Take a moment to navigate my site and familiarize yourself with my approach and results. My clients always come first, and I am a results oriented professional.
Easily Accessible
In nearly 20 years of practicing law in several states and in our federal court system, what I hear most from clients is that the single most important thing they want is for their attorney to be easily accessible to them. I embrace this idea and maintain open lines of communication with my clients because together we are a better prepared and stronger team. Once you become my client, you will not be obstructed or stonewalled by secretaries or staffers. I will personally communicate with you, and work hand-in-hand with you as I research, investigate, and defend your cause.
Commitment
Knowing that my professional reputation and relationships with my clients depend on my expertise, dedication, and results, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that I am always thoroughly prepared. My clients and opponents all know that I leave no stone unturned in the defense of my clients.
Notable Clients
Yes, I have represented famous and influential individuals, but not one is more important than you. I assure you that every single one of my clients, regardless of how big or small the case, will receive my utmost respect and commitment.
Let's Talk
If I am to effectively represent you before the state or federal courts, the sooner we speak, the better for you. Prompt legal defense can often ameliorate problems before they grow into formidable challenges with serious consequences. I strive to protect my clients' interests from the very start of their legal problems. My initial legal consultation is entirely free with no obligations. Why don't you give me a call and let my experience work for you? Telephone: 816-421-5200
The national publication Super Lawyers Magazine has awarded Attorney Jonathan Laurans "Super Lawyer" status in both Missouri and Kansas.
Appeals and
Post Convictions
In June 2010, Mr. Laurans won a "Habeas Corpus" appeal, convincing a Kansas federal judge to set aside his client's illegal 30 year sentence.
Weeks later, he obtained an 11 year sentence reduction for a federal prisoner in Oklahoma who was serving 25 years.
Recently, significant media attention focused on Attorney Laurans' victory, a Missouri prisoner wrongfully convicted of killing his wife. In May, 2005, Mr. Laurans successfully argued to re-open a 1991 Missouri murder case, after which he then persuaded the trial judge to set aside his client's convictions and life sentences. But the Missouri Court of Appeals intervened the next year to keep Middleton behind bars. For the past four years the Middleton family has struggled to enlighten the community about this injustice. Read about the case, and the recent expose' by The Pitch, at www.free-kenmiddleton.com.
Your Appeal Deserves an Experienced Attorney
Representing "appellants" - those people who have lost their trials in the local district and circuit courts - is some of the most challenging and difficult work an attorney can undertake. Appellant's counsel must convince a panel of judges in the Court of Appeals, or the Supreme Court, that the trial court's decision was incorrect. By law, all presumptions go against the appellant. This type of work requires dedication, and strong advocacy skills. Wins are rare.
Attorney Laurans has a Wealth of Experience
Mr. Laurans' successes in the appellate courts span almost two decades. For example, in June, 2000, Mr. Laurans won an appeal to set aside racketeering and drug charges for a Kentucky man whose farm was illegally searched and whose property was then all illegally seized by the DEA. Mr. Laurans uncovered that the state police officers who initially applied to a small town judge in the middle of the night had actually doctored their search warrant application, and actually had no probable cause needed to search the appellant's home in the first place. The client's convictions were set aside, and all of his property was returned. Read about it at United States v. Herron, 215 F.3d 812 (8th Cir. 2000).
In the Missouri Court of Appeals, Mr. Laurans successfully argued for the reversal of a murder conviction for a father of five who accidentally shot a man while protecting his family. State v. Ray, 945 S.W.2d 462 (Mo. App. W.D. 1997).
In a landmark 1994 Kansas Supreme Court case, Mr. Laurans won an appeal that shielded his client from multimillion-dollar liability and clarified the "Inherently Dangerous Activity" doctrine which governs landowners' obligations to persons on their property. McCubbin v. Walker, 256 Kan. 276, 886 P.2d 790 (1994).
But not all cases can be won. In 1996, Mr. Laurans again argued to the Kansas Supreme Court, this time representing the victims in the first-ever "Protection from Abuse Act" case heard by the Justices. Paida v. Leach, 260 Kan. 292, 917 P.2d 1342 (1996). The Supreme Court sided with the perpetrator. (Mr. Laurans also argued the first ever case arising under the "Protection from Stalking Act." Smith v. Martens, 279 Kan. 242, 106 P.3d 28 (2005).)
And sometimes it takes years for the courts to admit an error. In State v. Hobbs, 276 Kan. 44, 71 P.3d 1140 (2003), the Kansas Supreme Court refused to shorten an illegally calculated sentence. In December, 2008, some five years later, the Supreme Court finally acknowledged the Hobbs appeal was wrongly decided. See State v. Schow, 287 Kan. 529, 197 P.3d 825 (2008).
Attorney Laurans has been successfully handling appeals for approximately 20 years.
In local US district courts, Mr. Laurans won the release from prison of the former Kansas Lieutenant Governor, and he won the release of a Missouri man jailed in Minnesota who is the first federal inmate ever freed for the purpose of obtaining a heart transplant.
Mr. Laurans cares about his clients, and fights vigorously for their rights.
"I promise that I will expend maxium effort on your behalf, and I will work tirelessly to overturn your trial court result if at all possible."
- Jonathan Laurans
Contact Attorney Laurans
Contact Mr. Laurans directly to schedule a convenient and FREE initial legal consultation.
Telephone: 816-421-5200
To email Attorney Laurans click Contact.