Kansas Felony Charges Attorney
About the Author Attorney Peter GlasserIf you're facing felony charges, the importance of having skilled legal representation cannot be overstated. Navigating the complexities of criminal law and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process require expertise and experience.
Pete Glasser is a highly experienced Kansas criminal defense lawyer, he has dedicated his career to defending clients in a wide range of serious felony cases.
With a track record spanning over two decades, Pete Glasser brings a depth of knowledge and a commitment to justice that is essential for anyone facing criminal charges.
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quickly navigate to specific sectionsTypes of Cases Handled by a Felony Defense Lawyer
Felony charges represent some of the most serious accusations in the criminal justice system, involving crimes that carry severe penalties upon conviction. Felonies can range from violent crimes such as murder and assault to significant financial crimes and serious drug offenses.
Pete has amassed considerable experience in defending clients against a variety of serious felony charges.
Having served as an Assistant District Attorney in both Johnson and Sedgwick Counties, Pete brings a dual-perspective to his defense strategies. This experience is invaluable as he understands how the prosecution builds its cases, allowing him to anticipate and counteract the tactics used against his clients. This insight is particularly beneficial in felony cases, where the stakes are exceptionally high and the legal landscape can be particularly complex.
Types of Felony Cases Handled
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Aggravated Robbery: Pete represents clients charged with armed and aggravated robbery.
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Distribution of Controlled Substances: Pete routinely challenges charges related to the distribution of illegal drugs.
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Felony DUI: Pete is skilled in handling cases involving felony driving under the influence.
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Financial Crimes: Pete defends clients charged with financial crimes, cases that are often challenging and complex.
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Kidnapping: Pete provides defense for clients accused of kidnapping.
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Murder in the First Degree: Pete has extensive experience litigating first-degree murder charges.
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Weapons Charges: Pete handles cases involving illegal possession or use of firearms and other weapons.
Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction
The legal ramifications of a felony conviction are severe and far-reaching. They typically include substantial prison time, hefty fines, and probation. Beyond these immediate penalties, a felony conviction can result in the loss of civil rights, such as the right to vote, possess firearms, and certain professional licenses.
However, the implications extend into almost every facet of one’s personal and professional life. Having a felony on your record can
- drastically reduce employment opportunities,
- limit housing options,
- and negatively affect social relationships and community standing.
This stigma can be persistent, making it difficult to rebuild a life even after serving the sentence imposed.
Rights Lost After a Felony Conviction
Loss of Civil Rights and Privileges
A felony conviction can strip you of several fundamental rights, often permanently altering your civic status and personal freedoms. These lost privileges typically include:
The Right to Vote: Loss of voting rights is a common consequence for felons, significantly impacting your ability to participate in democratic processes.
Firearm Possession: Convicted felons are generally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, affecting your constitutional rights.
Eligibility for Federal Benefits: Access to federal benefits, such as housing assistance and student loans, may be denied if you have a felony conviction.
Impact on Employment and Social Standing
In addition to the loss of rights, a felony conviction can make it difficult to secure employment, particularly in fields that require a high level of trust and security, such as education, healthcare, and government. The stigma associated with a felony record can also lead to social ostracization, affecting your relationships and standing within the community.
Peter Glasser's Defensive Strategy
Pete Glasser has a profound understanding of the severe consequences that come with a felony conviction. He recognizes that the stakes are incredibly high, not just in terms of immediate penalties but also for the long-term impact on your civil liberties and quality of life. To combat this, he employs a comprehensive and proactive defense strategy that addresses both the legal and personal aspects of a case.
Challenging the Evidence: Pete's meticulous attention to detail allows him to effectively challenge the prosecution's evidence. He scrutinizes every piece of evidence, questioning its legality, accuracy, and relevance to the case. This includes challenging improper procedures used in gathering evidence, such as breaches in search and seizure protocols or issues in the handling and custody of evidence.
Negotiating Plea Deals: When beneficial, Pete negotiates plea deals that can significantly reduce the severity of the charges or the penalties associated. His negotiations are informed by a thorough assessment of the case's strengths and weaknesses, as well as his deep understanding of the local legal system and prosecutorial tactics. This allows him to secure favorable terms that can prevent the loss of civil rights, reduce incarceration time, or even result in probation instead of jail time.
Advocating for Alternative Sentencing: Understanding that punishment does not always serve the interests of justice or rehabilitation, Pete advocates for alternative sentencing options. He works to secure sentences that focus on rehabilitation and integration rather than punitive measures alone. This may include arguing for community service, treatment programs for substance abuse, mental health counseling, or other community-based programs that address the underlying issues leading to criminal behavior.
Prior Criminal History
In Kansas, a felony sentence is determined based upon the severity level of the crime of conviction and the convicted person’s criminal history. At sentencing, a defendant is given a criminal history score. In reaching this score, the Court considers the number and types of prior convictions – misdemeanors or felonies – and whether the conviction involved a crime against a person, with “Person Felonies” having the greatest impact. Higher criminal history scores can impact how prosecutors approach cases, and will significantly affect sentencing if a conviction occurs. Understanding how courts score prior convictions is of paramount importance when facing felony charges in Kansas.
Pete Glasser has extensive experience navigating the complexities of Kansas law as it pertains to clients with complex criminal histories. His approach is tailored to handle the nuances of each case, ensuring the best possible defense for those who are often facing the most severe penalties.
