Recognized by
Kansas City Criminal Defense
"Bringing Prosecution Experience To Your Criminal Defense Case."
Criminal Defense
Take the time necessary to interview several lawyers before deciding on one. If you take this advice, you will immediately notice a tremendous difference between those that have law enforcement experience versus those that do not.
Simply put, the top criminal defense lawyers in Kansas City have one thing in common: they all began their careers as Prosecutors. So, whether you are facing a misdemeanor — or a felony — don’t chance your case with a lawyer who lacks this important background.
Kansas City criminal defense attorney Gregory Watt spent years working in law enforcement and continues to train with the best so you can rest at night knowing your lawyer is ready for anything.
Drug Defense
Regardless of the quantity seized by law enforcement, drug charges are serious. This is why you should never approach a drug case without first consulting with Watt and Young Law Firm.
The law and science in this area is extremely complex and if your lawyer doesn’t understand both, a prison sentence is imminent. The Watt and Young Law Firm was the first in Kansas City to perfect two important areas of drug defense:
1) The Watt and Young Law Firm was the first in Kansas City to develop a drug defense method using a direct line of attack against the crime lab’s own technology; and,
2) The Watt and Young Law Firm was also the first to develop a specialty in K-9 detection by purchasing a K-9 and training alongside top law enforcement handlers.
Domestic Violence
Couples are guaranteed to experience conflict. If relationship conflict has caused law enforcement to get involved, be prepared to face a domestic assault charge.
Successfully defending a domestic assault charge requires an experienced lawyer capable of listening to your side of things, evaluating the police reports, and positioning you for success using both.
The Watt and Young Law Firm has years of experience handling these types of cases and are well known throughout Kansas City for stepping in and saving people when the stakes couldn't be higher.
Because strength and confidence matter in Court, you need the strongest and you need the most confident.
DUI / DWI Lawyer
Watt and Young Law Firm has DUI/DWI defense down to a science. Gregory Watt is the only lawyer in Kansas City who has been granted the title of "ACS-CHAL Forensic-Lawyer Scientist" by the American Chemical Society for his work involving DUI/DWI.
Simply put, success in this area comes from understanding the law — and more importantly — the science better than the Prosecutor handling the case.
Kansas City criminal defense attorney Gregory Watt has verifiable proficiency in every area of DUI/DWI defense needed to give you the edge during plea negotiations, and beyond.
Because of these credentials, no other law firm in Kansas City has won more DUI/DWI trials than The Watt and Young Law Firm.
Federal Defense
Federal criminal defense demands a unique skill set. There are five things your lawyer must be able to do well:
-
Evaluate and negotiate proffer agreements;
-
Calculate sentencing guidelines;
-
Discover and successfully challenge errors in the pre-sentence investigation report;
-
Draft meaningful sentencing memorandum for the Court outlining all the mitigating factors that apply to your case; and finally,
-
Present to the Court reasons to justify a favorable variance at the sentencing hearing.
“In the face of accusation by the people, an accused has but one person in whom he can confide, his counsel, whose allegiance shall be undivided, his trust uncompromising, and his efforts tireless. Immersed in proceedings far too complex for the unacquainted, the accused blindly places faith in his attorney to protect him at every turn. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that those facing significant restraints on liberty invest whatever resources they have to retain the very best counsel available“
Charged with a crime? It's not over.
Licensed to practice in Kansas and Missouri, Watt and Young Law Firm is located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri at 700 Broadway Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64105.
If you want nationally known trial lawyers on your team in the midst of the toughest time of your life, look no further.
Simply put, Watt and Young Law Firm brings elite credentials and extraordinary strength to each and every case which is why they are called upon to defend the most important cases in the Kansas City area.
Gregory Watt Featured On the News.
Kansas City criminal defense lawyer Gregory Watt has been asked to contribute his opinion on many news stories over the last decade.
