Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Experienced Criminal & Personal Injury Lawyers in Kansas City
Since 1996, our firm has provided dedicated legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges, DWI/DUI allegations, personal injury claims, and family law matters. Our approach centers on personalized attention, ensuring clients feel supported rather than overwhelmed during critical moments. With decades of combined experience, we prioritize clear communication, ethical advocacy, and strategic defense tailored to each client's unique circumstances.Our reputation, built through 90% of cases coming from client referrals, reflects our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes while maintaining transparency throughout the legal process. We operate with the understanding that legal challenges extend beyond courtrooms, impacting livelihoods and futures, and strive to make this experience as manageable as possible.
Services
Criminal Defense
DWI/DUI Defense
Personal Injury Claims
Traffic Violations
Car Accident Cases
Family Law Matters
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We provide personalized attention with one case per attorney versus 20+ for public defenders
- 25+ years of experience handling criminal defense, DWI/DUI, and personal injury cases
- 90% of our cases come from client referrals demonstrating proven results
- Available to discuss your case within 24 hours of contact
- Led by an attorney with continuous legal practice since 1990
What people say
Winning record
Personalized attention
Positive results
Knowledgeable team
Trustworthy representation
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice handles felony and misdemeanor cases including drug charges, traffic offenses, and assault allegations. We provide aggressive representation while maintaining personal attention to each client's circumstances. With decades of courtroom experience, we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties and prepare for trial when necessary.
DWI/DUI Defense
Specializing in DWI/DUI defense since 1996, we challenge evidence and procedural errors to protect driving privileges and minimize penalties. Our attorneys understand Missouri's complex DUI laws and work to prevent license suspensions, reduce fines, and limit long-term consequences for first-time and repeat offenders.
Personal Injury Claims
We represent clients injured in car accidents, workplace incidents, and business property accidents seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Our team investigates claims, negotiates with insurance companies, and pursues litigation when necessary to secure fair settlements for physical and emotional damages.
Traffic Violations
Handling traffic citation cases to reduce points on driving records and prevent insurance rate increases. We contest speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and red light violations while advising commercial drivers on maintaining professional licenses and employment status.
Car Accident Cases
Representing clients involved in vehicle collisions to address property damage claims, personal injury compensation, and liability disputes. We coordinate medical documentation, calculate damages, and negotiate with insurance providers to recover costs related to vehicle repairs, medical treatment, and lost income.
People
Mark M. Ferguson
Founding Attorney
Licensed since 1990, Mark established the firm in 1996 after serving as a prosecutor. He focuses on criminal defense and personal injury cases, combining trial experience with strategic negotiation skills to achieve favorable client outcomes.
Margaret A. Costanzo
Attorney
Practicing since 1993, Margaret specializes in criminal, civil, and family law. Her 17-year prosecutorial background informs her client advocacy in complex legal matters involving children's welfare and parental rights.
John S. Newberry
Attorney
With 45+ years of legal experience since 1975, John handles criminal defense and domestic cases. His federal tax litigation background enhances his approach to complex financial aspects in family law matters.
Seth E. Shimerda
Attorney
Licensed in 2018, Seth focuses on criminal defense and family law. His prior Rule 13 attorney experience informs his compassionate approach to juvenile and probate-related legal issues.
Kaelyn L. Guinty
Attorney
Joined the firm in 2019, specializing in criminal defense and family law. As Guardian Ad Litem, she advocates for children's interests in divorce and parental rights cases using research-based legal strategies.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus on criminal defense, DWI/DUI cases, personal injury claims, traffic violations, car accident cases, and family law matters.
How quickly can you help with urgent legal matters?
We provide case consultations within 24 hours of contact and prioritize immediate legal strategy development for time-sensitive cases.
What makes your firm different from public defenders?
We offer personalized attention with one case per attorney versus 20+ cases handled by public defenders simultaneously.
Do you handle both trial and settlement negotiations?
Yes, we prepare every case for trial while pursuing favorable settlements through experienced negotiation with prosecutors and insurance companies.
How are attorney fees structured?
We discuss transparent fee arrangements during initial consultations, focusing on predictable pricing tailored to case complexity.