Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
John William Kerns
also known as John W. Kerns
About John
Biography
John W. Kerns, of The David Law Office, LLC in Lawrence, Kansas, has more than two decades of experience providing zealous criminal defense representation for individuals charged with violent, drug, property, and white-collar crimes throughout the State of Kansas. John has utilized and developed thorough and effective investigation, discovery review, pre-hearing and trial preparation and presentation skills, along with extensive and effective negotiation and client communication proficiency. John has been dedicated to criminal defense practice since his law career began.
Along with accepting retained cases in Federal Court, John also is a Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel attorney representing indigent clients charged with federal crimes in Kansas. The Criminal Justice Act Panel is a group of qualified attorneys, selected by a committee of judges and experienced attorneys to represent individuals in criminal cases who are financially unable to retain counsel. John has participated in countless state level jury trials and have represented the accused as lead counsel on numerous Federal criminal cases. These Federal cases cover a wide gamut and include cases from tax fraud to drug distribution conspiracy, as examples.
While a lifetime member of both the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, John has developed a reputation of providing thorough, smart and passionate criminal defense representation for his in planning, preparing, and managing high-profile cases, John combines analytical, investigative, organizational, negotiation and litigation experience to effectively prepare, conduct and conclude cases. John is regularly involved in complex, high-level litigation. John Kerns is proud of choosing a career that allows him to take on powerful governmental entities (and win). At The David Law Office, LLC our motto is "bring it on."
For experienced, thorough and zealous criminal defense representation in Kansas, call John W. Kerns.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
35%
25 years | 5,000 cases
Violent Crime
25%
25 years | 1,000 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
25 years | 1,000 cases
Drug Crime
20%
25 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Kansas for 24 years
State: Kansas
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 19 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
The David Law Office, LLC
123 W 8th Street, Suite 100, Lawrence, KS, 66047
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
John William Kerns's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
13 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (13)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Recommendation
Posted by Nereyda | November 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Wonderful and Excellent in every way. John Kerns truly fights for you.
He is an outstanding attorney and works solely on your behalf. I reccomend John Kerns for any legal assistance you may need. He has surprised me in many ways. I am a happy client with a great outcome after a year of courtdates. I will retain him again for any and all future assistance with cases.
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
very dissatisfied - 0 stars if I could
Mr. Kerns was retained for defense. After initial discussion he was retained said he would follow up on the case status and let us know if a warrant was issued. Per his own testimony he never again called to determine if a warrant was issued. He took our money, did a brief amount of work at the outse...
John Kerns
Replied last February 06, 2019One of the most important duties of an attorney is confidentiality. And attorney-client privilege is a pillar of the practice of law. Out of respect for my clients and in honor of my duty as an attorney, I never discuss the specifics of any client or case in any online forum. For that reason, I cannot and will not indicate whether the individual who left the above review is or ever was a client of mine. As such, nothing I say here is intended to suggest whether or not I know who the reviewer is or if any of the reviewer’s statements are accurate. With all that said, I want to say that I truly do appreciate all those who take the time to share their experience. Regardless of whether a review is favorable or not, sharing thoughts with one another adds to an important dialogue. And such reviews give me an opportunity to contribute to that dialogue. While I cannot and will not address the review directly, I would like to explain in general and non-specific terms who I am and how I approach helping my clients. I am deeply appreciative of the trust and confidence my clients place in me. I have served folks from all walks of life, but there is an almost universal reality that when a person walks into my office, that man or woman is facing a figurative Goliath. And they are looking for someone who can help them 'slay the giant.' Anyone can buckle under the kind of pressure legal challenges pose. And it is not lost on me one bit that these situations can bring out emotional responses in the very best of people. In the life of a lawyer, helping people through such challenging times is the name of the game. And when the stresses of these situations boil within individuals navigating a complicated, unfamiliar, and unforgiving legal process, it is easy for misunderstandings to occur. That reality is inevitable for all law with similar practices areas. It is simply the nature-of-the-legal-beast. Law suits, whether criminal or civil, are immensely stressful. As an attorney, when helping my clients navigate these difficult waters, I feel face-to-face meetings are the best way to bring everything into perspective and clarify the legal process for my clients. To the extent I ever have someone I met with feeling frustrated or misunderstood, it is my hope that he or she will reach out and share their thoughts with me. The caring, personal approach and honest assessment I can give to my clients in an in-person meeting are qualities that allow me to achieve so much for them.
