Felony Attorney in Overland Park

Facing a Felony Charge and Not Sure Where to Turn? Contact Our Firm

A felony accusation turns life upside down in an instant. You may be worried about going to prison, losing your job, or how a permanent record could follow you for years. If your case started with an arrest in Overland Park and is now moving through the Johnson County courts, you are likely trying to make sense of a process that feels confusing and very fast.

At Garretson & Toth, LLC, we focus on guiding people through serious criminal charges with clear advice and steady representation. Our attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined criminal defense experience, and both founding partners previously served as Assistant District Attorneys in Johnson County.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a felony, you do not have to try to navigate this alone. We offer free and confidential consultations so you can talk directly with an attorney, ask hard questions, and get a better sense of your next steps.

Reach out to an Overland Park felony lawyer who understands the Kansas sentencing grid and knows how to fight for your freedom. Contact us at (913) 971-0296 or via our contact form to discuss how we can help.

Understanding Felony Laws in Kansas

Kansas law categorizes crimes into two primary groups: misdemeanors and felonies. While misdemeanors are handled in local or district courts and carry shorter jail sentences, felonies are far more complex. 

A felony in Kansas is any crime for which the maximum penalty is death or imprisonment in a state correctional facility. These offenses are divided into distinct categories based on their nature and severity, which largely dictates the potential punishment.

Nondrug and Drug Sentencing Grids

Kansas utilizes two separate sentencing grids to determine the range of punishment for a felony conviction: the Nondrug Sentencing Grid and the Drug Sentencing Grid.

• Nondrug Felonies: These are ranked from Severity Level 1 (the most serious, such as certain homicides or high-level sex crimes) down to Severity Level 10 (lesser property crimes or administrative felonies).
• Drug Felonies: These are ranked from Severity Level 1 (large-scale distribution or manufacturing) down to Severity Level 5 (simple possession of certain controlled substances).
• Off-Grid Felonies: The most egregious crimes, such as Capital Murder or First-Degree Murder, do not sit on the standard grid and carry mandatory life sentences.

Our firm is well-versed in distinguishing these levels and identifying when a charge has been improperly "up-charged" by the state. 

For instance, a simple theft can be elevated to a felony based on the value of the property or the defendant’s prior record. Having a knowledgeable Overland Park felony lawyer ensures that the state is held to the letter of the law regarding these classifications.

Types of Felony Cases We Handle in Overland Park

At Garretson & Toth, LLC, we devote our practice to criminal defense and represent clients in a wide range of felony matters that arise in and around this part of Johnson County.

• Drug related felonies, including possession with intent to distribute, distribution, and certain cultivation or manufacturing charges. 
• Felony DUI offenses, which can carry significant penalties and long term driving consequences, especially when there are prior convictions or aggravating factors.
• Theft and property crimes such as burglary, felony theft, and related offenses that can affect employment prospects and professional opportunities.
• Sex offense cases 
• Certain federal matters

If your specific charge is not listed here, that does not mean we cannot help. Felony law in Kansas is broad, and every situation has unique details. We encourage you to contact our office so we can discuss your circumstances directly and determine whether our firm is a good fit for your needs.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Felony Convictions in Kansas

The penalties for a felony conviction in Kansas are among the most stringent in the country. Because Kansas uses a "sentencing guidelines" system, your specific penalty is determined by the intersection of the "Crime Severity Level" and your "Criminal History Category" (your prior record).

Direct Penalties

• Incarceration: Depending on the severity level, sentences can range from a few months of "presumptive probation" to life in prison.
• Fines: Felony fines can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Post-Release Supervision: Even after leaving prison, you will be under the strict supervision of a parole officer, often for years.

Collateral Consequences

The "hidden" penalties of a felony are often what stay with a person the longest. These include:

• Firearm Rights: Under both state and federal law, a felony conviction results in a lifetime ban on possessing or transporting firearms or ammunition.
• Loss of Civil Rights: You may lose the right to vote or serve on a jury while serving your sentence.
• Employment Barriers: Many professional licenses (nursing, teaching, law, etc.) are automatically revoked or denied to those with a felony record.
• Housing Limitations: Many landlords refuse to rent to individuals with felony convictions.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a felony conviction often triggers mandatory deportation and permanent bars to re-entry.

Why People Charged With Felonies Choose Our Firm

Choosing a felony defense attorney requires confidence in who will handle your case and how well they understand local courts. The firm emphasizes transparency from the start, focusing on direct attorney involvement, familiarity with Johnson County procedures, and a commitment to understanding what matters most to each client when the stakes are highest.

At Garretson & Toth, LLC, felony cases are managed personally by founding partners Tyler Garretson and Scott Toth. Clients work with experienced attorneys from the initial meeting through resolution, rather than being handed off to junior associates. This continuity helps clients feel supported and assured that seasoned advocates are representing them at every stage.

Both partners bring valuable insight from their prior roles as Assistant District Attorneys in Johnson County. That experience informs how they evaluate evidence, anticipate prosecutorial strategies, and prepare for negotiations or trial. By tailoring strategies to each client’s goals and circumstances, the firm builds defenses designed to address both legal risks and real-life consequences.

Don't wait until it's too late to build your defense. Whether you're under investigation or have already been charged, a felony attorney in Overland Park from Garretson & Toth, LLC is ready to help. Call (913) 971-0296 or visit our contact form.