Kansas City Criminal Defense Law Firm

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for a crime, you should not hesitate to seek help from an experienced Kansas City, Kansas criminal defense attorney, as doing so can greatly improve your case’s chances in and out of court. With SRC Law Group, LLC at your back, you benefit from a team of legal professionals that is passionate about upholding your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

No matter what your circumstances or how big you may think your case is, contact SRC Law Group, LLC for the knowledgeable defense that you need.

If you hire SRC Law Group, LLC, we will first investigate your case and look hard at the facts and legal issues. If there is a defense in your case, our Kansas City criminal defense lawyers will find it.

We do not advise you to take a plea bargain or enter into a diversion contract without first reviewing the facts and the reports. Furthermore, we would never encourage a client to plead guilty to a charge when there is an opportunity for a dismissal or an acquittal.

With over 25 years of combined experience, our Kansas City criminal defense lawyers have trial experience on both sides of the aisle. Attorney Phil Stein has years of experience as a prosecutor for the District Attorney's Office and is well-versed in analyzing forensic evidence and handling defense for the city, state, and federal criminal cases.

In addition to our experience, we have been honored to receive a number of awards for our high standard of client service. This includes:

• AVVO Client’s Choice for Federal Crimes
• AVVO Rating of Superb
• Recognition from Super Lawyers®
• Recognition from the National Trial Lawyers
• NACDA top ten ranking
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) - A+ Rating

These awards are a testament to our firm’s dedication to our clients and to the law.

Our firm believes that you need an aggressive fighter on your side. We are here to tell your side of the story and powerfully present your case before the court. Our goal is to level the playing field and truly give you the chance you need to move forward with confidence.

When determining a legal representative after getting arrested for or charged with a criminal offense, you may be wondering what credentials you should look for. While you should obtain counsel from a lawyer who has an exceptional track record of success in defending criminal cases, keep in mind the benefits of also having someone with prosecution experience.

A prosecutor is an attorney who chooses what charges to file against a person accused of a crime and then proceeds to try the case in front of a judge or jury. A lawyer familiar with both sides of a criminal trial may be better suited for your case.

The following are three main benefits of hiring a former prosecutor for your case:

A former prosecutor will better understand how the district attorney will approach your case. It is a welcome advantage to have someone on your side with firsthand experience of the other side’s perspective.

With years of experience as a former prosecutor, our Kansas City criminal defense attorney at SRC Law Group, LLC understands that there are two sides to every story. We have developed strong relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement authorities, so you can trust our firm to handle your case.

Any type of criminal matter can result in repercussions that could have a ripple effect on your entire life. Even an allegation – without conviction – could result in a negative social stigma or loss of inability to secure a job, scholarship, or career opportunity. As your legal counselors, you can trust that we will work tirelessly to ensure your rights and freedoms are protected in Kansas and Missouri.

Because we have been on both sides of the aisle, we know that there is no such thing as a “minor” offense. Even if you don't go to jail, any type of conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that may follow you around for the rest of your life. It is important to know your defense options.

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you need the services of a good criminal defense lawyer, but how do you find the right one? By asking the right questions.

You need someone who has the experience and proven track record to help you with your unique case, whether it’s for felonies, sex crimes, child pornography charges, drug possession or assault and battery.

Below are a few important questions you should ask an attorney before making a decision:

Getting arrested can be a frightening and stressful experience, no matter how many times it happens. Any wrong actions and negative behaviors can have a substantial impact on the outcome of your case. While your attorney (if you have one) is investigating your arrest, collecting evidence, and developing a strong defense strategy just for you, it is imperative to understand the proper steps to ensure that you are doing whatever it takes to avoid conviction of the crime.

The following are helpful ways that can benefit your case after getting arrested:

In the heat of an arrest, many individuals make mistakes that can make it difficult to reduce their charges down the road. Although it's natural to feel worried, frustrated, or even angry when you are detained by law enforcement, it's important to keep your cool and get through the experience with as little harm done as possible.

Keep these things in mind if you are going to be arrested:

Don't inflame the situation with your words or actions. This could only add to your charges down the road.

Comply with law enforcement, but not too much: Give your basic information to police, but do not try to convince them that you are innocent or tell them your side of the story. Your words could be twisted and used against you.

