Ryan Benson was in jail awaiting his day in court in Sedgwick County. But because of crowding in the local jail, he was being held in Ottawa County. After trying unsuccessfully to get a hold of his public defender, Lacy Gilmour, Benson filed a motion to fire her as his lawyer. Gilmour explains the difficulties of contacting clients long distance.
Watch video after the jump. Read More
Today we’re launching a new feature on this site to help guide people through the sometimes daunting halls of justice.
If you click the “Court Guides” tab above, it will take you to this page, which provides links to various pages to help local residents navigate the court system.
Well, right now there’s one link, which takes you to a page on how to file a small claims lawsuit. These are suits where claims are less than $4,000 and filed by people who don’t have lawyers. This will give you a step-by-step guide on how to file a case and links for other resources, including the documents you need.
As time allows, I’ll add future pages on jury duty, diversion programs and other court processes.
I also will link to other resources around the web I find useful and reliable, so you don’t have to spend time searching them out yourself.
If you have an area or a part of the court system you’d like to see explained here, leave a comment, or send me an e-mail
I’d like to hear from judges, too. What is information you wish people had before they come to your courtroom?
The hope is to make this a resource you can use to help navigate the court system.
Lacy Gilmour drew a murder case this week and explained what she looks for in defending a crime of violence. Her client: Frederick Fritz, accused of a shooting spree inside a west Wichita apartment last month, killing one and wounding two others. According to one witness, the shooting didn’t stop Fritz from trying to flirt with her.
(Watch video after the jump) Read More
People often look at plea bargains as a deal given to the defendant. But it also helps those harmed by crimes. Prosecutor Marc Bennett said that’s an ultimate goal in cases such as the sex abuse and attempted murder plea of Chris Newberry.
(Watch video after the jump) Read More
After listening to people argue all day, judges enjoy the opportunity to hear people say, “I do.” Most judges in Sedgwick County perform marriages outside of regular court business for a $40-$50 honorarium. Jerry Chebultz, 64, of Wichita and Nadiya Hryhorenko, 42, of Ukraine were among those deciding on a courthouse wedding.
(Watch video after the jump) Read More
Most people know if they can’t afford an attorney, one will be provided for them at no cost. What they may not know is in Kansas, if they’re convicted, they have to pay their legal fees. Judges, however, have to base the fees on the defendant’s ability to pay. As we see here, it’s not always an easy decision.
(Watch video after the jump) Read More
Every day, deputies in the Judicial Division escort defendants between jail and court, often under stressful and emotional circumstances. Once in the courtroom, defendants may get a rare chance to see their families. Deputies such as David Rank have to make decisions on how much to let loved ones interact with those in custody while maintaining safety and security in the courtroom.
(Watch video after the jump) Read More
We’ve seen several defendants on Common Law receive probation instead of going to prison. But as public defender Lacy Gilmour explained, just because you get out of jail, that doesn’t mean freedom. Justin Kelly was lucky to get out, after skipping court last month. Judge James Fleetwood doubled his jail time, should he violate his probation. Kelly also learned when you show up for court with a Chinese tattoo, make sure the judge can’t read it. (Watch video after the jump) Read More
The majority of people in U.S. prisons suffer from some form of mental disorder. Lennie Coleman was one of them. The 66-year-old had just served nearly three years for threatening his neighbors when he was arrested again for drugs. Even his neighbors said he needed help. The law said Coleman should go to prison on the latest charge. Judge David Kaufman had to decide what was in the best interests of both the defendant and the community.
(Watch video after the jump) Read More
Lacy Orr was convicted of domestic violence against his former girlfriend three times in a year. This turned the crime from a misdemeanor into a felony. And as public defender Lacy Gilmour explained, Orr also gave up his last chance to stay out of prison.
(Watch video after the jump) Read More