Firm News

Sexual assault is a highly traumatic experience that affects every survivor differently. The response that someone has to being sexually assaulted or abused can depend on the age of the victim, the severity of the crime, the relationship between the abuser and the abused, the victim’s available support system, and more. Read on to learn why some people stay quiet about sexual…

A civil lawsuit may sound daunting, but it is a well-established legal process that always follows a particular pattern. Understanding the six main stages of a civil lawsuit can help you know what to expect and make it easier for you and your family to go through the legal process in Kansas.  1. Filing the Claim With the Civil Courts The first…

There are two different bodies of law within the United States justice system: civil and criminal. A civil case is brought when someone commits a tort, or wrongdoing, that results in injury or harm to another person. A criminal case is filed when someone breaks a law or commits a criminal offense. Understanding this difference is important if you are the victim…

Age of consent laws are critical in sexual assault and abuse cases. Consent is someone’s agreement to participate in sexual activity. Engaging in sexual acts with someone without that person’s consent is a crime. If an individual is younger than the age of consent in a particular state, he or she cannot legally agree to sexual activity. The age of consent in…

In 1994, Governor Joan Finney signed the Kansas Sexually Violent Predator Act into law with the goal of abating the nationwide wave of repeat violent sexual offenses. This act allows for the civil confinement of certain people who have been classified as sexually violent predators after the conclusion of their criminal sentences. Although the passing of this law was met with some…

Client Wins Jury Verdict of $837,000 in 45 Minutes DRZ represented a business owner who had an office built in Overland Park, Kansas. The construction did not go as planned. From the beginning, water leaked into the building. DRZ’s client needed the space to be dry so he could build out the interior and expand his business. Finally, an engineering company inspected…

Insurance Policies: What the Jury Doesn’t Know May Affect the Outcome of a Sexual Assault Case At a sexual assault trial, the plaintiff is not allowed to tell the jury that the defendant has an insurance policy. This is important because jurors may mistakenly assume the defendant is paying for its own lawyers and will be responsible for any judgment. This is…

Everyone has a responsibility to look out for the safety, health and welfare of children in their communities. Under Kansas law, however, certain individuals have a legal obligation to report suspicions of child sexual abuse or neglect. These individuals are known as mandated reporters, and they can face penalties for failing to speak up if they suspect certain crimes against children. Find…

Child abuse and neglect are crimes that continue to pervade America. With the month of April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, it is incredibly important to recognize the importance of spreading awareness and bringing communities together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Find out how to spot and report child abuse or neglect in Kansas to keep the children in your…

Sex crimes against children take many forms and have various definitions. While the phrases “child molestation” and “child sexual abuse” may be used interchangeably, there are key differences that separate them as two different crimes on a legal level in Kansas – with different penalties for perpetrators. Learn this distinction if you are a parent, guardian or another concerned adult who suspects…