Once you have been arrested, you must speak with an attorney immediately. You have a legal right to contact a lawyer if you are taken into custody. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can enlist the help of a public defender free of charge. However, public defenders have an overload of cases to handle, which means that they may not have the time and dedication to obtain the results you desire.

A lawyer will be able to help you navigate your situation and provide you with the counsel and guidance you need. An attorney will also make sure that your rights were not violated at any point during the arrest.

If you are being placed under arrest, the arresting officer should read you your Miranda rights. If for whatever reason, your Miranda rights are not read, it’s not to say that your charges are void and you can escape punishment – it just means that anything you said during your arrest cannot be used against you in court. Having a full understanding of your Miranda rights and what they protect can affect your case and its outcome. What your Miranda rights protect, when they are required, and what the exceptions are.

Know that you have rights guaranteed to you by the United States Constitution. These can greatly help your case after an arrest.

There are a handful of instances in which the police do not have to read you your Miranda rights. Basic questioning done during the booking process are not protected by Miranda rights. This type of information can include your name, address, age, and height. Furthermore, if your offense is one that puts the public at risk, Miranda rights do not have to be read.

If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for a crime, put our award-winning Kansas City criminal defense attorney on your side.

1. The right to remain silent.
2. The right for the prosecution to use anything you say in court.
3. The right to hire an attorney and have them present during questioning.
4. The right to exercise your rights and not make any statements.

Speaking to an attorney immediately after an arrest, before you speak to law enforcement, can greatly increase your chances to get lesser charges or have your case dismissed entirely, if possible. From the moment you are picked up by the police we can start building a case for you based on your specific circumstances.

Bail occurs when a defendant or arrestee is released after an arrest, but prior to the end of his or her criminal case. To obtain bail, the defendant or arrestee must pay a certain amount of money to the court, which helps ensure that he or she will return to complete the trial. When the defendant attends their scheduled court date, as stated in the agreement, he or she gets their money back.

If the defendant cannot pay the amount of the bail, they will not be released until the court date and trial. Since trials typically take months to start after the initial arrest, being unable to post bail can make a person’s life quite difficult.

Bail bonds are similar to a personal loan. Once you put down a small percentage of the total amount, a bail bondsman—similar to a loan officer—covers the rest of the money required to post bail.

For example, if your bail is $15,000, you or a family member would need to make a deposit of $2,000. The bail bondsman would then give you the $15,000 needed for your bail.

Keep in mind, most bail companies make it mandatory to offer some sort of collateral to fulfill the deal. This includes items such as the deed to your home, pink slip to your car, or a piece of jewelry. The collateral is used to secure the bail bonds’ loan if you do not show up at your court hearing. If you fail to appear on the court date, you will not get your money back.

As soon as the trial is over, and you obtain your money back from the court, the money is returned to the bail bond company. Due to the inherent financial risks associated with lending bail money, bail bond companies need to take extra precautions to ensure the defendant or arrestee attends all court dates.

Have a family member or friend provide the required collateral since bail bondsmen often think the defendant will be less likely to miss a court date if a loved one’s money or property is on the line.

Contact the defendant before each court date to make sure they are aware.
Require the defendant to frequently contact their bail bond office to ensure that he or she hasn't left town.

If you have been arrested for a crime in Kansas, schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers at SRC Law Group, LLC today.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is likely you will have to appear in court at some point in your case. Just as in life, first impressions can make a substantial difference. Courtroom etiquette is important for making such an impression on the judge, prosecutor, court personnel, and jurors.

The following are several tips for making a more effective appearance in court:

In conclusion, hold your head high. Although you may have been charged with an alleged crime, you are still human. Do not let the judge or the prosecution rob you of your self-worth.

If you have any questions on how to present yourself, contact our Kansas City criminal defense attorney at SRC Law Group, LLC for experienced legal representation. We will be able to not only present yourself in the best manner possible but also present the best defense strategy possible and help you obtain the results you desire.

For more information about our legal services, contact us and request a free initial consultation today. Get 25+ years of collective legal experience on your side immediately!

A first impression in court to a judge, the jury, the bailiff, the courtroom staff and even the prosecution is never something to ignore. Since a defendant often never testifies at trial, what one wears and what one carries to court are often scrutinized closely. Furthermore, one’s facial expressions and overall demeanor are also important.

