Johnson County Criminal Defense Attorney
Defending the Rights of the Accused in Johnson County, KS
From the moment that you are accused of a criminal act, everything begins to change. People may look at you differently and your plans for the future will be forever changed if you are convicted of committing that offense. You must have the help of a dedicated Johnson County criminal lawyer who will fight for you. As a former prosecutor, I have seen the devastating effect that a criminal offense has on the lives of those who are convicted. That is why I have devoted my professional career to defending the rights of those accused of crimes in Johnson County.
For nearly 30 years, my criminal law firm, The Law Office of John Harvell, has been aggressively defending clients against all types of criminal charges. I utilize a variety of legal resources and my extensive courtroom experience to build cases that are uniquely tailored to my clients' charges. At times, I am even able to negotiate with the prosecutor or judge to stop a case before it ever reaches trial. When your future is on the line, you can trust that I know how to protect it.
As a criminal defense attorney Johnson County residents can turn to in some of the most difficult moments of their lives, I guide clients through every stage of the process, from the first court appearance at the Johnson County District Court in Olathe to negotiations and, when necessary, trial. I take time to explain what each hearing means, what options you may have, and how different choices could affect your record, your job, and your family. My goal is to make sure you are not left in the dark about your case or the potential consequences you face.
To speak with our experienced Johnson County criminal defense lawyers, call us at (888) 879-7087 or contact us online today.
Criminal Lawyer Serving Johnson County
Regardless of whether you have been charged with a drug crime, theft crime or a domestic violence crime, I have the legal knowledge to defend your rights during every step of the way. I have successfully defended minors against juvenile crime charges, and I also know how to defend professional businessmen and women against white collar crimes. I understand the significant impact that my work will have on your life and future, and that is why I devote personal time and energy to your case from the outset.
When you work with a Johnson County Criminal Defense Attorney who has appeared in local courts for many years, you benefit from familiarity with local procedures, judges, and prosecutors. I use that background to evaluate whether diversion, probation, or alternative sentencing programs may be available in your case and to help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking a plea versus going to trial. By carefully reviewing police reports, body camera footage, and other evidence, I focus on identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case that can be used in negotiations or in the courtroom.
If you are convicted of a criminal offense such as drug possession or theft, you may be forced to spend many years in prison or jail. I fight tirelessly so that you can obtain reduced or dismissed charges, and I take pride in providing the highest quality of legal representation available.
As a defense lawyer Johnson County clients can rely on, I also understand that protecting your future involves more than just the outcome in the courtroom. A conviction can affect your driver's license, professional licenses, housing options, and educational opportunities. I take these collateral consequences into account as I advise you, and I work to pursue resolutions that limit long-term damage whenever the law and the facts allow. I encourage open communication so you can ask questions about how different strategies might influence your record and your life after the case is resolved.
Common types of criminal cases I handle in Johnson County include:
- Drug-related charges such as possession, distribution, or manufacturing, where I examine how the substances were found and whether law enforcement followed proper search and seizure rules.
- Theft and property crimes including shoplifting, burglary, and fraud, which can carry serious consequences for your record and employment prospects if not handled carefully.
- Violent offenses such as domestic violence, assault, or battery, where I evaluate witness statements, physical evidence, and any self-defense issues that may be present.
- Juvenile and white collar matters in which I work to protect minors and professionals from long-term harm by seeking options that focus on rehabilitation and damage control whenever possible.
Understanding the Kansas Criminal Court Process
Many people facing charges have never been in trouble before and are understandably anxious about what will happen next. I believe that understanding the basic steps in a Kansas criminal case can reduce some of that fear and help you make thoughtful decisions. From the moment of arrest or notice to appear, there are important deadlines and hearings that can affect your rights, your release conditions, and the strength of your defense. By walking you through this process, I help you stay informed and prepared at every stage of your case.
Most cases in Johnson County begin with an arrest or a summons and an initial appearance in court, where the judge addresses bond and advises you of the charges. The case may then move to arraignment, pretrial conferences, and motion hearings, where legal challenges to the evidence can be raised. In felony cases, there is often a preliminary hearing in the Johnson County District Court to determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed. Throughout these stages, I evaluate the prosecution's file, look for procedural errors, and advise you on whether to continue negotiating or prepare for trial.
Plea negotiations can occur at many points in the process, and in some situations diversion or amendment of the charges may be possible under Kansas law. If your case goes to trial, a judge or jury will hear the evidence and decide whether the state has met its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. My role is to protect your constitutional rights, challenge unreliable or unlawfully obtained evidence, and present your side of the story clearly and persuasively. I also help you consider the long-term impact of any proposed resolution so that your choices are guided not just by the immediate pressure of court, but by your goals for the future.
Johnson County Resource Links
Contact a criminal defense attorney in Johnson County at The Law Office of John Harvell for the high-quality legal representation you need!
To speak with our experienced Johnson County criminal defense lawyers, call us at (888) 879-7087 or contact us online today.
Why Choose John Harvell?
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Build Compelling Defense Strategies That More Effectively Protect My Clients' Rights
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Highly Knowledgeable Regarding All Major Updates to Kansas DUI Laws
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Former Prosecutor, Understanding Both Sides of The Courtroom
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Nearly 30 Years Representing Clients Throughout Kansas
Client Testimonials
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"Successful defense"Mr. Harvell and I worked closely together and created a successful defense on both the driver's license suspension and the DUI charge.- DC
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"Withdraw the motion"...the prosecutor agreed to withdraw the motion.- CP
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"Case was dismissed"After appearing for a hearing to revoke probation, the case was dismissed.- RB
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"Charges were dismissed"Mr. Harvell filed a Motion to Suppress because of an illegal car search. Prior to trial, the charges were dismissed.- TC
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"Request for diversion"My work requires a security clearance, and it was very important that I did not receive a conviction for this matter.- AT
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"Important result"I am from a foreign country and was facing deportation. This was a very important result.- CK
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"Charges dismissed"After I hired Mr. Harvell, he contacted my witnesses and convinced the prosecution that charges should be dismissed.- MM
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"You rock John"This is such a relief. You rock John.- RK
