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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Independence

Our Recommended Top 12

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 Independence 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.

96

Reviewed

62

Curated

12

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
701 E. 63rd Street, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64110

Why choose this provider?

The Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center at the Benjamin Law Firm LLC is a criminal defense practice near Independence that represents people charged with crimes. It handles a wide range of cases, including sex crimes, burglary, stealing, drug offenses, assault, and violent crimes. The firm addresses clients' traffic tickets and reduces them to lesser offenses to avoid their driver's licenses from accumulating points. Founder Kimberly J. Benjamin is a Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers board member.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kimberly Benjamin - Founder and Managing Attorney28 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.
4.9
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (43)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (23)

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
2005 Burlington Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116

Why choose this provider?

KC Defense Counsel is committed to advocating for the legal rights of individuals charged with crimes. The firm's attorneys work collaboratively to provide their clients with the most effective options and solutions in a wide range of municipal, misdemeanor, and felony cases. They've successfully defended those accused of assault, shoplifting, robbery, embezzlement, drug, DWI, felony child abuse, kidnapping, and vehicular homicide crimes. KC Defense Counsel's other practice areas include bankruptcy law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Justin Hunt - 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.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (217)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
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.
3.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
511 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO 64105

Why choose this provider?

Hale, Robinson, & Robinson LLC is a criminal defense law firm representing defendants throughout the Independence metro area. The firm works with clients facing general offense to protect them from conviction by defending their innocence both in and outside of the court house. It consults clients and explains their rights to them while presenting options and advising them on optimal choices. It also corresponds with prosecutors to explore potential plea deals, especially in cases where clients are highly unlikely to be found innocent of charges against them.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Caroline Bundy - Associate Attorney4 yrs
Rico Robinson - Partner4 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.
5.4
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

(+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

Website
1101 Main Street, Lexington, MO 64067

Why choose this provider?

Attorney Burt Harriman at Burt Harriman Law is a criminal lawyer near Independence who's served the legal needs of individuals and families since 2007. Focusing on DUI defense, Mr. Harriman helps clients understand their rights and severity of the charges, identify illegal police actions, and mount impactful defense strategies. He is a member of the Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers and also handles personal injury cases. The firm also assists clients involved in semitruck and auto accidents.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Burt Harriman - Founding Attorney20 yrs
John Harriman - Principal20 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.
4.7

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
211 Northwest Executive Way, Lee's Summit, MO 64063

Why choose this provider?

Carter & Putnam is dedicated to providing its clients with a comprehensive defense in criminal law cases near Independence. The firm's attorneys conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding each case. They examine evidence and witness motivation in order to secure the most favorable outcome for their clients. The firm handles traffic violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. Carter & Putnam has been included in the Top 100 firms in Missouri by The National Trial Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Tamara Putnam - Partner29 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.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (66)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)

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
10150 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153

Why choose this provider?

The Quitmeier Law Firm is a criminal defense practice that serves the Independence area. It represents those who are being investigated for or charged with felonies and misdemeanors, including drug possession, sexual assault, battery, domestic violence, and DUI. The firm's other practice areas include real estate law, estate planning, family law, and corporate law. William M. Quitmeier has taught real estate law for the Missouri Bar's Continuing Legal Education for over a decade.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Quitmeier - Principal48 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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
215 West 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

Why choose this provider?

The Jarrett Johnson Law Firm is a criminal defense and civil law firm serving clients in the Independence area. Founded in 2010, the practice offers representation in jury trials as well as appeal and post-conviction hearings on criminal matters. Attorney Jarrett Johnson has successfully obtained acquittals, dismissals, and reduced charges for clients accused of murder or manslaughter, robbery, assault, drug possession, and weapons offenses. Mr. Johnson is a recipient of the Missouri Bar's Lon O. Hocker Memorial Trial Lawyer Award.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jarrett Johnson - Principal30 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.
4.9
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (88)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (19)
Google
5.0 / 5 (10)

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
351 Main Street, Platte City, MO 64079

Why choose this provider?