Although it may be obvious to some, there are specific “do’s” and “don’ts” about what to wear to the courtroom. Generally, in a criminal case, the goal is to look as innocent as possible.

Men should wear a suit and tie, which often shows confidence and the acknowledgment that you will go the extra mile. If you do not have a suit, you can appear business casual with a sports coat. If you do not own a suit or sports coat, you can wear a pressed pair of khakis and a tucked in, long sleeve button-up shirt.

Avoid wearing t-shirts, shorts, or sandals to court. Additionally, avoid wearing hats or jeans, unless they are the only long pants you own.

Similar to men, the best tip is to appear professional. Wearing a pantsuit or skirt suit sends a powerful statement. When it comes to colors, ensure that they are either black, grey, navy blue, or tan.

Dresses are a great choice as well. Keep in mind, anything that is cut higher than right above the knee could be considered too high. Lastly, a conservative top and long slacks are just as good as a pantsuit or a dress.

Women should avoid wearing anything revealing, such as tight tops, short skirts, slinky tops, sequins, and revealing tops.

If you have been arrested for a criminal offense in Kansas, schedule a free consultation with our Kansas City criminal defense attorney at SRC Law Group, LLC today.

The court is not very lenient on individuals who interrupt or loudly argue the allegations they are facing. Before stepping into the courtroom, your attorney will sit down with you and tell you what you should say and when you should say it – it’s absolutely crucial that you follow these instructions. If you’re directly asked a question, be sure to keep your answers brief and concise.

If you’ve been arrested and are looking for diligent representation to combat your charges, SRC Law Group, LLC is here to help. Our top-rated Kansas City criminal defense attorney is a former federal and state prosecutor who knows the ins and outs of the legal system. When you come to our firm, you can trust that your case will receive the personalize attention it needs.

Following an arrest or criminal citation, an arraignment is a court hearing where a judge discloses the charges against a defendant and asks the defendant to enter a plea to the charges (e.g. not guilty, guilty, or no contest). Additionally, courts must advise defendants of specific constitutional rights at the proceeding, including the right to a lawyer, the right to trial, and the right against incrimination themselves. The judge will also set a bail amount and announce dates of future proceedings in the case.

When entering a plea, it is almost always a mistake to say you’re guilty to the charges at the arraignment. That’s because once you enter a guilty plea to a charge, you will have a permanent record of conviction for that charge. Furthermore, the judge does not have the power to change the charge to something less serious, often imposing the full sentence. Pleading guilty means that you will never have a chance to see if there was a viable defense to your charges in order to obtain a more favorable outcome.

If you want a fighting chance against the charges you face, it is wise to hire a criminal defense attorney or ask for a public defender if you cannot afford one. Keep in mind, that public defenders typically have a substantially large caseload and may only have enough time to seek a plea deal, rather than protect your innocence in order to achieve a not guilty verdict.

The use of body cameras by law enforcement has become a growing trend due to the rise of highly publicized officer-involved shootings. These cameras are a way to record and collect evidence to support an officer’s account of an arrest. Having actual footage of an arrest means that it is no longer necessary solely rely on the memory and subsequent report of the police officer with regard to his/her encounter with the defendant.

Although the evidence can be used for the prosecution’s benefit, it can also be used effectively by the defense. Rather than depend on witness testimony to reconstruct what really occurs regarding encounters between law enforcement and defendants, criminal defense attorneys can literally go over the videotape and see every single detail of the arrest.

The following are several ways criminal defense attorneys can take advantage of police body camera footage:

• Holds police officers accountable for their actions and keeps them honest.
• Contradict an officer’s statement about an interaction with a defendant.
• Contradict witness testimony against the defendant.
• Demonstrate misconduct by law enforcement.
• Prove the actual innocence of the defendant.

Footage can be admissible as evidence in court, following the same rules for admissibility as other photographic and video evidence.

However, there are currently no standardized protocols for the installation and/or use of police body cameras, meaning there is no single correct way to use the device. Additionally, the process for requesting the footage could take months.

Fortunately, Kansas legislators took a positive step forward in March by unanimously passing a bill that would require police departments to share body camera footage more quickly. The bill would give law enforcement agencies up to 20 days to release requested footage.

