Our team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff works together to give every case the attention it deserves. With extensive experience in criminal defense, our firm and its attorneys have earned recognition through both local and national awards.
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“This firm is very patient, courteous and professional.”“I am very satisfied with services rendered and would recommend to anyone with moving violations.”- Christopher W. -
“My case was resolved with the best possible outcome.”“Great experience working with this Firm! They made the entire process stress-free and always kept me informed.”- Ivan T.
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“They took care of everything and kept me informed!”“Everyone I've talked to is so nice and they let me know straightforward what we need to do, what we can expect, and all of my options. I'm so very thankful for this team!”- Kimalea M.
A Record of Fighting and Winning for Clients
Focused on you and your future
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Domestic Assault REDUCED
Cass County, 2024. Client was actually defending themself.
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Probation Revocation Set Aside
Cass County, 2023. Saved client from being revoked by arguing the officer was not credible.
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DWI Dismissed
Cass County, 2023. DWI was dismissed after successfully arguing no probable cause found.
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Violation Order Protection Dismissed
Jackson County, 2023. Argued not enough evidence.
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DWI REDUCED
Cass County, 2023. Challenged blood evidence in a DWI and was able to get the DWI amended to defective equipment.
Kansas City Criminal Defense Attorneys
Vigorously Defending the Accused Since 2002
Being accused of a crime is an incredibly isolating and terrifying experience. From the moment you are placed under arrest, it can feel like your entire world is falling apart. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors may treat you like you are convicted, leaving you to navigate an overwhelming system where the odds are already stacked against you.
At Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, we understand that an arrest does not tell your whole story. Our criminal defense lawyers are committed to protecting your reputation and freedom by providing the tenacious advocacy you deserve. Our firm conducts independent investigations to challenge the evidence and push back against one-sided narratives while defending your life and liberty at every step.
No two criminal cases are the same, which is why our team tailors its defense strategy to the specific charge, court, and circumstances involved. Our attorneys regularly represent clients across the full spectrum of Missouri and Kansas criminal law, including:
- DWI Defense — First-time, felony, drug-related, and commercial driver (CDL) DWI charges
- Drug Crimes — Possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking allegations
- Domestic Violence — Assault, stalking, kidnapping, and protective order matters
- Sex Crimes — Sexual assault, statutory rape, and internet-related offenses
- Violent Crimes — Assault, armed criminal action, homicide, and manslaughter
- White Collar Crimes — Fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft
- Theft Crimes, Gun Crimes, Federal Crimes, and Traffic Violations
Whether you're facing a municipal traffic matter or a high-stakes federal indictment, our team has the courtroom experience to build a defense around the specifics of your case rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
If you were charged with a crime in Kansas City, we can vigorously defend your rights and reputation. Contact us online or call (816) 323-3460 to request a case evaluation.
Honored Among the Top 30 Criminal Defense Firms Out of 355+ in KCMO
Overview of Missouri Criminal Law
Under Missouri law, criminal offenses are strictly categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged offense. Understanding these classifications is essential to recognizing the stakes you are up against.
Missouri Misdemeanor Classifications
Misdemeanors are less severe offenses, but a conviction still results in a permanent criminal record, expensive fines, and potential jail time. Missouri divides misdemeanors into four main classes:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $2,000 (e.g., third-degree domestic assault).
- Class B Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000 (e.g., first-offense DWI).
- Class C Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $750.
- Class D Misdemeanor: Typically punishable by fines up to $500 with no jail time.
Missouri Felony Classifications
Felonies are serious crimes that carry more than one year of incarceration, to be served in a state penitentiary rather than a local jail. Under Missouri’s criminal code, felonies are categorized into five distinct classes:
- Class A Felony: The most severe class, carrying a sentence of 10 to 30 years, or life imprisonment (e.g., first-degree murder, first-degree assault).
- Class B Felony: Punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison (e.g., voluntary manslaughter, first-degree burglary).
- Class C Felony: Punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 (e.g., possession of a controlled substance without a prescription).
- Class D Felony: Punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 (e.g., a third DWI offense).
- Class E Felony: The least severe felony class, punishable by up to 4 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 (e.g., stalking, passing bad checks).
What to Expect: The Missouri Criminal Case Process
Understanding how a criminal case moves through the system can make an overwhelming situation feel more manageable. While every case is different, most Missouri criminal charges generally follow this path:
- Arrest or Summons: Law enforcement takes you into custody or issues a citation requiring a court appearance. This is the point at which having legal counsel matters most — anything said during this stage can be used later in the case.
- Bail or Bond Hearing: A judge determines whether you'll be released while your case is pending and under what conditions. Our attorneys often intervene at this stage to advocate for reasonable bond terms.
- Arraignment: You're formally notified of the charges and enter an initial plea. This is also when we begin identifying early opportunities to challenge the case.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence. This phase is where our attorneys scrutinize police reports, lab results, and witness statements, and where we may file motions to suppress evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches or procedural errors.
- Plea Negotiations: Many cases resolve through negotiated agreements. We only recommend a plea when it's genuinely in your best interest — never as a shortcut.
- Trial: If a fair resolution can't be reached, we prepare every case as though it's headed to trial, presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing (If Convicted): Missouri judges weigh statutory guidelines, the severity of the offense, and mitigating factors. Skilled advocacy at this stage can significantly affect the outcome.
Why Choose Our team?
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Relentless Representation & Proven Results
We fight for what’s best for you, not the easiest outcome. Backed by a strong record of courtroom success, we’re committed to protecting your rights and securing the best possible result.
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Knowledge-Driven Defense
With deep experience in criminal law, our attorneys handle everything from DWI to high-profile cases, using strong negotiation skills and comprehensive knowledge of state and federal law to your advantage.
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Empathetic, Client-First Approach
We understand how overwhelming criminal charges can be. Our team provides patient, compassionate guidance, clearly explaining each step so you feel informed, supported, and confident throughout your case.
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Recognized & Trusted Legal Advocacy
Benjamin Law Firm, LLC is recognized among Kansas City’s top law firms, earning honors like the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Avvo’s Client’s Choice Award for dedicated, client-focused representation.
