Experienced Kansas City Criminal Defense Attorney
In over 25 years of criminal defense practice in Kansas City, I have seen many people charged with criminal offenses where the prosecution’s case rests on illegally obtained or seized evidence. This is particularly true for people charged with drug offenses, such as possession, sales and distribution of narcotics. Whatever the charges, there are several things everyone subject to an arrest should know, including:
- Don’t speak to the police. You have an absolute right not to speak to police until your criminal attorney is present. You should exercise your constitutional right to remain silent, and request your criminal attorney before speaking to the police about your charges.
- Don't sign a confession. The police’s primary goal is to obtain a confession from you, and the law even permits them to lie to you in order to get that confession. Any confession you sign, or even state aloud, will set the basis for the prosecutor's case against you.
- Avoid bondsman if possible. Money spent on obtaining a bond from a bail bondsman is non-refundable. With my assistance, I can help you to get a 10% cash bond, saving you significant expense – money that is better spend elsewhere.
- Contact a Kansas City criminal lawyer as soon as you are arrested. Your best defense starts immediately upon your arrest.
- Remember, you never have to consent to a search.
Since 1979, I have been defending the rights of the criminally accused in Kansas City and I have built a solid reputation with judges, prosecuting attorneys, and others in the criminal court system. As a former Kansas City prosecutor, I am intimately familiar with both prosecuting and defending criminal matters, and am able to implement the best criminal defense strategies available, based on the particular circumstances of your arrest and criminal charges.
For example, I can determine whether your 4th amendment right against illegal search and seizure was violated during your arrest. In DUI/DWI drunk driving cases, I investigate the accuracy of blood and breath-based alcohol testing equipment used on you to raise a doubt as to the accuracy of your blood alcohol content (BAC) results. I also will investigate the circumstances of your stop and arrest to ensure the police had legitimate cause to pull you over.
If I can uncover any discrepancy in the validity of evidence, that evidence may be suppressed and the charges against may be reduced, or dropped altogether. Even if you have said something incriminating, I can help mitigate the damage such evidence may have against you and your case. My reputation for successful results in Kansas City criminal defense is largely due to the thorough and aggressive investigation I perform in every matter.
I have had particular success in defending those charged with drug-related crimes, such as drug possession. As a former prosecutor, I understand the prosecutions methods and techniques. I have had great success challenging searches and seizures on behalf of clients in drug cases, as well in a variety of other matters.
My Kanas City criminal defense practice includes legal advice and representation for charges related to:
- Criminal Fraud
- Drug Violations including Possession, Sales and Distribution of Marijuana, Cocaine, Methamphetamine (METH), Heroin, Oxycontin, and other illegal controlled substances
- DUI / DWI and related Drunk Driving Charges
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- Parole & Probation Violations
- Sex Offenses
- Traffic Violations
- All other Felonies and Misdemeanors
The police only gather enough facts and information to file charges against you. Of course, the police and prosecutors are not unbiased. If you have been charged with a crime, you can trust that as your Kansas City criminal defense lawyer, I will work hard, and dig deep, to uncover facts and legal theories that will help you achieve the best possible results in your case. The police often miss or ignore facts that might help you – I will not.
I charge a flat rate for my criminal defense services, so you always know up-front how much my services will cost. Not all Kansas City criminal cases have to be tried before a judge, and I can help you negotiate a favorable plea bargain if, and when, it is in your best interest to do so.
From my law office located in Kansas City, MO, I represent criminal defendants throughout Northwest and Western Missouri, including in the communities of Kansas City, Independence, St. Joseph, Richmond, and Harrisonville in the counties of Cass, Platte, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Ray and Buchanan. If you have been arrested for drunk driving and are in need of DWI defense in Kansas City, or otherwise need a criminal defense lawyer, don’t wait another moment- Contact Me online, or call 816-452-1800 today for your best defense.
David E. Pettyjohn, Attorney at Law
5600 N. Antioch Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64119
Phone: (816) 452-1800
Fax: (816) 452-2079
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