If you have a case, do not wait until the police and prosecution have completed their investigation. Do not make statements to law enforcement that will later be used against you. Exercise your Constitutional right to an attorney and choose wisely. Contact SRC Law Group, LLC for a free consultation.

In today’s society, we heavily rely on technology such as smartphones, tablets, and computers to communicate with each other, perform job duties, and even stay updated on current events. Making us even more connected is social media, enabling billions of people all over the world to share their lives with their loved ones, friends, and even the public.

But when it comes to criminal investigations, a person’s activity and history on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be used against him/her in a court of law. Information shared on these platforms may be public information, despite privacy settings that make posts appear hidden. Archives on websites can maintain records of posts--even if they were deleted.

Law enforcement can use social media for the following reasons:

• Find new evidence to build a strong case against a suspect.
• Discover incriminating posts such as status updates, photographs, and even check-ins to piece together a timeline of events.
• Determine a suspect’s whereabouts before the crime was committed.
• Locate other suspects or witnesses related to a criminal investigation.
• Validate alibis.

If you are currently under criminal investigation, you need to maintain a low profile at all costs. Once the case is over, you can resume your normal activity. The only person you should be talking to about your case is your attorney and not sharing any details on social media.

Keep in mind, do not completely delete your social media accounts. This could be viewed by police as an attempt to destroy evidence, resulting in even further legal trouble

If a family member or a friend asks a question related to the criminal case on social media, avoid responding at all costs. Also be wary of posts and tags by others, let them know that it is not acceptable to share sensitive information online.

If you have been arrested for a crime in Kansas or Missouri, contact our Kansas City criminal defense lawyers at SRC Law Group, LLC today.

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense, you can vote.

However, if you are convicted of a felony offense, you lose your right to vote.

This depends on what state you are in.

Here in Kansas, you are ineligible to vote while you are incarcerated for a felony.

Currently, people incarcerated for felony offenses are only allowed to vote in:

• Washington, D.C.
• Maine
• Vermont

If you are incarcerated for a misdemeanor offense, you may still be eligible to vote via absentee ballot.

Probation is considered part of your felony sentence. Therefore, you are unable to vote while on probation, even after being released from prison.

Once your probation is complete, you do have options.

Numerous states don’t allow convicted felons to vote, even after completing their sentence. However, voting is an important part of American democracy.

Voting allows you to:

• Use your voice.
• Vote for your personal interests.
• Make positive change for the next generation.

Learn more about felony offenses in Kansas . If you are currently facing felony charges for DUI, drugs, gun possession, or other offenses, call SRC Law Group at (913) 948-9311 today to get started on your defense.

Because your adrenaline might be up during an encounter with a police officer, you might not be able to accurately process the situation. Thus, when the officer asks you questions or approaches you, you may behave in ways that are outside of your normal character. For instance, you might give false information about an alleged crime or you might forcibly resist being arrested. But doing such may be considered interfering with an officer.

Interfering with an officer is unlawful. Kansas law defines several circumstances in which such interference can occur. Although many instances of this type of conduct are class A nonperson misdemeanors, some are felonies.

You can be charged with interfering with a law enforcement officer by providing false information about a crime. For instance, if you say that you saw Johnny stealing a computer from a nearby home, even though you know that's untrue, you're committing an offense.

But saying that another person committed a crime is just one way that could result in your facing criminal charges.

You may also be accused if you knowingly:

• Report falsely that a law enforcement officer committed a crime;
• Give false information about an offense to a law enforcement agency to affect its processing of the incident; or
• Provide incorrect information about the death or disappearance of a person under 13 years of age.

As mentioned before, most incidents of interference with a law enforcement agency or officer are class A nonperson misdemeanors. And generally, that's true for the offenses listed above. In Kansas, class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in jail.

In certain circumstances, any of the conduct listed above can be charged as felonies. This occurs when the offense you falsely reported was a felony itself.

Knowingly providing incorrect information about another person or an officer committing a crime may be charged as severity level 8, nonperson felony, penalized by up to 11 months in prison. However, giving false information about an incident to obstruct, impede, or influence the case is a severity level 9, nonperson felony. A conviction can result in imprisonment for a maximum of 9 months.

