STRATEGY. EXPERIENCE. RESULTS.

WHEN YOUR FUTURE IS ON THE LINE, WE HAVE YOUR BACK.

We are a minority partner–owned law firm with Black ownership at the partner level, serving clients throughout the Kansas City metro area with experienced, dedicated criminal defense representation.

About us

Kansas City's State & Federal criminal DEFENSE ATTORNEYs

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Our Attorneys are dedicated trial attorneys who will fight for you

The Bates & Merryman Law Firm was born from two friends and colleagues with a passion for the practice of law and a desire to help their community. The Bates & Merryman Law Firm is a regional practice in the heart of Kansas City, MO founded by two hometown attorneys. Nicholas Bates and Matthew T. Merryman strive to provide each and every client with the same legal services they would expect for themselves and their family.

We pride ourselves on our ability and willingness to go to trial on any case. We have handled thousands of cases throughout the Kansas City metro area and look forward to working on your case. If you have been arrested or believe you may be the target of a criminal investigation, contact the criminal defense attorneys at The Bates & Merryman Law Firm today.

Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
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24/7

Availability

5/5 Star Ratings on Google
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Dismissals
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$2.5 Million

Bates & Merryman recovered for clients in 2026

Criminal Cases
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Practice Areas

CASES WE HANDLE Dedicated to Criminal Defense

White-collar crimes like money laundering and fraud are some of the most difficult crimes for law enforcement officers and prosecutors to investigate. They often lack the staffing and expertise to understand potentially complex financial and business transactions.

Federal crimes involve violations of U.S. laws. When the Justice Department prosecutes you for federal crimes, you face the entire might of the U.S. government. We stand up to prosecutors and the resources they can deploy to fight for a fair resolution.

A conviction for violent crimes in Missouri could result in a lengthy prison sentence or even the death penalty. We fight hard for all of our clients because everyone accused of a crime deserves a fair process that protects their rights and allows them to tell their side of the story.

A sports lawyer is a licensed legal professional representing athletes, industry boards, teams, leagues, and other sports organizations. They handle numerous issues that may cover a wide range of practice areas.

SPORTS REPRESENTATION

If you or someone you know is a victim of a car or truck accident our firm wants to help you obtain the highest financial compensation available. With personal injury cases we do not get paid until you get paid and we require no out-of-pocket payments.

In The News

Featured News

KMBC News (

Kansas City resident Idonnas Jacque Gavrilys was sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to a multi-year burglary ring targeting 13 local small businesses, a resolution his defense attorney Matthew Merryman called “a fair and just and equitable resolution to this case.” You can read the full report on the FOX4 Kansas City website.

The Kansas City Defender

“What I’m saying is they got the wrong kid,” Matthew Merryman, stated bluntly. “You know this case generated a ton of local and international attention and when the public outrage is so high,” Merryman said, “there is a rush to find someone and hold them accountable. Here there was a rush to judgment and L.M. was just the first Black kid they found to pin that judgment on.”

KCUR

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced felony receiving stolen property charges against two men after police recovered nearly $20,000 worth of stolen equipment belonging to the English men’s national soccer team during their World Cup base camp stay in Kansas City.

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Passionate About Winning For Our Clients

Attorney

Matthew T. Merryman Esq.

Attorney

Nicholas Bates