Criminal Defense in Wichita, KS
What Is A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Wichita, Kansas attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Wichita, KS is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Kansas criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Wichita criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Wichita, Kansas
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Wichita professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Wichita, KS who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Wichita you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.
Probation
Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Kansas laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.
Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.
In Wichita, Kansas you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.
Residents of Wichita facing probation should know that the court has limits on the lengths of the sentence that can be handed down. A misdemeanor in Kansas cannot exceed 2 years of probation. For a felony, there is a mandatory minimum probation of 36 months. However, the sentence cannot exceed more than 5 years.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
The Kansas Office of Judicial Administration oversees the probationary periods for residents of Wichita. Conditions of probation can include random alcohol and drug testing, substance abuse classes, and regular meetings with your probation officer. You may also have to engage in community service, if the court deems it necessary for your rehabilitation.
If you violate the terms of your probation you can be arrested and held in custody for up to 18 days. However, you have the right to a hearing, and an experienced attorney in Wichita can help you. You may have to appear before a judge at the 18th Judicial District Court. If you are guilty of a violation of your probation you might go back to jail, or have your original sentence reinstated.
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Wichita, Kansas criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
Parole
Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet. In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.
Parole is a term to refer to the period of time that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole.
Wichita parolees are assigned to a parole officer by the Kansas Department of Corrections. Kansas is split into northern and southern regions. Parole offices have locations operating in 20 communities. While on parole you’ll have to conduct yourself as a model citizen. You’ll need to commit no further crimes, refrain from associating with known felons, pay restitution and court fees where necessary, and maintain your current residence. Unless you receive express permission from the court to change your address. These requirements are set out by the Kansas Prisoner Review Board. If you violate the terms of your parole you could find yourself back in jail serving out the remainder of your sentence. But, you are entitled to a hearing before the Parole Board, and are entitled to representation. An experienced attorney in Wichita can help.
If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Wichita, KS criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Wichita, Kansas Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Wichita criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Wichita, KS criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Kansas state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