Scott L. Campbell Law Offices LLC defends those who are involved in criminal cases across the Independence area. Its criminal defense practice takes on a number of cases, especially felonies, such as driving while under the influence and drug charges. The firm also represents clients with misdemeanors and traffic offenses. Scott L. Campbell Law Offices' other areas of interest include property division in divorces, paternity and adoption issues, and other family law practices.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Scott Campbell - Principal34 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.
3.9
Google
4.2 / 5 (21)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

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
1500 Northwest Highway 7, Blue Springs, MO 64014

Why choose this provider?

Troy J. Leavitt Law Firm LLC provides criminal law defense services near Independence. Mr. Leavitt thoroughly examines the supporting evidence in each case. He analyzes the police report, evaluates the crime scene, and interviews witnesses in order to provide his clients with the most effective defense strategies during negotiation and at trial. The firm handles a wide variety of cases, including DWI, assault, drug distribution and trafficking, and domestic violence.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Troy Leavitt - Principal28 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.
4.2
Google
4.3 / 5 (52)
Facebook
3.0 / 5 (6)
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
1000 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1940, Van Osdol is a full-service firm staffed with criminal defense attorneys near Independence. The practice offers comprehensive solutions for persons accused of committing DUI offenses, murder, traffic violations, and drug-related offenses. Its lawyers guide clients at risk of losing their freedom over various fraud allegations, including health care, mail, bank, and wire fraud. Focusing on white-collar criminal defense, the firm advocates for the rights of individuals charged with providing false statements to financial institutions.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Paul Himmelstein - Partner25 yrs
Maureen Lester - Partner10 yrs
Bobby Taylor - Partner7 yrs
Anthony Gosserand - Partner33 yrs
Thomas Bradshaw - Partner55 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
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)
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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
4740 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64112

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1997, Wagstaff & Cartmell LLP provides criminal defense solutions in Independence and the surrounding areas. Its attorneys file appeals in courts to defend clients facing criminal convictions arising from drug offenses such as possession and importation. They also work on cases involving capital murder, illegal possession of firearms, money laundering, financial fraud, and internet crimes. Founding partner Thomas P. Cartmell is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Thomas Cartmell - Founding Partner30 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.
4.2
Google
4.3 / 5 (11)

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
311 West Kansas Avenue, Independence, MO 64050

Why choose this provider?

Albano, Richart, Welch, & Bajackson LLC has defended the rights of people charged with criminal offenses in Independence since 1965. Its lawyers investigate the fairness of sanctions arising from domestic violence, burglary, theft, sexual assault, and drug offenses. They offer legal help to people charged with traffic violations, helping them obtain reduced punishments. Founding partner Scott Richart is a member of the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association and American Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
R. Richart - Senior Partner, Managing Partner31 yrs
Andrea Welch - Partner26 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.
4.4
Google
4.7 / 5 (13)
FindLaw
0.5 / 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

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 Independence, Missouri?

    The non-emergency contact number of the Independence Police Department is (816) 325-7300.

  • What are the safest neighborhoods in Independence?

    In terms of criminal activity, what are the safest places to live in Independence?

  • What is the crime rate in Independence?

    The crime rate in Independence is 41 occurrences per 1000 residents. Within Missouri, only about 9% have a higher crime rate. Your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime like murder, rape, robbery, and assault there is 1 in 181. With property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, the occurrence rate rises to 1 in 28.

  • How does gun-related violence in Independence fare?

    According to an article by The Kansas City Star, Independence's gun homicide rate of 11 in a population of 116,000 is almost twice the national average. It has also recorded more homicide cases than most of the Missouri cities except five.

  • What is the crime clearance rate in Independence?

    According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports, Independence fares better than the national average when it comes to finishing up cases at 36%. It clears larceny cases at a 30% clip but performs better on assault cases at 68%. There are 38 rape cases per population of 100,000 in Independence. The city has cleared them all.

  • What are the most common crimes in Independence?

    As mentioned in the FBI Uniform Crime Reports, the most common crimes committed in Independence are Larceny, Assault, and Burglary. Larceny accounts for more than 50% of all violent and property crimes in the city. Assault is the most frequent violent crime committed at 1,712 per population of 100,000.