Kansas
Criminal Defense
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Vincent Rivera, Kansas Criminal Defense Attorney

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We invite you to browse some of our recent case results to learn more about our past successes and how we have helped people in situations similar to yours.
Jury finds defendant NOT GUILTY in Ripley Park Homicide Trial

A Shawnee County jury has returned a verdict of not guilty in the case of State of Kansas v. Paul Jeffrey Gladney Jr. Mr. Gladney was charged with Second Degree Murder following the April 23, 2025, stabbing death in a vehicle parked in Ripley Park.

The trial’s ultimate issue centered on whether the deceased threatened Mr. Gladney with a highly realistic BB gun (visually indistinguishable from a real firearm) recovered during the investigation. The defense maintained that Mr. Gladney acted in lawful self-defense after the deceased produced the weapon and threatened to "put a .45 slug" in his head.

Conversely, the prosecution argued that Mr. Gladney was not threatened, but misunderstood a statement from the deceased, and the weapon was found after death.
During jury selection, defense counsel David McDonald told jurors that under self-defense law, if a weapon appears real, a person has the right to respond as though it were real.

“His death was a tragedy ... most of us will never forget watching [the crime scene video] ...But this is a court of law, not a court of emotion." Defense counsel, Vincent Rivera told jurors.

This was a tragic situation with a devastating outcome. Our hearts go out to the victim, his family, and everyone affected by this case.

Vincent Rivera and David McDonald bring over 30 years of combined experience in high-stakes jury trials in state and federal courts. The defense team remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of individuals facing serious criminal charges.

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Truck Driver Not Guilty, Career Saved

Our client, a dedicated truck driver, faced serious allegations of leaving the scene of an accident. A conviction would not only have cost him his job but could have ended his career in trucking.

Throughout the case, our client maintained his innocence. He placed his trust in us, and we were determined to fight tirelessly against the state's charges. After a robust defense and a thorough cross-examination of the evidence presented by the state, justice prevailed!

The court, acknowledging the lack of sufficient evidence, delivered a verdict of Not Guilty. This outcome not only reinforces the principle of innocent until proven guilty but also means our client can breathe a sigh of relief, keep his commercial driver's license, and continue his career on the road.

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NOT GUILTY
JURY TRIAL
"You're a ghost, a shadow ... nobody's going to believe you."
The jury found my client not guilty on seven counts, including Rape, Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, Attempted Rape, and Kidnapping. The defense presented evidence of no struggle or injuries corroborating the “victim’s” story. The "victim," would taunt my client, telling him "You're a ghost, a shadow ... nobody's going to believe you."
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HE’S OUTGROWN HIS CLOTHES
JURY TRIAL
SENTENCING
Elicited powerful mitigation testimony highlighting client’s youth. This defeated an upward departure motion in felony murder trial. This simony occurred during the upward-departure phase of the jury trial of teens who tried to rob the gun store “She’s a Pistol.” Under the upward departure, client faced 46 years to life, but I was able to reduce his “hard time” by 10 years.
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NOT GUILTY
JURY TRIAL
“One of the best closing arguments I have ever heard”
Not guilty of felony aggravated battery, client faced a 5-year prison sentence. Client was accused of punching “victim” causing substantial facial injury, and a broken ankle upon collapsing. Case theory: client never hit “victim” and injuries were caused when she drunkenly fell. Trial included cross examining emergency room doctor, who was also allowed to testify as a “martial arts expert.” Defense retained a plastic surgeon expert witness. After trial, the Judge told me that I gave “one of the best closing arguments she has ever heard.”
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NOT GUILTY
JURY TRIAL
"Think outside the box"
Not guilty of criminal threat. Client was incarcerated in solitary confinement, where he allegedly threatened a correctional officer. During jury trial the State was able to come up with little evidence to support their allegations. During the Defense's case, jurors heard from two witnesses who showed that no threats were made. Opening statement, involved recreating a solitary confinement cell with limited props, verbal imagery and storytelling.
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NOT GUILTY
JURY TRIAL
“To sell? Or not to sell?”
Not guilty of possession with intent to distribute. Facts: after a brief car chase, client was charged with drug distribution. Police found 9 baggies of drugs around the corner from the stop/arrest. Through cross examination I was able to highlight the sloppy evidence preservation by officers, which ended up being a crucial factor in the jury’s decision.
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“CALL THE SWAT TEAM, UNDERAGE DRINKING!”
Successfully suppressed evidence in two separate cases with similar facts. Essentially, police responded to underage parties where they detained all party guests, forcing them to submit to breath tests before being allowed to leave.
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"THE LAND OF THE FREE?"
Successfully suppressed search of client. Here, officers responded to a “disturbance” in an apartment’s parking lot. Upon arrival, they saw no signs of current or prior illegal activity. Nonetheless, officers approached my client, who was helping a friend move in, and demanded ID. A subsequent illegal search revealed drugs. Judge suppressed all evidence.
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“NOT IN MY HOUSE”
Successfully suppressed search of defendant’s home, where the officers and prosecutor tried to use the emergency exception to the warrant requirement.
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“COWBOY COPS”
Successfully suppressed client’s consent to search and statements. Client was present at someone else’s house when a search warrant was executed. Police illegally detained, questioned and obtained consent to search her car. Court suppressed all evidence.
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“STILL FELONY FREE”
During a felony DUI hearing, the State attempted to introduce a breath test result of .152. However, while the State was laying foundation, I asked to inspect the Officers certification, it turned out that the Officer was not certified to operate the Intoxilyzer 8000 at the time of the arrest. Felony charges dismissed.
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“YOU CAN’T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS”
Only one year out of law school, Mr. Rivera represented a client who had 4 codefendants, all codefendants had council with 10+ years of experience. All codefendants plead to criminal charges. Noting the lack of evidence I encouraged my client to take the matter to a hearing, where judge dismissed charges.
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