Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Wichita, KS

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency crimes in Wichita, Kansas, dial (316) 268-4221 to report to the local police station.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Wichita, Kansas?

  To obtain a copy of a police report, an individual can file a request to the police records located in the city hall, 455 N. Main, 5th Floor - Police Records. The office is open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed during weekends and holidays. Some traffic accident records are also available online at www.wichita.gov/accident.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer in Wichita do?

  A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation and develops critical strategies and techniques for clients in Wichita involved in murder, robbery, sex offenses, theft, assault, battery, DUI, and other criminal charges. They handle the drafting and preparation of files and arguments and the negotiation of a plea bargain with the prosecution. A criminal defense lawyer advocates for the rights of the accused.

• Can a person expunge their criminal record in Wichita?

  In Wichita and other areas in Kansas, an arrest or conviction is removable from a person's criminal record. With the help of a criminal defense lawyer, a person can apply for the expungement of their adult criminal record. After a conviction, it requires a waiting period to evaluate the qualification of the accused. Expungement is possible for instances that include mistaken identity, lack of probable cause for the arrest, innocence in court proceedings, or dismissed charges.

• When can a person expunge their conviction in Wichita?

  A person may petition the court for expungement in Wichita if they have satisfied the required time and have no record of a felony in the past two years. Other conditions for expungement are payment of fines and punishment completion for minor crimes, traffic violations, and other misdemeanors. Vehicular offenses such as driving while suspended and other offenses, for example, require five years of jail time before a person can apply for expungement.

• What happens when a person is caught driving under the influence in Wichita?

  Wichita is under Kansas law, where DUI charges involve a guilty plea or involvement in a diversion program for the violation. The penalties for a first offense of DUI involve a 30-day driver's license suspension and a six-month ignition interlock device installation after failing a chemical test. Refusal to take the test denotes a one-year driver's license suspension and a two-year ignition interlock device installation. The person will also serve 48 hours to six months and 100 hours of community service with a fine of $750 to $1,000.

• Is the crime rate in Wichita high?

  Wichita has had a high crime rate with a severely understaffed and underfunded local police department for years. Within one year, it had a 2.2 times higher crime rate than 97.9% of the US cities, although it has decreased by 3% since the previous year. Homicide and rape are two of the leading crimes in the area. According to research in Kansas, as of March 05, 2023, there have been 1,373 registered sex offenders living in Wichita, making up a ratio of 284 to 1 in the whole population.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.