KSHB 5, Fox 4 News, Ask The Experts, KMBC -- just to name a few -- call Gregory Watt for his input on the most significant criminal justice issues of our time. News channels from all over the Kansas City area rely on his input because of his success in and out of the Courtroom, as well as the trust he has established with the people of Kansas City.
Selecting A Criminal Defense Attorney.
Gregory Watt appears on "Ask The Expert" with Tana of Fox 4 news.
Gregory Watt discusses the qualifications it takes in order to handle most difficult criminal cases with precision.
At the Watt and Young Law Firm, his team comes together on each and every case with these goals in mind: to bring peace and closure; restore health and wellbeing; and, keep families together.
Watt and Young Law Firm In The News
A Guide to Police Practices
How many times have you asked yourself why police officers do the things they do?
This page provides a general guide to police practices as well as a common-sense approach concerning what to do if you are stopped and questioned by an officer.
Plea Bargains
What exactly is a plea bargain?
What is a sentencing hearing?
What are the different types of pleas?
Why are sentences usually reduced for a guilty plea?
And many other questions answered about Plea Bargains.
What will happen if I’m arrested?
K-9 Drug Detection:
Our New Comfort Zone
Defending a drug case involving K-9 detection demands specialized training.
Watt and Young Law Firm are national authorities when it comes to defending cases involving a K-9 and handler. No other law firm in the nation has more hours of police training in this area; therefore, no other law firm has had the the same level of success, either.
Accused of a crime?
Get expertise from a former prosecutor!
Gregory doesn’t back down from any fight, in any Courtroom, against any Prosecutor.
“As a prosecutor, I developed a reputation as someone who didn’t hesitate to take a tough case to trial.
Clients of the Watt and Young Law Firm have come to rely on this level of confidence and experience in sorting through the difficulties a criminal matter can present.
The ability to work up a case and convey it to a judge and jury is not something every criminal defense attorney can do or wants to do. Since every prosecutor stands ready, able, and willing to take a case to trial, you should expect nothing less from your own attorney.”
Property Crimes
Whether it is stealing, tampering, trespassing, burglary, robbery, or arson - property crimes are serious. This is why you should never approach a property case without first consulting with Watt and Young Law Firm.
Gregory Watt has established one of the premiere property crime defense practices in the Kansas City metro area. No one understands this area of law better. Gregory Watt is routinely referred cases by some of the largest law firms in Kansas City to ensure their clients have the very best.
Every property crime is different, every property crime is serious, and everyone who wants the best calls Watt and Young Law Firm, first.
Weapons Charges
The U.S. Constitution says, in part: “[T]he right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Regardless of your interpretation of that Constitutional guarantee, Judges factor the presence of a gun in every sentencing decision they make.
In other words, when guns are used in the commission of a crime, or even present during the commission of a crime, the stakes are high and the potential consequences are severe. If you are facing a weapons charge, Watt and Young Law Firm is here to defend you.
Every gun crime is different, every gun crime is serious, and everyone who wants the best calls the Watt and Young Law Firm, first.
Sex Crimes
If convicted, an allegation of rape or sodomy can carry a sentence as bad, or worse, than homicide. When evaluating attorneys in this area, here are a few things to look for: 1) DNA background; 2) Understanding of rape shield law; and, 3) The ability to present expert witness testimony.
Undoubtedly, the highest stakes cases in present day America are sex offenses. The loss of freedom and the reality of being a registered sex offender, if convicted, leave no other option than to hire the best.
Watt and Young Law Firm is nationally known in sex crimes defense due to having the utmost sharpest credentials, as well as the strongest personal presence in the Courtroom.
Self Defense
Self defense law is perhaps one of the most widely misunderstood areas of law in the United States. It takes a deep understanding of both firearms and case law in order to leverage self defense in a Court of law.
The most important question to ask is whether your lawyer has successfully used self defense to exonerate people in cases similar to yours?
