Murder Suspect Represents Himself

Shawnee County District Judge Nancy Parrish recently allowed Caleb Kanatzar to dismiss his attorney and represent himself in court despite repeated warnings the legal maneuver could have serious adverse consequences. Kanatzar is charged with intentional second-degree murder for the killing of a Topeka man found dead in his car in the middle of the road during the early morning hours of December 04, 2015.

During a recent hearing, the defendant and his attorney spent nearly an hour in closed court discussing whether self-representation was possible. After initially rejecting and then consenting to allow his public defender to remain on the case, the defendant had a swift change of heart over the pace of the proceedings.

Kanatzar dismissed his lawyer on the spot after his attorney requested a continuance for a preliminary hearing in the case. The defendant expressed his dissatisfaction with the legal wranglings and insisted he represented himself. The judge allowed the move, but only after repeated warnings about what could lie ahead for the defendant.

Why is it a bad idea to represent yourself in court?

Representing one’s self in criminal court is a bad idea and more often than not will result in a guilty verdict. This is because criminal cases are often won and lost depending on what types of evidence and testimony prosecutors can get into the record.

Experienced Olathe criminal defense attorneys understand the complexity of these matters, and have a strong knowledge legal terminology, how to make proper objections to exclude evidence, and how to stand up for the legal rights of their clients. After an arrest, defendants should immediately seek qualified legal counsel to begin preparing a strong defense and refute legal moves by prosecutors.

Furthermore, since most criminal cases do not go to trial, defendants need criminal defense attorneys to arrange plea bargains to avoid lengthy jail sentences or even have charges dismissed altogether. Criminal defendants should never take a chance on their freedom by thinking they can properly represent themselves against an experienced career prosecutor in court.

Olathe criminal defense attorneys

If you face criminal charges in Kansas, contact the experienced Olathe criminal defense attorneys of the Morrison Law Firm, LLC for a free initial consultation, call us at (913) 780-6666. With decades of experience as a former Attorney General for the state of Kansas and Johnson County District Attorney, Paul Morrison knows how to win cases and will work tirelessly to help clear your good name.