Olathe Criminal Defense Lawyer

Jerry Merrill is an Olathe Criminal Defense Lawyer Dedicated to Protecting His Clients’ Freedom

Facing criminal charges in Kansas is a very serious matter. At a minimum, misdemeanors carry the potential for up to a month in jail, while a conviction for a serious felony can land you in prison for years. Kansas law also imposes substantial fines for misdemeanors and felonies, and the consequences outside of your formal sentence can impact all aspects of your life. Finding housing, finding a job, getting into school, driving, voting and owning firearms are all things that will become much more difficult – if not impossible – if you have a conviction on your criminal record. Thus, no matter the crime, you need to consult with an Olathe criminal defense lawyer. 

Jerry Merrill is a former prosecutor who has been practicing criminal law in Kansas since 2009. After beginning his legal career with the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, Jerry established the Merrill Law Firm in order to use his prosecutorial experience to help defendants avoid unjust consequences as a result of their arrests. Jerry has an in-depth understanding of the Kansas criminal justice system, and he also understands what it means to face criminal charges in Olathe. He is an unrelenting advocate for his clients who will not hesitate to fight for their freedom in court.

How We Help Our Clients

Jerry represents clients in Olathe who are facing criminal charges ranging from Class C misdemeanors to Level 1 felonies. He handles cases involving all types of crimes, including:

Domestic Violence

Being accused of domestic violence can have immediate and lasting consequences. In order to protect yourself, you need to act quickly, and this means hiring a criminal defense lawyer right away. Jerry handles cases involving criminal damage to property, domestic battery and all other forms of domestic violence.

Drug Crimes

Possession of marijuana and other drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug cultivation and manufacturing, and drug distribution and sales are all serious crimes under Kansas law. Jerry has extensive experience defending individuals accused of drug crimes ranging from first-time simple possession to serious felony offenses carrying the potential for life-altering penalties.

Juvenile Offenses

Even as a minor, being charged with a drug crime can impact the rest of your life. Among other consequences, if you later get charged with another crime as an adult, your juvenile conviction can increase the potential sentences that are on the table. If you have been charged with a juvenile offense in Olathe, Kansas, you should not plead guilty under any circumstances.

Appeals, Expungements & Parole Violations

In Kansas’s criminal justice system, a conviction is not necessarily the end of your case. Appeals, expungements and parole violations can alter your criminal record long after your trial is over. In addition to his trial experience, Jerry also has extensive experience representing clients in appeals, expungement proceedings, and other post-conviction matters.

Serious Felonies

Aggravated assault, aggravated battery, felony drug crimes, felony domestic violence and other serious felonies require experienced, strategic and aggressive defense representation. Jerry can use his experience to protect you, but only if you contact us promptly for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Sex Offenses

Kansas law imposes substantial penalties for a long list of sex offenses. These cases often involve unique dynamics and convincing the judge or jury not to impose the maximum sentence under Kansas’s Sentencing Guidelines requires the ability to present a comprehensive and carefully-tailored defense strategy in court.

Theft Crimes

Criminal defense lawyer Jerry Merrill represents individuals charged with all theft-related crimes in Olathe, Kansas. This includes shoplifting, robbery, burglary and juvenile theft. Jerry can help you secure a favorable result in your theft case, whether that means negotiating a plea bargain or fighting for a “not guilty” verdict in court.

5 Reasons to Hire a Kansas Criminal Defense Attorney

As a defendant in Kansas’s criminal justice system, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to try to defend yourself. There is far too much at stake for you to take your chances in court, and even simple mistakes can have consequences that affect the rest of your life. Here are five benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer for your case in Olathe, Kansas:

1. The Law is Complex.

Criminal defense lawyers spend their entire careers learning, understanding and applying Kansas law. As a defendant, you need a lawyer who can determine the best way to defend you.

2. The Odds are Against You.

Without a lawyer, the odds are stacked against you. The prosecutor will vigorously try your case, and he or she will seek the maximum possible sentence in court.

3. There are Many Potential Defenses to Criminal Charges.

Even if you took all of the steps necessary to commit a crime, you may still have defenses available. An experienced defense lawyer will be able to identify all defenses that can be used to protect you.

4. Hiring a Lawyer is Less Expensive than Facing a Conviction.

A criminal conviction truly can change the rest of your life. From fines to loss of income, the long-term financial costs of a conviction can far exceed the cost of hiring a defense lawyer.

5. You Need Help.

Simply put, in order to protect yourself, you need help. You need someone who knows the system and who is capable of using the law to your advantage.

Protect Yourself Against the Strict Sentencing Guides and Punishment for Criminal Offenses 

Unlike many other states, Kansas does not specify sentences for individual felony offenses. Instead, punishment is imposed according to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines. For misdemeanors, the maximum penalties are determined by “Class,” with Class C misdemeanors carrying up to a month in jail and a $500 fine, Class B misdemeanors carrying u to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, and Class A misdemeanors carrying up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Learn more.

Request a Free Defense Consultation with an Olathe Criminal Defense Lawyer 

To discuss your case in confidence, contact us now to schedule a free criminal defense consultation. Call 913-381-2025 to request an appointment with a top Olathe criminal defense lawyer, or tell us how to reach you and we will be in touch with you shortly.