car accidents.

Injuries caused by car accidents can be life-threatening or minor.  Even at low speed, a car accident can leave you incapacitated or with the life-long effects of a traumatic brain injury.   These types of injuries can leave a family reeling and many questions unanswered.

The best thing you can do after you've been injured in a car accident is contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney.  Insurance companies can be relentless in their "investigation" to try to pin blame on you in order to protect themselves from liability.  Going as far as visiting you or a loved one in the hospital to obtain witness statements and signed waivers.  

If you've been injured in a car accident you should do the following:

1. Don't sign anything or admit liability.
2. Preserve evidence. (This includes the vehicle involved in the accident, photos, and medical records).
3.Contact an attorney who knows how to deal with insurance companies. 

Too often I hear about the family who has a loved one hurt in an automobile accident but don't want to get lawyers involved because they're "not that type of people."  The problem is when you're going up against an insurance company, the insurance company is "that type of people." When you or a loved one is hurt in a car accident, you need someone who will go up against the insurance company to get the results you deserve.

Get started today by contacting a local Manhattan, KS attorney for a free consultation and case evaluation for your car accident injury.

Manhattan, KS Attorney Opening New Office Space in Downtown Manhattan

Our new office is opening in downtown Manhattan, Kansas!  In the coming weeks we will be finalizing the office space at 211 S. 4th Street in Manhattan, Kansas for the Manhattan, Kansas Attorney's new office. 

The new office will feature a formal meeting room and library as well as reception area and guest seating.  If you need a consultation for a DUI or criminal defense case in Manhattan, Junction City, or Pottawatomie, Kansas, give us a call and come on by to check out our new office. 

We're also currently doing evaluations on personal injury claims from victims of car accidents.   Don't let the insurance company take advantage of you.  Contact a Manhattan, KS car accident injury attorney BEFORE you talk to any insurance agents.  If you were injured in a car accident our thorough evaluations and free initial consultation will give you piece of mind in the event you have a claim for monetary recovery.  Now that the office is operational we can get you in for an evaluation with very little notice. 

If you'd like to learn more or set up an appointment with Blake A. Robinson, contact us (Manhattanksattorney.com) today.

Expungement in Junction City, KS

As mentioned in other posts about Expungements in Kansas, an expungement is a way to request the State of Kansas to cleans your record as to on particular conviction or numerous convictions that stem from the same case number. 

Before you contact an expungment attorney for your Geary County or Junction City expungement, you should have the following information handy as it will assist your attorney in getting your expungement papers prepared:

1. Your full name AND if it's changed, the name you were arrested under
2. The court or county in which you were arrested
3. Date of birth
4. Whether you've been in trouble since your conviction
5. Your current address
6. Date of the termination of your probation/sentence. 
7. Your court case number OR if you don't know it, the year or approximate year of arrest. 

A court case number for most Geary or Riley County Courts looks like this: 10 CR 229, or 02 CR 003.  Once a knowledgeable Kansas expungment attorney has this information it becomes much easier for them to assist you. 

The cost of filing for an expungment in Riley County District Court is $119.  In Geary County District Court, the cost of filing an expungment is also $119.  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.

If you're having difficulty obtaining a fire arm or just want to get your record clean, contact an attorney that can help you get your expungement taken care of in a speedy, professional, and discreet manner.