1. Hulnick, Stang, Gering & Leavitt, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and 80+ years combined experience
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, traffic infractions, theft, assault, white-collar crimes
Background: When rights are on the line, Hulnick, Stang, Gering & Leavitt provides trial-tested criminal defense. As a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated Criminal Defense Law Firm, they have proven legal experience and attitude to stand strong in defense of clients’ futures. With over 80 combined years spent fighting for clients’ rights and futures, the attorneys are not intimidated by the tactics and strategies used by the government. By taking the time to review the charges and evidence, the firm is often able to uncover important details missed by prosecutors or law enforcement. Using a team approach, the firm works hard to provide an organized effort in analyzing, preparing, and delivering a strong and aggressive defense.
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Contact: (316) 665-7227 | https://www.hulnicklaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation with same-day appointments available
2. Kerns Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with national and international trial experience
Practice Areas: Murder, drug crimes, DUI/DWI, white-collar crime, federal crimes, violent crimes, international criminal defense
Background: Kurt Patrick Kerns is the founding attorney of the Kerns Law Group in Wichita. Licensed in Kansas since 1991 with a J.D. from Washburn University, his focus has been solely on criminal defense law. Kerns boasts a remarkable record in serious criminal cases, including multiple acquittals in murder trials, 10 acquitted out of 14 taken to jury verdict in federal courts, alongside success in drug conspiracies, fraud, and high-stakes international war crimes defense at The Hague. The firm is known locally as the “Warrior Lawyers.” Attorney Kerns is one of only a few U.S. attorneys authorized to practice before the International Criminal Court. The firm has offices in Wichita, Dodge City, and The Hague.
Location: 328 North Main St., Wichita, KS 67202
Contact: (316) 265-5511 | https://kernslawgroup.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. McConnell Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with bold tenacity and creative methods
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, sex crimes
Background: Wichita criminal defense attorney Jonathan W. McConnell founded his namesake law firm in 2014 before rebranding it to the McConnell Law Firm in 2017. Jon is well-known for his bold tenacity and creative methods in defending clients. He has built a fearless team that fights for clients with tireless courage. The firm’s approach to criminal defense has earned ratings at the top of the profession with the most prestigious legal directories. The firm wants clients to move on, have good lives, and never need the services of a criminal defense lawyer again. This sometimes involves getting to the root of the current situation and why it happened. The team cares for the whole person and does the hard work that helps mitigate deeper issues.
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Contact: (316) 243-5903 | https://jonathanwmcconnell.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Weiser Law Group, Inc.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former police officer experience
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes
Background: Attorney Philip L. Weiser has over 20 years of experience as an attorney and previously served as a police officer for 15 years. This unique background gives him perspective from both sides of the law, understanding police procedures and tactics. As a former police officer and now attorney, he is well versed in the legal system from both perspectives. The firm emphasizes that when dealing with larger firms, cases and clients can easily find themselves lost in the cracks. Each client works directly with Attorney Weiser from initial contact to resolution of the case. He treats every client like his only client, dedicating time, resources, and energy into every step of the defense process.
Location: 940 N Main St., Suite 2, Wichita, KS 67203
Contact: (316) 260-7070 | https://www.philweiserlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Beall & Mitchell LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with client-centered approach
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, federal crimes
Background: At Beall & Mitchell LLC, the team understands that facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful experiences of a person’s life. The dedicated team of Wichita criminal defense attorneys is committed to providing a client-centered approach throughout the legal journey. From initial consultation to case resolution, the firm prioritizes clients’ needs and concerns. What sets the firm apart is its empathetic and thorough representation, which includes personalized strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. The criminal law attorneys handle a wide range of criminal defense matters in both state and federal courts. The firm uses knowledge of specific county courts and other lawyers to ensure clients receive the best representation possible.
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Contact: (316) 842-4014 | https://www.beallandmitchell.com/
Consultation: Free fifteen-minute consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Kansas
Felony Classifications
Kansas uses a sentencing grid system rather than traditional felony classes. Felonies are categorized by severity levels 1-10 (1 being most serious) and drug offenses have separate severity levels 1-5:
Severity Level 1 Felonies: Include first-degree murder. Sentences range from 147-653 months depending on criminal history.
Severity Level 2 Felonies: Include second-degree murder and manufacturing methamphetamine. Sentences range from 109-493 months.
Severity Level 3 Felonies: Include voluntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery. Sentences range from 55-247 months.
Severity Level 4 Felonies: Include involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. Sentences range from 38-172 months.
Severity Level 5-10 Felonies: Include various offenses with decreasing severity and corresponding sentence ranges.
