Does the state have mandatory minimum laws? Yes. Click here to learn more.
Does the state have a sentencing commission? Yes, the Kansas Sentencing Commission.
Does the state have sentencing guidelines? Yes, the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines “Desk Reference Manual.”
If yes, are the sentencing guidelines voluntary/advisory or mandatory? Courts have discretion to sentence anywhere within the guideline range.
Does the state have drug courts? Yes. Click here to learn more.
Does the state have one or more safety valves/exceptions? Yes. Click here to learn more. To learn more about safety valves, read FAMM's factsheet, Safety Valves in a Nutshell.
Reports
From the Pew Center on the States and the Council of State Governments:
Work in the States: Sentencing and Corrections in Kansas (2008)
Justice Reinvestment State Brief: Kansas (2007)
Tough and Smart: Opportunities for Kansas Policymakers to Reduce Crime and Spending (2007)
Kansas Criminal Justice Public Opinion Survey (2007)
Policy Options to Increase Public Safety and Manage the Growth of the Prison Population (2007)
Sentencing and Corrections Reform in Kansas (2007)
Sentencing and Corrections Profile: Kansas (2007)
Tough and Smart: Opportunities for Kansas Policymakers to Reduce Crime and Spending (2006)
Helpful links
Governor Sam Brownback
Kansas Department of Corrections
Kansas Parole Board
Kansas Executive Clemency (pardons and commutations)
Kansas Legislature
Kansas Court System
Kansas Drug Courts
Want help finding a lawyer in this state? Click here or contact the local association of criminal defense lawyers. You can learn more about how to work with an attorney by reading our answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to search this state’s laws? Click here
Want to find out how a bill becomes a law in this state? Click here
Want to find your state legislative representatives? Click here
Want to work on changing the laws in your state? Learn how through our Citizen Action Kit!
Sentencing/Criminal Justice Reform Groups in the State
ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri
DISCLAIMER: FAMM does not endorse or support and is not affiliated with any of the attorneys, organizations, or sites listed on this page. FAMM cannot guarantee that the laws listed on its website or the content appearing on any of the links listed on this page are accurate or fully up-to-date. Laws change often, and before taking any action in reliance on the information presented on FAMM’s website or on the sites linked to on this page, you should always verify that the information is still accurate or talk with an attorney. If you feel you need legal advice, you should seek the help of an attorney in your state. FAMM cannot provide legal advice, representation, research, or referrals.