Kansas City Criminal Defense Lawyers

Representing Clients Throughout Missouri and Kansas

 Facing criminal charges in Kansas City (on either the Missouri or Kansas side) can be overwhelming. Our Kansas City criminal defense lawyers know that Missouri and Kansas have different laws. Missouri classifies crimes as felonies (punishable by over one year in prison) or misdemeanors (RSMo §558.011). Kansas law has a similar classification (K.S.A. §21-6804). For example, Missouri courts may not detain nonviolent defendants simply because they can’t pay bail (Supreme Court Rule 33.01), and a 2023 Missouri law now requires judges to consider factors like flight risk, past convictions, and public safety when setting bond (RSMo §554.021). In contrast, Kansas has not enacted similar bail reforms. Our Kansas City defense attorneys are licensed in both Missouri and Kansas, so we understand local procedures in Kansas City, MO (Kansas City, KS) courts and will act immediately to defend your rights.

Criminal Charges in Kansas City

If you are accused of a crime in Kansas City, a criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City will work swiftly to protect you. We handle everything from minor misdemeanors (DUI, domestic assault, petty theft) to major felonies (drug trafficking, violent crimes, homicide). Criminal charges can disrupt your life – threatening your freedom and your future – so we build an aggressive defense from day one. Every case is different, so we tailor our strategy to the facts. We scrutinize every detail of your arrest and the prosecution’s evidence. In Kansas and Missouri alike, we leave no stone unturned in your defense. We will fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible, using all available legal avenues (witness interviews, evidence review, motions, etc.) to protect you.

Our Areas of Criminal Defense Expertise

We handle all criminal matters in Kansas City, including:

• DUI/DWI Defense: Our criminal defense attorneys in Kansas City challenge drunk driving charges in both Missouri and Kansas courts. Both states have an implied-consent law: if you refuse a blood or breath test after a lawful traffic stop, your license will be revoked for one year (RSMo ¥302.574). DUI convictions carry jail time, fines, and mandatory license suspension. We examine every step of the traffic stop and testing process. For instance, if an officer lacked probable cause to stop you or administered sobriety tests improperly, we move to suppress that evidence and fight the DUI charge. Our goal is always to reduce or dismiss the DUI.
• Drug Charges: We defend all drug offenses – possession, intent to distribute, trafficking, and manufacturing – involving substances like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and more. Missouri voters legalized small amounts of marijuana in 2022 (Amendment 3) (up to three ounces for adults) and Kansas now allows up to 30 grams. However, possession above those limits or any distribution remains a felony in both states. Our criminal attorneys in Kansas City analyze every aspect of the case (search and seizure, lab reports, chain of custody) and pursue any defenses. When eligible, we also seek alternatives like diversion or drug court.
• Violent Crimes and Domestic Assault: Assault, robbery, manslaughter, murder, and domestic violence charges carry the toughest penalties. Domestic assault (violence involving a spouse or family member) often triggers a protective order and counseling. Important: a domestic-violence conviction means you will lose the right to possess firearms under federal law (18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9)). Our Kansas City criminal defense attorneys immediately investigate violent-incident cases – interviewing witnesses and examining evidence – to mount defenses (self-defense, alibi, mistaken identity, etc.) and protect you from maximum penalties.
• Traffic & Municipal Violations: Kansas City (both MO and KS) takes traffic and ordinance violations seriously. Offenses like reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, or accumulating too many speeding tickets can lead to license suspension, fines, and even misdemeanor charges. We handle these cases in Kansas City’s courts (city courts for local violations and county courts for serious offenses). Often, Kansas City criminal defense lawyers negotiate with prosecutors to reduce a charge to a lesser offense or avoid license points.
• Expungements & Record Clearing: Our attorneys help qualified clients clear past convictions. Missouri’s new “Clean Slate” law will automatically seal eligible non-violent convictions by 2029 (RSMo §600.1200). Kansas law also permits petitioning to expunge certain misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions. We guide you through these processes to remove old mistakes from your record and protect your future.

Our Team Has the Experience To Defend Any Criminal Charge

Spradlin Kennedy’s Kansas City criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience and insight. Our partners include former prosecutors and trial lawyers who know how the system works. This insider perspective – combined with rigorous courtroom skills – means we anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and counter it aggressively. When you hire us, you get a dedicated Kansas City team focused on protecting your freedom, reputation, and future.

DUI & DWI Defense in Kansas City

Being charged with DUI/DWI is intimidating. Missouri’s DUI law (RSMo §577.010) and Kansas DUI statutes make it a crime to drive at .08% BAC or higher. A conviction brings jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Both states use implied-consent rules: if you refuse chemical testing after a lawful stop, Missouri automatically revokes your license for one year (RSMo ¥302.574), and Kansas imposes a similar one-year suspension (K.S.A. §8-1001). Our Kansas City criminal defense lawyers meticulously review the arrest report, sobriety test administration, and breathalyzer calibration. If any error occurred, we challenge the evidence. We also handle any license revocation appeals and fight the DUI charge in court with the goal of reducing or dismissing it whenever possible.

