Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lawrence

Our Recommended Top 14

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Lawrence Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

80

Reviewed

53

Curated

14

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Lawrence, KS
  • Sex Offenses
  • Drug distribution
  • Self-defense law
  • Trial attorney
  • Criminal Defense
  • Violent offenses

Why choose this provider?

Rivera Law focuses on criminal matters in Lawrence and nearby areas. Its trial attorney builds defense strategies for individuals accused of crimes of disparate gravities, from DUI and shoplifting to kidnapping and homicide. The firm also represents people dealing with federal charges and helps accused parties use self-defense laws to protect their freedom. On two occasions, founding attorney Vincent Rivera received the Kansas Legal Educator Award for his presentations about challenging REID interrogations and law practice management.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Vincent Rivera - Principal15 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (32)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Call for Consultation

Lawrence, KS

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Lawrence? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Free booking service | Call 848.Book.Pro!

Website
108 East Poplar Street, Olathe, KS 66061

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2005, Billam & Henderson LLC is the legal practice of criminal defense attorneys located near Lawrence. The firm only accepts criminal cases, including DUI and other traffic violations, drug charges, theft, domestic violence, and juvenile law. It also offers services for expungements and appeals. Its lawyers are members of the Johnson County Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, Missouri Bar Association, the National Trial Lawyers, and the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Courtney Henderson - Partner21 yrs
Jason Billam - Partner24 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
1.7
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
105 East Park Street, Olathe, KS 66061

Why choose this provider?

Garretson & Toth LLC is a law firm near Lawrence that represents individuals with state and federal criminal charges. Its criminal defense practice advocates for the fair treatment of clients who are alleged to have been involved in crimes, including possession of a controlled substance, DUI, sexual battery, shoplifting, selling stolen property, disorderly conduct, and murder. Tyler P. Garretson, a co-founding attorney, was the vice president of the Johnson County Bar Foundation from 2003 to 2004.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Tyler Garretson - Partner/Owner28 yrs
W. Scott Toth - Partner36 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (21)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (11)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
11660 W 75th St, Shawnee, KS 66214
  • Federal Crime

Why choose this provider?

The Zigtema Law Office, LC, serves the locals in and around the Lawrence metro. The firm provides legal advice and representation to clients needing defense against criminal charges, including assault and battery, domestic violence, sexual assault and violent offender registration, homicide, and property and economic crimes. It also handles juvenile matters and appellate advocacy. Kate Zigtema began her legal career in 2007 and is an education committee chair for the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.6 / 5 (11)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
142 North Cherry Street, Suite 100, Olathe, KS 66061
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Carl E. Cornwell, Attorney At Law, is a private practice serving clients in the Lawrence metro and the neighboring communities. It provides legal representation for criminal defense cases, assisting clients charged with various offenses, such as assault and homicide, as well as weapon, sex, and drug crimes. The firm owner and sole practitioner, Carl Cornwell, has more than 40 years of litigation experience. He handles federal and white-collar cases and assists with expungement of criminal records.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.3 / 5 (16)
Facebook
3.7 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1540 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Frydman Law Office provides counsel and representation to Lawrence residents facing criminal and traffic violation charges. Rick Frydman, the firm's lawyer, has been practicing law since 1987 and has defended clients in district and municipal courts. He handles DUI cases and different kinds of traffic offenses. The lawyer understands the complexities of these cases in Kansas and works with clients to prevent jail time, driver's license suspension, and other penalties. Frydman also assists people in expungement proceedings.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
831 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Probation Violation
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Sloan Law Firm provides representation to individuals, families, and businesses in Lawrence and neighboring metros for a wide variety of legal matters. Its criminal defense attorneys protect the rights of individuals facing charges related to DUI, traffic tickets, drug charges, sex offenses, and violent crimes. They negotiate with prosecutors or take a case to trial if necessary to help clients get their sentences reduced or dismissed. Other areas of their practice are personal injury, commercial law, employment law, family law, and probate.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Google
3.8 / 5 (24)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1211 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Barber Emerson, L.C., offers its services in communities around the Lawrence area. Since its founding in 1934, the firm and its attorneys have been representing clients in various practice areas, including state and federal criminal law. The firm's resident criminal defense attorney, Terrence J. Campbell, also served as a law clerk for John W. Lungstrum of the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. In addition, he is affiliated with the Judge Hugh Means American Inn of Court.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.5 / 5 (8)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
719 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

Why choose this provider?