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Clarification of Legal Categories: Kansas law differentiates between offenders based on their prior criminal activities, which can lead to enhanced sentences. Pete Glasser’s expertise includes a deep understanding of how these laws are applied and how they can impact your case.
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Defense Strategies for Complex Cases: For clients with a history of criminal convictions, Pete develops defense strategies that consider the entire scope of their legal history. His goal is to mitigate the impact of prior convictions on current charges, often through comprehensive legal arguments that address both the current and past offenses.
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Specialized Legal Representation: Pete's representation of clients with have significant criminal history involves meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process. His familiarity with prosecution tactics and his proactive defense measures are crucial in these high-stakes cases.
Pete’s dedicated legal services provide essential support for clients facing serious charges under Kansas’s stringent laws for prior, persistent, and dangerous offenders. By choosing Pete as your attorney, you ensure that your case is handled with the utmost professionalism and dedicated advocacy, aimed at achieving the most favorable outcome possible.
Alternatives To Going To Trial
When facing felony charges, going to trial is not always your only option. Alternatives like plea negotiations and diversion programs can often provide a pathway to more favorable outcomes, potentially reducing penalties or even leading to dismissal of charges. Understanding these options and how they can be leveraged in your defense is crucial.
Pete has a long-standing commitment to exploring all available legal avenues to benefit his clients. His involvement in the development and expansion of Johnson County’s Mental Health Diversion Program underscores his dedication to innovative legal solutions. This program, aimed at providing treatment rather than punishment for eligible defendants, reflects a progressive approach to criminal justice.
Here are several benefits of considering alternatives to trial:
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Plea Negotiations: This process involves negotiating with the prosecution to reach an agreement that might result in reduced charges or lesser sentencing in exchange for a guilty plea. Pete Glasser’s expertise and negotiation skills can be pivotal in reaching a favorable deal.
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Diversion Programs: These programs aim to divert eligible offenders away from the court system and into treatment or rehabilitation programs. Successful completion of such programs often results in the charges being dismissed, which not only avoids a trial but can also prevent a criminal record.
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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Interventions: Specialized programs like the one Pete Glasser helped expand in Johnson County focus on treating the underlying issues such as mental health or substance abuse problems that contribute to criminal behavior. These interventions can lead to better long-term outcomes for the defendant and the community.
With Pete’s guidance, exploring these alternatives can be a critical step in your defense strategy. His experience and proactive approach ensure that all viable legal options are considered to protect your future.
Why You Should Hire a Felony Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with a felony, the decision to hire an experienced Kansas defense lawyer can be one of the most important choices you make. Felony criminal defense attorney Pete Glasser brings a depth of knowledge and strategic acumen to your case, significantly enhancing your chances of a better outcome. With his extensive background in both defense and prosecution, Pete offers a comprehensive service that can be crucial in navigating the complexities of criminal law.
Here are some of the key benefits of retaining Pete as your defense attorney:
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Diverse Legal Expertise: Pete’s experience spans across a wide range of criminal law facets. From defending serious felony charges to his prior work as an Assistant District Attorney, his diverse background provides him with a unique perspective on legal strategies.
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Prosecutorial Insights: Having served as a prosecutor, Pete understands how the prosecution thinks and plans its cases. This insight gives him a tactical edge in anticipating and countering prosecution moves, often leading to favorable outcomes for his clients.
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Proven Track Record: Pete’s career is filled with examples of successfully defended clients. His strategic legal interventions have consistently protected clients’ rights and freedoms.
Choosing Pete as your felony defense attorney means securing an advocate who is committed to your case and equipped with the skills necessary to defend you effectively.
The Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges
Understanding the difference between misdemeanor and felony charges is essential for anyone facing criminal accusations. These classifications not only dictate the severity of the penalties but also influence the legal proceedings involved.
Legal Consequences and Trial Processes
Misdemeanor charges are generally less severe than felonies and carry lighter penalties, which may include fines, short-term jail sentences, or probation. Common misdemeanors include theft, assault, and first-time DUI offenses. The trial process for misdemeanors is typically quicker and might not require a jury trial, depending on the state's laws.
Felony charges, on the other hand, involve more serious crimes such as murder, rape, and significant drug offenses. Convictions for felonies carry sterner penalties, including long-term imprisonment, substantial fines, and in some cases, life sentences or capital punishment. Felony trials are more complex, usually necessitate a jury, and have longer preparatory and courtroom phases.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
For those accused of any criminal activity, understanding the distinction between these types of charges is crucial in preparing an adequate defense strategy. Pete Glasser plays a vital role in educating his clients about their charges and the potential legal ramifications. His experience in handling both misdemeanor and felony cases allows him to provide detailed insights and strategic guidance that can profoundly affect the outcome of a case.
Education on Charges: Pete ensures that you fully understand the nature of the charges you are facing and the possible consequences, empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions.
Strategic Legal Planning: Based on the classification of the charge, whether misdemeanor or felony, Pete develops a tailored defense strategy that addresses the specific nuances of your case.
Guidance Through Legal Proceedings: Pete provides comprehensive guidance through every step of the legal process, from initial hearings to trials and appeals, ensuring that you are well-prepared and represented.
Pete's commitment to his clients and his deep understanding of the criminal justice system make him an invaluable ally in navigating the often-complex legal landscape. Whether charged with misdemeanors and felonies, Pete Glasser ensures that his clients receive the most effective representation possible, tailored to the specifics of their case.