Implied Consent and Refusal Penalties

Under Missouri and Kansas implied-consent laws, simply refusing a lawful chemical test triggers an automatic suspension of your driving privileges. If the officer read you the proper notice and you still refuse, Missouri revokes your license for one year (RSMo ¥302.574). Kansas law imposes a comparable one-year suspension (K.S.A. §8-1001). These administrative penalties are separate from the criminal DUI charge. Our Kansas City criminal defense attorneys assist clients with appeals of these suspensions when possible and will fight the DUI charge itself in court, aiming to minimize penalties.

Drug Charges in Kansas City

Drug charges in Kansas City involve many substances and carry strict penalties under both state laws. Both Missouri and Kansas categorize drug crimes by drug type and quantity. Even simple possession can be a felony if the amount exceeds statutory thresholds. For example, while Missouri no longer prosecutes possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana for adults (Amendment 3), possessing more – or possession of other controlled substances (cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids, etc.) – is a felony. Kansas and Missouri also differ in drug scheduling and sentencing guidelines, so our Kansas City defense attorneys carefully analyze each case. We look for constitutional violations (illegal search, lack of probable cause, chain-of-custody issues) and negotiate aggressively. Whenever possible, we pursue alternatives like probation or treatment instead of prison.

Domestic Assault and Violent Crimes Defense

Charges for violence – especially domestic violence – carry high stakes. Domestic assault cases often involve both criminal charges and civil orders of protection. If you are charged with domestic violence, it is critical to remain calm and obey any court orders (no contact, etc.). Then contact our office immediately. A Kansas City criminal defense lawyer will investigate the incident, interview witnesses, and protect you from unfair allegations. Common defenses include self-defense, mutual combat, or mistaken identity. Remember, under federal law (18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9)), a domestic violence conviction bars you from owning firearms, so we work quickly to defend your case.

For all violent crimes (assault, robbery, manslaughter, homicide, etc.), our approach is similarly thorough. We collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review forensic data. These cases often involve complex legal issues (use-of-force law, party-to-a-crime rules, etc.), so having an experienced criminal defense attorney in Kansas City is critical. Our criminal lawyers in Kansas City will fight to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome under the law.

Traffic and Municipal Violations in Kansas City

Even “minor” traffic or city ordinance violations can carry consequences. In Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas, offenses like speeding, running red lights, or driving without insurance can lead to fines, points on your license, and higher insurance rates. Repeated serious violations can even suspend your driver’s license (Missouri drivers lose their license upon 12 points within 12 months). Kansas City has multiple jurisdictions – Kansas City MO City Court for local violations and Wyandotte County (KCK) for city offenses – and we have handled cases in both. Our Kansas City criminal defense attorneys frequently negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges (for example, from a moving violation to a simple equipment ticket) or obtain leniency.

Understanding the Consequences of Conviction

A conviction in Kansas City can disrupt your life beyond jail or probation. The key consequences include:

• Loss of Civil Rights: Felony convictions strip you of certain rights. You lose the right to vote, serve on a jury, and to possess firearms until those rights are restored.
• Employment and Housing Problems: Employers and landlords often run background checks. A criminal record – even a misdemeanor – can make it very difficult to find a job, earn a promotion, or rent housing.
• Professional Licenses & Travel: Many careers (healthcare, law, education, finance) require a clean record. A conviction can lead to license suspension or revocation. Certain convictions can also affect immigration status or bar international travel.
• Jail or Prison Time: Missouri and Kansas impose prison or jail terms for convictions. Felonies in Missouri carry prison sentences (from 5 to life, depending on class) and Kansas uses severity levels for felonies. Even misdemeanors can lead to county jail and probation. The loss of liberty, even temporarily, has long-lasting consequences on family, employment, and finances.

Because the stakes are so high, hiring a Kansas City criminal defense lawyer can make a critical difference. We seek to negotiate plea deals that reduce charges or penalties. We also challenge unconstitutional procedures (illegally obtained evidence, faulty police lineup, improper jury instructions, etc.) to get cases dismissed. Our goal is to avoid conviction whenever possible or to lessen the impact of the conviction on your life.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested in Kansas City?

 If you are arrested, take these steps to safeguard your defense:

• Remain Silent: You have the constitutional right to remain silent. Politely tell officers you will not answer questions without an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you.
• Request an Attorney: Say out loud, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” Do not talk to police or prosecutors without your lawyer present. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one for criminal charges.
• Document the Incident: As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the arrest. Note officers’ names and badge numbers, exactly what happened, and any witnesses. These details help your criminal defense attorney in Kansas City rebuild the facts.
• Avoid Additional Admissions: Do not discuss your case with family, friends, or on social media. Even a casual statement can be used against you in court.

Your first call after arrest should be to a qualified Kansas City criminal defense lawyer. A criminal attorney in Kansas City can request a bond hearing, ensure you are treated fairly, and start building your case immediately. At Spradlin Kennedy, we will investigate the legality of your arrest and search. We use all available legal tools – motions to suppress evidence, docket review, etc. – to keep you out of jail or minimize your penalties.

Schedule a FREE INITIAL CASE EVALUATION with a Kansas City Criminal Defense Attorney

Don’t wait to protect your future. The Spradlin Kennedy Law Firm offers free consultations to discuss your situation. No matter the charge – from a traffic citation to a serious felony – our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers will put their knowledge and resources on your side. Contact us online or call our office to schedule your free case evaluation today.