Violent Crime Attorney in Overland Park

Secure the Defense You Deserve From Top-Rated Attorneys Who Understand the Johnson County Courts

Being arrested or investigated for a violent crime tied to Overland Park can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. You may be worried about jail, your job, your family, and what will happen in Johnson County District Court. You need clear information and a plan, not scare tactics.

At Garretson & Toth, LLC, we defend people facing serious violent crime charges that arise from incidents in this area. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined criminal law experience, and we previously served as Assistant District Attorneys in Johnson County. We use that background to evaluate the prosecution's case and work to protect your rights at every stage.

If you have been charged with a violent offense, do not speak to the police; contact a violent crime attorney in Overland Park immediately. We offer a free consultation and put over 60 years of experience to work for your freedom. Call (913) 971-0296 or reach out online today.

Understanding Violent Crime Laws in Kansas

In Kansas, violent crimes are classified as "person felonies" and are governed by the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines Grid. Unlike "non-person" crimes, these offenses are treated with extreme rigor because they involve a perceived threat or actual harm to another human being.

Common violent crime charges in Overland Park include:

• Murder and Manslaughter: Ranging from First-Degree Premeditated Murder (an off-grid felony) to Involuntary Manslaughter.
• Aggravated Robbery: This is a Level 3 person felony involving the taking of property by force or threat while armed with a dangerous weapon.
• Aggravated Assault and Battery: Assault involves a threat of violence that creates a fear of immediate harm, while Battery involves actual physical contact. When a weapon is involved or "great bodily harm" occurs, these are elevated to high-level felonies.
• Domestic Battery: A violent crime charge that specifically involves a family or household member. Repeat offenses are quickly elevated to felonies.
• Kidnapping: Taking or confining a person by force, threat, or deception. Aggravated kidnapping—where bodily harm is inflicted—is a Level 1 person felony, the highest severity level on the grid.

As your Overland Park violent crime lawyer, we focus on deconstructing the "severity level" assigned to your case, as even a one-level difference can mean years of difference in a prison sentence.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Violent Conviction in Kansas

The consequences of a violent crime conviction in Kansas extend far beyond a prison cell. They create a permanent barrier to your future.

• Mandatory Prison Time: Severity Level 1 crimes can result in over 50 years of incarceration (653 months). Even Level 4 crimes can result in 14 years of prison.
• Fines: Courts can impose fines up to $300,000 for high-level person felonies.
• Post-Release Supervision: Most violent offenders must serve 36 months of intense supervision (parole) after their prison term, with very strict conditions.
• The "Violent Offender Registry": Certain convictions require you to register with local law enforcement, similar to a sex offender registry, making your criminal history public knowledge.

Collateral consequences include:

• Firearm Ban: A violent felony conviction results in a lifetime ban on possessing firearms in Kansas.
• Employment Disqualification: Many employers in Overland Park are legally barred from hiring individuals with violent felony convictions on their records.
• Housing Barriers: Landlords often conduct background checks that result in automatic denials for violent offenders.

Why Our Firm Handles Violent Charges

When you are accused of a violent crime, you cannot afford to be someone’s training case. At Garretson & Toth, LLC, our attorneys have spent their careers handling serious criminal matters, first as Assistant District Attorneys in Johnson County and now defending people against those same kinds of charges. We understand how local prosecutors evaluate evidence, decide on charges, and prepare for trial.

This experience helps us look at your case from both sides. We assess how the state is likely to build its theory and where there may be weaknesses in proof, witness credibility, or legal procedure. Because we know the expectations in the Johnson County District Court, we are able to prepare you for what to expect in hearings and negotiations.

Another key difference is who actually handles your case. At our firm, your violent crime defense lawyer in Overland Park is a seasoned partner, not a junior associate. We do not pass serious felonies down the line. You work directly with attorneys who have tried major cases and negotiated with the same prosecutor’s office that now stands across from you.

We also have established professional relationships with Johnson County prosecutors and court personnel. These relationships do not guarantee any specific outcome, and no lawyer can promise that, but they do help us communicate efficiently, understand local expectations, and advocate effectively for your interests.