Lastly, giving false information about the whereabouts or health of a missing child is always charged as a severity level 8, nonperson felony.

Another way an interfering charge can be brought against you is if you destroy or conceal evidence to prevent the arrest or prosecution of anyone. For instance, suppose you saw your friend steal a $2,000 computer. Because you know they're a good person who has fallen on hard times, you don't want to see them get in trouble for the offense. Therefore, you help destroy surveillance footage of the incident.

In this instance, you could be charged with a class A nonperson misdemeanor, or a severity level 8, nonperson felony.

You may also be charged with interfering with a law enforcement officer if you try to resist being apprehended by them or obstruct them in any way while they're performing their lawful duties.

If the offense you were resisting or obstructing was a misdemeanor, you could be charged with a class A nonperson misdemeanor. However, if it was a felony, you'd be accused of a severity level 9, nonperson felony.

• Blood analysis
• Fingerprint examination
• DNA fingerprinting
• Forensic firearm examination

Expert witnesses need to be qualified in some way to provide some form of important information based on their own unique and specialized knowledge. They can come from various backgrounds and areas, as the testimony provided by an expert witness will only matter in the context of the overall argument made by one side of the trial. For instance, an expert witness might be called to testify to provide information regarding a specific piece of equipment which might be involved in a criminal case.

• Educate counsel by helping explain the situation and then available alternatives to the lawyer
• Evaluate a case and help determine whether a claim has merit
• Test items of potential evidence
• Conduct a series of experiments to prove, or disprove, a point
• Help the lawyer build a case, or defend a client
• Used to locate and recruit other experts who will testify at trial
• Provide a report of his/her findings to be used at trial
• Prepare demonstrative evidence to help demonstrate or explain matters
• Testify at a deposition and/or trial

The court system, and those involved with the underlying case, will legally rely upon the expert witnesses’ specialized knowledge to offer an opinion regarding the evidence or facts of the court case. The expert opinion will be used as an assistance to deliver factual evidence that expedites and explains the verdict.

If you have been arrested for a crime in Kansas or Missouri, request a free consultation with our Kansas City criminal defense attorney at SRC Law Group, LLC today.

Reasonable suspicion gives law enforcement the right to detain or make a traffic stop if there is a reasonable presumption—based on facts or circumstances at hand—that a criminal offense has been, is being, or will be committed. While reasonable suspicion is a lesser standard compared to probable cause, an officer needs more than a gut feeling or simple hunch to make an arrest.

For example, a police officer in a patrol car notices a motorist driving erratically in the late evening and without his/her headlights on. Based on the current situation and backed by years of training and experience, the officer has reasonable suspicion that the driver may be driving under the influence and can make a traffic stop.

Probable cause is required to search and seize evidence without a warrant and make an arrest. An officer has probable cause if the facts and circumstances of a situation would lead a reasonable person to believe has been, is being, or will be committed.

Going back to the example above, once the officer pulls over the driver, he/she notices the smell of alcohol coming from the driver’s mouth, the driver’s delayed responses and slurred speech, and the driver’s red and watery eyes. The officer now has probable cause to arrest the driver for suspected DUI.

To make it easier to remember, reasonable suspicion exists if any reasonable officer may suspect criminal activity, while probable cause exists if any reasonable person may suspect it.

Meaning “nolo contendere” in Latin, no contest is a plea used in criminal proceedings as an alternative to a guilty or not guilty plea. When a defendant pleads no contest, he or she neither admits nor disputes committing the criminal offense.

Although a no contest plea is not the same as pleading guilty, it is considered a criminal conviction according to the judge. A no-contest plea can show up on a permanent criminal record.

So why even plead no contest? While a no-contest plea has many similar outcomes to a guilty plea, the most important advantage is that a no-contest plea can't be used to prove guilt, in the event the plaintiff takes civil action against the defendant at a later date.

Other benefits of pleading no contest include:

• Avoid expensive attorney fees to try a case.
• Avoid enduring the trial process.
• Receive a lighter sentence on a lesser charge as opposed to the uncertainty of more severe punishment as a result of the trial.

If you have been arrested for a crime in Kansas or Missouri, request a free consultation with our criminal defense attorneys at SRC Law Group, LLC today.