Watt and Young Law Firm has exonerated countless people using this area of law for three reasons: 1) They have a very sophisticated understanding of firearms; 2) They are well known in the firearms community and routinely consult with experts in that community when needed; and, 3) Their firm has a proven track record of success in this area of law.
MikeGreg got me a hung jury then a not guilty! He is the best trial attorney in town! My wife is constantly making false accusations against me, however Greg saw through the BS and so did the Judge and Jury!
Cheers, Greg!
I don’t even know where to begin. For starters, if you’re looking for a lawyer that will get you the best possible outcome of your case; stop reading and call him now. If you’re interested in why I’ve given 5 stars to Mr. Watt, it is because google told me 5 was the highest I can go. I’ve been charged with crimes that would have put me in prison for a long time, got probation when the prosecutor was fighting against it, he also fought to get these serious felonies off my record after I completed my probation...Italia Gonzalez
Greg Watt showed up to fight! Even though my case was minor he still showed me how determined and Dedicated he was to helping me! I was a nervous reck and he constantly reassured me, communicated with me and put me at ease. Greg showed up early ever court date to go over the case and chat with me even about random things which helped my anxiety go down. He really knows what he’s doing and knows his clients. I will recommend his law firm to anyone and everyone! If I ever need him again(which hopefully I won’t) I will know I am in good hands.Shelby Hacker
Greg Watt is the best Criminal Defense Attorney practicing in KS and MO without question. I’ve faced 5+ years in prison in KS and MO and ended up receiving probation in both cases. He will go to whatever extent he has to in and out of the courtroom to insure getting the best possible outcome he can. I’ve been working with Greg a little over 4 years now and he has saved my freedom time and time again. At this point I consider Mr. Watt family and would advise anyone with legal concerns to let this man handle your case and feel confident he will get end results you may not have even thought we’re possible. 5 Stars doesn’t justify Mr. Watts credibility. Truly a blessingKaleb Tune
When I hired Greg in January I was honestly already working with another attorney but he was kinda hard to reach and I just wasn’t getting that “feeling”. I kept looking around and as I read reviews on google I decided to call Greg. My first day speaking with Greg I called the number on google, he wasn’t in his office but he had his office phones forwarded to his cell and he actually answered and spoke with me briefly about my cases and what I was wanting from him, after speaking for a few minutes we set something up face to face for the next day! When we met in person Greg was actually a real person, it just clicked for me and that never changed the whole way through working my cases. At times it was very tough given the nature of my cases and on top of that the cases that we expected to be pretty much cut and dry all went on for months! Greg always showed up and had his game face on. (...read full review)Kala samuels
John Lochert"The fact that I’m sitting here typing this review rather than sitting in a jail cell somewhere is a testament to the experience and competency of Greg Watt. From start to finish, Greg was awesome.
Greg was always available and had a minute to talk, email, or text about my case and never left me hanging on the line with questions and concerns over my case.
Greg won’t make you promises he can’t keep. He may not be able to get every case dismissed, however, Greg will get you as fair of a shake as is possible.
His prices are reasonable and I would highly recommend Greg Watt to anyone needing representation."
Gregory Watt, a defense attorney and former Jackson County prosecutor, says the events should have already triggered legal action.
“It’s deeply concerning,” Watt said. “I think it should be investigated; I think it should be prosecuted if need be. I think these individuals know better.”
Man accused of killing 4 relatives, burning bodies pleads innocence.
Kansas City Criminal Attorney Gregory Watt gives his opinion on how the court will proceed.
Homeowner shoots a man he says tried to steal his truck.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Gregory Watt explains the justification of deadly force when it is and when it is not appropriate.
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that no charges will be filed against the Independence police officer who fatally shot Maria Pike and her infant during a domestic disturbance in November 2024.
Kansas City criminal defense attorney Gregory Watt provided legal analysis, explaining that the officer’s use of force was justified under Missouri law due to the immediate threat and lack of retreat options.
