DUI in Johnson County
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Johnson County, Kansas, you could face consequences that follow you for the rest of your life. This is the case even if you have never been arrested for DUI before. In order to better understand the potential consequences that you could be facing, it is useful to understand the courthouses, law enforcement agencies, and jails that are involved in a Johnson County DUI case. To learn more about what a Johnson County DUI charge means for you, contact attorney Adam D. Stolte today.
Johnson County Courthouses
Most DUI arrests in Johnson County are prosecuted in the Johnson County District Court, located at 100 N. Kansas Avenue in Olathe, Kansas. The district court will hear both misdemeanor and felony DUI cases, regardless of which law enforcement agency makes the arrest.
The current courthouse first opened in 1951, with building completed in four major phases. This courthouse was built on the site of the original county courthouse, which was demolished to allow for a larger, more modern version. Major additions were added in 1954, 1968, 1972, and 1976. The courthouse is home not only to all of the district courtrooms, but the prosecutor's office and much of the Sheriff's department as well.
Johnson County Law Enforcement
In Johnson County, there is a patchwork of law enforcement agencies tasked with patrolling the streets and deterring drunken drivers. These agencies vary, with some having jurisdiction statewide while others only cover certain municipalities within the county. Here are the law enforcement agencies you are most likely to encounter in Johnson County.
Kansas Highway Patrol
Kansas' statewide law enforcement agency is known as the Kansas Highway Patrol. First established in 1937, the Highway Patrol was originally formed to enforce traffic laws statewide. While the Highway Patrol still fulfils that role, it is also tasked with staffing the state capitol and inspecting motor carriers as well.
Statewide, there are more than 800 members of the Kansas Highway Patrol. In Johnson County, it is not uncommon to see these law enforcement officers on highways and in unincorporated parts of the county. The patrol has statewide law enforcement powers, meaning they can patrol anywhere within Johnson County.
Johnson County Sheriff
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is the only countywide law enforcement agency in Johnson County. Sheriff's deputies have law enforcement powers anywhere in the county. They often patrol and investigate crimes outside of city limits, but frequently work hand-in-hand with municipal police forces to combat drunken driving.
Municipal Police
There are more than a dozen incorporated cities within Johnson County, most of which have their own police department. These departments obviously vary in size, with larger cities like Olathe and Overland Park operating a much larger police force than some of the smaller towns. Below are a few of the Johnson County municipalities that operate a police department.
- Olathe
- Overland Park
- Bonner Springs
- De Soto
- Edgerton
- Lenexa
- Merriam
- Mission Hills
- Mission Woods
- Prairie Village
- Roeland Park
- Shawnee
- Westwood
- Westwood Hills
Johnson County Jails
The primary jail in Johnson County is the Johnson County Jail. For those arrested for DUI, this is typically where they are initially processed and held until release. Upon conviction, the Johnson County Jail is also the facility where many defendants will be required to serve their sentence.
The jail, also known as the Adult Detention Center, is located at 27745 W. 159th Street in New Century, Kansas. First opened in 2000, the facility boasts awards from the American Institute of Architects for its efficiency and design.
Prosecuting Attorney
The prosecuting attorney in Johnson County is an elected official that is also empowered as a constitutional officer for the State of Kansas. The office has approximately 100 employees, with dozens of assistant district attorneys assigned to a variety of cases. The District Attorney's Office prosecutes both misdemeanor and felony DUI cases stemming from arrests by all of the law enforcement agencies described above.
How a Johnson County KS DUI Attorney Can Help Your Case
A large number of powerful government entities come together when you face a DUI charge in Johnson County. The prosecuting attorney has ample resources and is supplemented by the investigative power of state, county, and local police. With so much stacked against you, hiring the right Johnson County DUI attorney is critical. Attorney Adam D. Stolte has dedicated his legal career to advocating for those accused of a crime. A former Assistant Appellate Defender for the Kansas Appellate Defender's Office, Adam D. Stolte understands what you have at stake. To discuss your case with a seasoned Johnson County DUI attorney, contact Stolte Law, LLC today.
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