The experienced Kansas City criminal lawyers with The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC know what it takes to defend your future against criminal charges. State and federal crimes can upend your life, affecting your reputation and causing untold difficulties for your family.
Don’t let an overzealous prosecution team and the fear of trial force you into accepting a plea deal for a crime you did not commit. Instead, enlist The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC to serve as your advocate.
We are a dedicated criminal defense law firm in Kansas City. As former Missouri public defenders and private practitioners, our attorneys have extensive criminal law courtroom experience. We assist clients in Kansas City and throughout Missouri in successfully resolving a wide variety of state and federal charges.
Criminal law is significantly different from civil law. For this reason, you need a Missouri criminal law attorney who is well-versed in the substantive and procedural rules of these cases. Otherwise, you risk giving up crucial constitutional rights and essential opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
A criminal case is brought by a prosecutor who represents a government entity. This could be the Kansas City Prosecutor’s Office or the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor alleges and must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you violated some ordinance, regulation, or state statute.
In a civil case, the person bringing the case against you seeks monetary compensation or an injunction. Conversely, the prosecutor in your criminal case wants to convict you so that the court will impose criminal sanctions. These penalties can include:
The terms of your sentence can also involve administrative penalties such as suspension of your driving privileges and revocation of professional licenses.
Unlike in a civil case, the burden of proof is not on you in a criminal case. However, you will need to be able to defend against the proof brought against you.
The prosecutor must establish that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they cannot meet this burden, then the judge or jury hearing your case must find you not guilty and acquit you of the charges.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute your case if you are accused of violating a federal criminal statute. The federal government has considerably greater resources to devote to prosecuting alleged crimes than municipal and county governments, making it all the more necessary to have a skilled advocate at your side.
There are a variety of state and federal offenses that prosecutors can charge you with. Your charges could fall under any of the following case types.
Crimes committed against another human being, including murder, robbery, and battery, are severely punished under both federal and state laws. Although victims and law enforcement officers pressure prosecutors to pursue convictions in these cases, you may have defenses to raise.
For example, if you were in your home, or if you were attacked first, you might face no charges at all. Talk with a Kansas City violent crimes attorney from The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC to learn more about how best to respond to these serious charges.
When it comes to drug crimes, federal and local prosecutors often find that defendants are eager to accept plea deals, and these convictions can demonstrate that prosecutors are “tough on crime.” But a conviction should never come at the cost of your constitutional rights.
Similarly, law enforcement officers can exceed their authority and conduct illegal searches to obtain evidence. Regardless of the circumstances of your drug crime, let one of our Kansas City drug crimes lawyers review your case and take action to protect your constitutional rights.
If you are found guilty of a sex crime, you can not only face time in prison but might also have to register as a sex offender. Even being accused of a sex crime can damage your reputation, so it is essential that you take prompt and aggressive action by hiring a talented Kansas City sex crimes attorney to defend you.
From shoplifting charges to white-collar crimes like embezzlement, a theft charge may not seem as serious as other crimes when it doesn’t involve violence. However, with a theft conviction, you could become ineligible for certain professional licenses and excluded from certain career fields.
Before you accept any deal from the prosecution, make sure it is in your best interests to do so. Consult with our Kansas City theft crimes lawyer about your options today.
Like drug crimes, driving while intoxicated offenses can carry far-reaching penalties. Do not let the scientific evidence and strange test protocols intimidate you. You have rights, even when an officer believes you are under the influence.
A DUI/DWI defense attorney can help you defend against these charges and fight against the administrative consequences that come after a DWI arrest.
Intimate partner violence can be destabilizing to a child’s life and a community’s sense of safety. However, false accusations or a mistaken arrest can unjustly tear a family apart.
A Kansas City domestic violence attorney from The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC can protect your and your family’s future by fighting back against domestic violence accusations.
The criminal process begins when the prosecutor files an information or a grand jury returns an indictment against you. You might then be summoned into court or, more likely, will have a warrant issued for your arrest. Once in court, you will learn the charges against you, and further hearings will be scheduled.
Arraignment is the next major milestone in your case. At this hearing, you will formally enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest to your charges. Pleading any other way besides not guilty can lead the court to find you guilty and convict you of the offense. If you plead not guilty, your case will be set for trial.
At trial, your Kansas City criminal defense lawyer will appear with you. You have the right to challenge and question all the witnesses the prosecutor presents. Additionally, you have the right to testify on your own behalf and present evidence, although you do not need to do so.
If you are found guilty of any offense, you might have a right to appeal the conviction and sentence. Your defense lawyer can advise whether any mistakes committed in your case could lead to your conviction being overturned or your sentence modified.
If you are facing criminal charges, your future is on the line. The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC can develop a solid defense strategy for your case and support you at every step of the way.
To learn more about how we can safeguard your rights, schedule a consultation with our skilled team today.
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.
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