Johnson County Felony Lawyer

While every Kansas criminal charge should be taken seriously, some are undeniably more serious than others. Like most states, Kansas divides criminal offenses into two broad categories: misdemeanors and felonies. If Johnson County prosecutors charge you with a felony, you face the very real possibility of spending years in prison, paying thousands of dollars in fines and penalties, and a criminal record that will burden you for decades to come. If you don’t have an experienced and aggressive Johnson County felony attorney on your side, you are putting your freedom and your future in grave jeopardy.

As a former prosecutor, felony attorney Jerry Merrill has seen the consequences that follow a felony conviction. Because he has sought convictions for such crimes, he understands that those accused of felonies can quickly find themselves steamrolled by the criminal justice system if they don’t have the help of a committed defense lawyer protecting their rights and fighting on their behalf.

With experience, tenacity, and personal dedication to his clients’ well-being, Jerry Merrill represents individuals in and around Johnson County who face felony charges, working closely with them to develop and assert the strongest possible defense to obtain the best possible outcome.

The Must-Know Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Kansas

Perhaps the most fundamental difference between misdemeanors and felonies is the potential length of time behind bars and where you would spend that time upon conviction. The maximum sentence for a Kansas misdemeanor is one year in a county jail. Felonies are punishable by state prison terms that can last for decades.

In addition to felonies under Kansas law, there are crimes which are felonies under federal law. Federal felony offenses, which include crimes like terrorism, mail and wire fraud, drug trafficking, and certain crimes committed on federal property, are prosecuted in federal court and can result in time behind bars in federal prison. Sentences for federal felonies, especially drug crimes, are often much harsher than those imposed for similar offenses under Kansas law. Though every arrest needs proper legal representation, the stakes are much higher for felony crimes.

The Harsh Punishments for Johnson County Felonies

Most states establish classes or levels of felonies based on the nature of the offense, the harm caused, and other circumstances which will determine the severity of punishment upon conviction. Kansas treats felonies differently, however, and judges use a complex sentencing grid to determine the nature and extent of a felony defendant’s sentence.

The grid, which divides felonies into drug and non-drug offenses, establishes a range of possible sentences for felonies, with the severity of the crime and the defendant’s prior criminal history being the most important factors in sentencing decisions. But make no mistake; a felony conviction will come with harsh consequences even if it’s your first offense. That is why it is critical that you don’t face such charges alone.

Aggressive Defense For Kansas Felony Charges

From assault cases to drug charges, Johnson County felony attorney Jerry Merrill represents clients charged with every type of felony offense, including charges involving:

Jerry Merrill understands how to evaluate all the circumstances of a case to assess whether plea negotiations or a jury trial is most likely to result in the best possible outcome. His willingness to go to trial as well as his reputation as a strong defense attorney often serve as effective tools in negotiating better results for clients.

Call Our Firm Today to Start Fighting For Your Future with a Top Johnson County Felony Attorney

If you are facing felony charges in or around Johnson County or the surrounding areas, you need aggressive legal representation, and you need it now. Contacohnson County felony attorney Jerry Merrill online or call 913-381-2085 to schedule your free, confidential initial consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout Kansas, including Olathe, Shawnee and Overland Park.

Johnson County Felony Attorney Jerry Merrill Addresses Your Top Concerns

Facing felony charges in Kansas is an extremely serious matter. In order to protect your future, you need to work with an experienced attorney who can help you build the strongest possible defense. Here, Johnson County felony attorney Jerry Merrill explains some key aspects of felony cases in the Kansas criminal courts.

Q: What are the potential consequences of a felony conviction?

The consequences of a felony conviction depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crime, your criminal history and your ability to present a successful defense at sentencing. The Kansas Sentencing Grids set forth the potential prison sentences for most drug and non-drug felonies. In Kansas, felony convictions for “on grid” felonies can also result in fines of $100,000 to $500,000.

The most severe felonies – homicide and sexual offenses committed against children under the age of 14 – are prosecuted and sentenced as “off grid” offenses. This means that the penalties imposed can exceed those established by the Kansas Sentencing Grids.

Q: Is it possible to receive probation for a felony in Kansas?

Yes, for certain felony offenses. If your alleged crime is classified as a “presumptive probation” offense, then it is presumed that you are entitled to serve probation in lieu of incarceration. If your alleged crime is classified as a “presumptive prison” or “border box” offense, then it is presumed that you should serve time in prison if you are found guilty in court. However, it is still possible to seek probation in “presumptive prison” and “border box” cases, and an experienced Johnson County felony attorney will be able to argue for a favorable sentence on your behalf.

In all cases, the judge has the discretion to impose up to 60 days of jail time prior to the start of probation and, if you violate the terms of your probation, you can be sent to prison immediately to serve your full sentence.

Q: Can I be sentenced for multiple charges or multiple felony offenses?

Yes. It is common for prosecutors to pursue multiple charges in cases involving felony drug crimes, felony domestic violence crimes and other serious offenses and, if you are convicted of multiple crimes, you can be sentenced either “concurrently” or “consecutively.” If you are sentenced to “concurrent” prison terms, then you will serve all of your prison terms at once. If you are sentenced to “consecutive” prison terms, then you will be required to serve each term back-to-back.

Q: Does Kansas have a statute of limitations for felony criminal cases?

Yes, for most crimes. However, since the minimum limitations period in criminal cases is five years, asserting the statute of limitations will not be a viable defense in most cases. While this is certainly something you can discuss with your attorney if it seems relevant, your attorney will likely focus on utilizing other defenses to protect you.

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