Prosecutors Drop Charges

The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office recently dropped a pair of charges against the owner of an infamous Derby exotic dance club, Michelle’s Beach House. While the move is significant for the defendant, the charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors are eligible to refile the case within the five-year statute of limitations for the charges.

Case Results

The case began in March 2016 when the defendant was formally charged with misdemeanor battery and felony obstruction of prosecution or apprehension, requiring a $10,000 appearance bond. The misdemeanor battery charge accused the defendant of engaging in physical contact with a person “in a rude, insulting or angry manner.”

At the same time, prosecutors charged the defendant with felony obstruction of prosecution charges, claiming she aided her now ex-husband, a fugitive from justice following his detention in federal prison, making him unable to fulfill the requirements of his parole in Sedgwick County. The defendant’s ex-husband had been charged by prosecutors with rape but subsequently pleaded down to attempted aggravated indecent liberties of a minor.

The defendant’s legal issues were also compounded when the alleged victim of her ex-husband’s crimes filed a petition for a restraining order. The victim alleges the defendant in this case approached her at her workplace at which point she became concerned for her safety and filed the petition.

Defendant avoids losing liquor license

The dismissal of the charges is important for the embattled exotic dance club owner as a felony conviction would have made her ineligible to hold a liquor license, which could have had severe financial repercussions for her business. However, because the charges were filed without prejudice, prosecutors may bring the charges again in the future, meaning the situation could continue to hang over the defendant’s head.

While most ordinary people do not have to worry about losing the liquor license for the exotic dance club they own, many ordinary restaurateurs and bartenders need to keep a clean record to retain their privileges under such licenses.

Olathe criminal defense attorneys

If you are facing felony criminal charges, contact our office for a consultation about your case, call us today (913) 780-6666. With 18 years of experience as a Johnson County District Attorney and additional time spent as Kansas Attorney General, Paul Morrison has a unique perspective on how to defend the rights of the accused and help clear their good name.