The Angela Keck Law Offices LLC concentrates on providing criminal defense services in Overland Park and Lawrence. The law firm helps clients in cases involving drug crimes, domestic battery, criminal threat, identity theft, and Jessica's Law. Its founder, Angela Keck, once worked as a public defender for Jackson County in Missouri and Johnson County in Kansas. She also has a strong focus on providing compassionate criminal defense for the clients of the law firm.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Angela Keck - Principal25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1610 Southwest Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66612

Why choose this provider?

The Law Firm of Tenopir & Huerter has been defending the rights of people in Lawrence and the surrounding area since 1984. The firm represents both adults and juveniles accused of felonies or misdemeanors such as homicide, drug crimes, DUI, and traffic violations, and it also assists individuals with the expungement of criminal records. Tenopir & Huerter assists clients with a variety of other legal concerns including personal injury, family law, zoning issues, and collections.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Annmarie Gallaway - Associate8 yrs
George Gomez41 yrs
Joseph Huerter40 yrs
Lawrence Tenopir - Partner42 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (18)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
827 Armstrong Ave Ste 302, Kansas City, KS 66101
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

The Probst Law Firm, PA, offers services to individuals and families in Lawrence and neighboring communities. It defends the legal rights of people who have been accused of committing criminal offenses. The law firm, located in Kansas City, also handles cases involving DUI/DWI defense, real estate, probate, and traffic law. Its founding attorney, Raymond E. Probst, has been licensed to represent clients in various legal matters for more than two decades. He is also admitted to practice in Missouri.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (21)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1040 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Brittingham Law P.A. is a client-based firm serving individuals and businesses in Lawrence. Its legal team offers counsel and representation for misdemeanors, such as trespassing, simple assault, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and other low-level offenses. It also deals with legal matters involving felonies, as well as probate, landlord and tenant disputes, and civil litigation. Founder and owner Kyle Brittingham has been a lawyer since 2010. He is also licensed to practice in New York and Oregon.

Website
232 S Cherry St, Olathe, KS 66061

Why choose this provider?

Juris is a criminal defense firm located in Lawrence. The firm advocates for clients who have been convicted of driving under the influence as a first or second offense and possession of controlled substances. Other practice areas include family, business, property, and general law. Attorneys MaKenzi Higgins and Ryan Evans have over 20 years of combined experience. Attorney Higgins has been nominated as a Super Lawyer and the firm received the Avvo Client's Choice Award in 2020.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ryan Evans - Associate14 yrs
Makenzi Higgins - Partner8 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lawrence, Kansas?

    You can contact (785) 843-0250 for non-emergency situations in Lawrence, Kansas.

  • What skills do Lawrence criminal defense lawyers need to have?

    A reputable Lawrence criminal defense attorney can investigate a crime and gather evidence to help a client win a case. Adaptability, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, leadership, and empathy are examples of the qualities lawyers need to have. Lawyers must also be resourceful, negotiate well, and communicate effectively in order to provide a successful defense for those accused of crimes.

  • What is the criminal statute of limitations in Lawrence, Kansas?

    A general statute of limitations of five years applies to felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions that are not explicitly named in the statute. In Lawrence, Kansas, there is no time restriction on murder cases. Sexually violent offenses usually have a time limit of 10 years after the crime or after the victim reaches the age of 18.

  • What are the main responsibilities of Lawrence criminal defense attorneys?

    Criminal defense lawyers in Lawrence are primarily responsible for defending your legal rights and preserving your interests. They conduct research, evaluate cases, and submit their findings in court in order to liberate the accused, negotiate a plea deal, or have the case dismissed. They also devise methods to resolve issues in a favorable and cost-effective manner for clients.

  • Does hiring a Lawrence criminal defense attorney make you look guilty?

    Hiring a Lawrence criminal defense attorney will not make you appear guilty. It gives the impression that you are serious about your innocence, reputation, and future. It is not a smart idea to represent yourself in a criminal case. You are at a serious disadvantage from the outset since you lack experience with criminal court processes and are unfamiliar with the local court system. A Lawrence criminal defense lawyer's experience and ability are critical in establishing a strong defense strategy in a criminal prosecution.

  • Can a Lawrence criminal defense lawyer drop a client in the middle of a case?

    The American Bar Association states that when a lawyer is assigned to represent a client, withdrawal usually needs the consent of the appointing body. Nonetheless, a lawyer must normally reject or withdraw from representation if the client requests that the lawyer participate in illegal or unlawful action that breaches the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. In general, a Lawrence criminal defense attorney would not abandon a client in the middle of a case unless there were compelling reasons to do so, such as conflicting case strategies, fraudulent actions, or refusal to pay attorney's fees.