Overland Park Criminal Defense Lawyer

Jerry Merrill is an Overland Park criminal defense lawyer who has been handling cases in Kansas’s criminal justice system since 2009. A former prosecutor with the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, Jerry understands his clients’ cases from the government’s point of view, and he knows which strategies work best when seeking to negotiate a plea deal or secure a “not guilty” verdict in court.

If you have been charged with a crime in Overland Park, you need experienced legal representation. You need a criminal defense lawyer who knows the system, and who is prepared to do whatever it takes to defend you. Jerry is a relentless advocate for his clients who knows how to protect them, and who is equally comfortable negotiating with prosecutors and taking his clients’ cases to trial.

What are the Charges Against You?

Overland Park criminal defense lawyer Jerry Merrill handles cases involving all types of misdemeanor and felony offenses. His experience includes prosecuting and defending clients in cases involving allegations of:

Domestic Violence

“Domestic violence” is a term used to describe various types of criminal offenses committed against spouses, partners, girlfriends, boyfriends and other household members. Crimes characterized as domestic violence in Kansas carry additional penalties, and the consequences of a domestic violence arrest will begin to accrue immediately.

Drug Crimes

Jerry represents individuals in Overland Park charged with all types of drug crimes, including possession, distribution and sale of marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin and prescription drugs. These crimes range from Class A misdemeanors to serious felonies, and individuals charged with many types of drug crimes can face substantial fines and years behind bars.

Juvenile Offenses

Being convicted of a juvenile offense will leave you with baggage that you may be forced to carry for the rest of your life. Under no circumstances should you plead guilty without speaking with a criminal defense lawyer, as you may have a variety of different defenses available.

Appeals, Expungements & Parole Violations

Have you already been convicted of a crime in Overland Park? If so, you could still benefit greatly from speaking with an attorney. Depending on the current status of your case, you may be eligible to file an appeal or to have your criminal record expunged. If you have been accused of violating the terms of your parole, you will need to hire an attorney in order to try to avoid being sent to prison. 

Serious Felonies

Aggravated assault, aggravated battery, felony drug crimes, felony domestic violence and other serious felonies carry severe penalties under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines. Overland Park criminal defense lawyer Jerry Merrill has the experience you need to protect your freedom and preserve your future.

Sex Offenses

Sexual battery, rape, unlawful sexual relations, criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child, and other sex offenses carry severe penalties in Kansas as well. If you have been charged with a sex crime, Jerry can use his experience to make sure you face consequences that are no greater than necessary.

Theft Crimes

If you have been charged with shoplifting, robbery, burglary, juvenile theft or any other theft crime, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is the first step toward protecting your legal rights. We offer free consultations, and Jerry will arrange to meet with you personally as soon as possible.

What are the Penalties for Misdemeanors and Felonies in Kansas?

Kansas has a complicated sentencing structure for criminal offenses. Misdemeanors are divided into three classes, while felonies are divided into 10 levels (but five levels for drug offenses), with penalty ranges prescribed by the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines. The maximum penalties for misdemeanors in Kansas are:

• Class A Misdemeanor – Up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine
• Class B Misdemeanor – Up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Class C Misdemeanor – Up to one month in jail and a $500 fine

For felonies, in addition to the prison terms outlined in the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, defendants can also face substantial fines, up to 36 months of probation, and various other penalties. A conviction can have other practical consequences as well, such as impairing your ability to find housing, land a job, or get into college.

What are the Benefits of Hiring an Overland Park Criminal Defense Lawyer?

With these penalties in mind, if you have been charged with a crime in Overland Park, it is important that you speak with a criminal defense lawyer right away. Other benefits of hiring an experienced defense attorney to represent you include:

1. Identifying All Potential Defenses

There are numerous potential defenses to criminal charges in Kansas. From exposing shortcomings in the prosecution’s case to having inadmissible evidence excluded from your trial, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to evaluate all options for protecting you.

2. Attempting to Negotiate a Plea Bargain

In many cases, the prosecutor’s office will be willing to negotiate a plea bargain that avoids the consequences of a conviction at trial. However, in order to obtain a favorable deal, you will need to hire an attorney to negotiate on your behalf.

3. Leveling the Playing Field in Court

If your case goes to court, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is the only way to level the playing field. Johnson County prosecutors are very good at what they do, and they are passionate about securing convictions in court.

4. Seeking a Reduced Sentence

A conviction does not necessarily determine the outcome of your case. There are many different options for sentencing, and an experienced attorney will be able to present persuasive arguments for a reduced sentence regardless of the crime (or crimes) of which you have been convicted.

5. Determining if You are Eligible for Post-Conviction Relief

Finally, if your case does not result in an outcome in your favor, your attorney will be able to quickly assess your options filing an appeal, having your record expunged, and pursuing other forms of post-conviction relief. If you do not fight your conviction, it will stick with you for the rest of your life.

Request a Free Initial Consultation with an Overland Park Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don’t let your arrest dictate the rest of your life. Let Overland Park criminal defense lawyer Jerry Merrill fight your charges. To learn how in a free and confidential consultation, call 913-381-2025 or request an appointment online now.