Your Best Defense

Criminal defense attorney Jeffrey L. Burnham handles all varieties of criminal cases.
Our firm handles the most serious felonies such as Murder, Rape, and Assault, as well as all types of misdemeanors including Traffic Tickets.

Homicide and other Violent Crimes

An experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial when facing any serious crime. Many situations can lead to an arrest for a violent crime. All it takes is the right circumstances and matters can get out of hand. Whether you are facing allegations of violence in your home, or you have been involved in a bar fight or accused of another crime, the Law Office of Jeffrey L. Burnham can help. We understand that sometimes ordinary people find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Our office will fight for the best possible result by challenging the state’s evidence in the courts throughout Missouri and eastern Kansas. Criminal defense attorney Jeffrey L. Burnham is well-prepared to handle a wide range of violent crimes:

• Murder
• Homicide including manslaughter
• Weapons charges
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Domestic assault
• Robbery

What to Expect in Your Violent Crime Defense

At the Law Office of Jeffrey L. Burnham, we take seriously our professional obligation to tell clients the truth. We do not take cases unless we are reasonably certain that we can get results for our clients. We are honest with you about the results you can expect from our representation. When you have been charged with a violent crime, we talk honestly about the charges you face from murder to rape to assault. We will talk to you about the process you can expect and the courts in which you will be involved. We use in-depth criminal law knowledge combined with tireless investigation to build a strong and effective defense.

DUI Defense

BLOW or DON’T BLOW? That IS the question. If you are pulled over, or are otherwise suspected of drinking and driving, when given the opportunity, call an attorney for advice. The decision you make at that moment could be the difference in whether or not you keep your driver’s license. There are two parts or issues involved in a DUI/DWI. One is the administrative matter pertaining only to your driving privileges, and the second is the actual criminal charge for driving while intoxicated. ISSUE ONE: The Implied Consent Law states that anyone who operates a motor vehicle has automatically given consent to a chemical test of his/her blood, breath or urine. Therefore, if you do not provide the requested sample you are deemed to have refused, and thus will be subject to a one year license revocation. If you failed a chemical test, (by testing .08% or greater), and this is your first alcohol contact, then you will likely face a 30 day suspension before you will be eligible for a 60-day restricted privilege. ISSUE TWO: While the criminal component may also affect your driving privileges, it most certainly can affect your liberty. When you go to the local municipal or state court to dispose of your criminal case, you will be subject to fines, court costs, and jail time (all of which will vary depending on various factors including the court and the number of previous alcohol contacts, etc.).

Theft and Stolen Property Crimes

Burglary. Stealing. Property Damage. Shoplifting. Regardless of whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, you will most certainly benefit with an experienced criminal defense attorney guiding you through the process. Even what seems to be the smallest case of shoplifting can affect your employment, educational opportunities, even the ability to obtain some student loans. The Law Office of Jeffrey L. Burnham takes very seriously every case we agree to accept. We will obtain police reports, copies of surveillance video when available, and any other material that may be a key point in your defense. Do not fall into a false sense of security thinking this is “only a property crime”. I can assure you the prosecuting attorney will work the case along with the investigating police department just the same as any other case. Victims will be contacting the prosecutor, asking for updates, wanting answers, wanting compensation for their loss. The prosecutor has the resources of the state and local police departments at their disposal. You need someone fighting for your rights too.

Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile cases are somewhat unique within the criminal justice system. Juvenile matters can impact a child’s ability to attend school, impact their parent’s custodial rights, “label” children as troublemakers, etc., and it certainly can impact their liberty. If your child, or someone you know, has been charged with a juvenile crime, or is suspected in a matter in which they could be charged, contact the Law Office of Jeffrey L. Burnham immediately. Juveniles have rights too. It is always an advantage to have an experienced criminal defense attorney at their side at the earliest possible point in the process. An experienced attorney can not only assist the juvenile while the case works through the system, in some cases, an experienced attorney can get the case resolved before charges are even filed. Not to be overlooked is the fact that in some cases, juveniles can be charged as adults depending on several factors including the age of the juvenile, the seriousness of the offense, the perceived need for the protection of the community, etc. An experienced attorney can often have an impact on whether or not the juvenile will be charged as an adult, or whether the case remains within the juvenile system.

Drug Crimes

As you may be aware, the “War on Drugs” has led to more legislation being passed, more Americans prosecuted, and stiffer penalties for those who are convicted. Our nation’s Patriot Act mentality has caused a decrease in our protections against unlawful searches and seizures. In addition to taking your liberty, the government often tries to take your property as well – house, cars, savings – by initiating a forfeiture action against you. If you are charged with a drug offense, it is crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney who can stand by your side and fight the government for you. The Law Office of Jeffrey L. Burnham has handled numerous cases involving a variety of drug crimes and forfeiture actions. We will review possible challenges to warrants, searches, and arrests. We will look into the facts of your case to determine if there are any factual defenses which might apply. We will work hard to achieve a successful result for you.

Weapons Offenses

Any type of weapons charge is considered a very serious offense. You might be charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW), Exhibiting, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, or you might be charged as a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. No matter what the specific charge is, you can bet the local prosecuting attorney will want to get your weapon(s) off the street, and quite possibly you as well. It is crucial in a weapons offense case to be completely honest with your attorney. He needs to know the facts of the case in order to prepare the best possible defense. Was the weapon actually shown or exhibited? Were there witnesses? Was the weapon readily capable of lethal use? Or was it a toy or prop? Was there ever even a weapon to begin with? These are just some of the questions your attorney will want answers to. If you have been charged with any type of weapons offense, you need an experienced criminal attorney who will require the state to prove its case. Having been a former prosecutor, I know how the state treats these cases…what they’re looking for. You can’t afford to not have a good attorney on your side.