Posted by anonymous | October 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Awesome Attorney
Mr. Kerns represented our son. We were very pleased with the successful outcome of his case. We were impressed with his representation and professionalism. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, and understanding. Hiring him was the best decisions we made. We would definetly recommend him!
Posted by anonymous | April 07, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Highly recommend
Mr Kerns was hired for representation on felony conspiracy charges. He has always been honest and available for communication. Mr Kerns did not try to just plea to move the case along in my opinion. Instead, he is fiercly fighting the prosecutor. By his conversations you can tell he is taking the ti...
John William Kerns's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. John is a highly respected and well regarded criminal defense attorney in the community. He is dedicated to advocating for and defending his clients' rights. From time to time, I seek some insight from him regarding defense strategies and potential legal arguments. John is a consummate professional willing to share his time and legal knowledge and experience."
"When John first graduated from Law school, he came to work in my office. I knew then that he was going to be one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the State, and he has proven me correct. I wholeheartedly endorse John Kerns. When you only have one call you can make, make it count, call John."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"John is an aggressive and intelligent lawyer who leaves no stone unturned in the search to help his client. He has the integrity and knowledge one wants and deserves in an attorney. John treats each client as an individual and gives the attention necessary to achieve the best result."
"John has earned a reputation as an extremely effective and zealous Criminal Defense Attorney. I have had the honor of working with him and I have witnessed his advocacy on behalf of his clients."
"John's reputation as a patient, courteous, and professional attorney is well-known, but his gentlemanly demeanor belies his fierceness as a criminal litigator. John is hard-working, thoughtful, and relentless in pursuit of his clients' causes. I would recommend John to a family member in need of legal counsel."
"I have known John for several years, since he began practicing in Wichita. I have seen him take on some very difficult cases and achieve very favorable results for his clients. If you are accused of a crime in the Lawrence, Topeka or Kansas City area I would recommend John without reservation."
"If I needed an attorney personally or for a family member or friend I would hire John. John is friendly, knowledgeable, diligent and effective. He is an excellent counselor and advocate. I highly recommend John."
"If you find yourself in trouble for any type of criminal offense in or around Lawrence, KS you should look no further than John Kerns. John has the experience and knowledge necessary to deliver the very best results. John is a bulldog working for his clients. He has the respect of other criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors and Judges."
"I have known John for many years. He is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. I would not hesitate to recommend John to a friend or family member in need of legal representation."
Adam Mack
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
David Trevino
Immigration lawyer
Roger Falk
Criminal defense lawyer
Patrick Lewis
Criminal defense lawyer
Thomas Erker
Criminal defense lawyer
James Pratt
Criminal defense lawyer
Adam Hall
Appeals lawyer
Julia Butler
Family lawyer
Thomas Lemon
Criminal defense lawyer
Brian Leininger
DUI and DWI lawyer
Paul Cramm
Criminal defense lawyer
John Nitcher
Child custody lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
1998
Merit Scholarship, Washburn University Law School
Work Experience
2018 - 2022
Attorney, Mack & Associates, LLC
2007 - 2018
Owner Attorney, John W. Kerns, L.L.C.
2001 - 2007
Attorney, South Central Regional Defender's Office Wichita
Associations
2021 - Present
Association of Defence Counsel Practising Before the International Court and TribunalsFull Member
2018 - Present
Topeka Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLifetime Member
2006 - Present
Kansas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLifetime Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Confidential - Attempted First Degree Murder
Acquittal
State v. Confidential - Aggravated Battery
Acquittal
State. v. Confidential - Aggravated Battery
Acquittal
State v. Confidential - Aggravated Assault
Acquittal
State v. Confidential - Driving While Intoxicated
Dismissed
State v. Confidential - First Degree Murder
Case Dismissed
State v. Confidential - First Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Forced conflict
State v. Confidential - Attempted First Degree Murder
Acquittal
State v. Confidential - Attempted Second Degree Murder; Intentional / Poss of Firearm
Acquittal
State v. Confidential - Attempted First Degree Murder
Probation
Education
2000
Washburn University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
University of Kansas
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
University of Limerick Law Department
Semester
Speaking Engagements
2015
Public Speaking 121, Johnson County Community College
Communication and the Practice of Law
2015
FED Talks
CJA Voucher Best Practices
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Guides