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.
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