Drug offenses use a separate grid with severity levels 1-5.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Maximum 1 year in county jail and $2,500 fine. Examples include theft of property valued $1,000-$25,000, battery, and DUI (first offense).
Class B Misdemeanor: Maximum 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include criminal trespass, criminal damage to property under $1,000, and possession of marijuana (first offense).
Class C Misdemeanor: Maximum 1 month in county jail and $500 fine. Examples include disorderly conduct and public urination.
Unclassified Misdemeanors: Some offenses specify their own penalties rather than falling into a class.
Expungement Laws
Kansas allows expungement of certain criminal records:
Eligible Offenses: Many misdemeanors and non-person felonies may be expunged after waiting periods. First-time drug offenders may be eligible for earlier expungement.
Waiting Periods: 3 years for misdemeanors, 5 years for non-person felonies, and 5 years for some person felonies. Waiting period begins after completion of sentence, probation, or diversion.
Ineligible Offenses: Most person felonies (crimes against persons), sex offenses, and certain traffic offenses cannot be expunged.
Effect of Expungement: After expungement, you can legally state you were not arrested or convicted for that offense for most purposes.
DUI Laws
Kansas DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial). First offense is a Class B misdemeanor (48 hours to 6 months jail, $750-$1,000 fine, 30-day license suspension plus 330 days restriction). Second offense is a Class A misdemeanor (90 days to 1 year jail). Third offense is a nonperson felony (90 days to 1 year jail). Fourth and subsequent offenses are nonperson felonies with increased penalties. Kansas has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license suspension (first offense).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines Grid and how does it work?
Kansas uses a sentencing guidelines grid system that determines presumptive sentences based on two factors: the severity level of the offense (ranked 1-10 for felonies) and the offender’s criminal history score (ranked A-I, with A being most extensive history). The intersection of these two factors on the grid determines the presumptive sentence. Sentences above the double line on the grid are presumptive prison sentences; sentences below are presumptive probation. Judges can depart from the presumptive sentence if they find substantial and compelling reasons, but must state those reasons on the record. Drug offenses use a separate grid with severity levels 1-5. Understanding where you fall on the grid is essential to knowing your potential exposure. A Wichita criminal defense attorney can calculate your criminal history score and explain the presumptive sentence for your charges.
What is diversion in Kansas and how do I qualify?
Diversion in Kansas is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor where, instead of prosecuting the case, the defendant agrees to comply with certain conditions for a specified period. If the defendant successfully completes diversion, the charges are dismissed and the arrest can be expunged. Conditions typically include paying fees, completing community service, attending classes, and staying out of trouble. Diversion is generally available for first-time offenders charged with less serious offenses. The prosecutor has discretion to offer or deny diversion. Certain offenses, including DUI and domestic violence, have specific diversion programs with their own requirements. A Wichita criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor for diversion where appropriate and help you understand the conditions you would need to follow.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Kansas?
A felony conviction in Kansas carries serious consequences beyond incarceration. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal law and Kansas law (can be restored 5-10 years after completion of sentence depending on offense). You lose the right to vote while incarcerated and until completion of supervision. You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses. You may face difficulty finding employment and housing. Certain felonies require sex offender registration. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Felonies remain on your record unless expunged (and many felonies are not eligible for expungement). A Wichita criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue expungement where eligible.
What is the difference between Sedgwick County District Court and Wichita Municipal Court?
Criminal cases in Wichita are heard in different courts depending on the nature of the offense. Wichita Municipal Court handles violations of Wichita city ordinances, including traffic offenses and minor misdemeanors occurring within Wichita city limits. Sedgwick County District Court handles all felonies, state misdemeanors, and more serious offenses. The Sedgwick County Courthouse is located at 525 N. Main Street in Wichita. Appeals from Municipal Court go to District Court for trial de novo (a new trial). Having a Wichita criminal defense attorney who knows both court systems and the specific judges and prosecutors can provide an advantage in navigating your case.
Can I seal my juvenile record in Kansas?
Kansas provides for sealing of juvenile adjudications (the juvenile equivalent of convictions) under certain circumstances. Two years after the final discharge from supervision, a person may petition to have their juvenile records sealed. The court considers factors including the nature of the offense, the petitioner’s subsequent behavior, and the best interests of justice. If the petition is granted, the records are sealed from public access, and the person can legally deny the existence of the record for most purposes. However, sealed records can still be accessed by courts, law enforcement for certain purposes, and some licensing agencies. Not all juvenile adjudications are eligible for sealing, particularly serious person offenses. A Wichita criminal defense attorney can determine if your juvenile record is eligible for sealing and file the petition.