Van Z. Hampton

Van Z. Hampton is a Kansas criminal defense attorney representing clients facing federal crimes, international crimes, criminal accusations, civil rights issues, and serious charges. His work supports people under investigation or prosecution who need protection against government action. He helps clients understand allegations, evaluate evidence, preserve rights, and prepare defense strategies for hearings, negotiations, trials, and appeals in matters involving liberty, reputation, family, and future consequences.

Van earned a J.D. from Oral Roberts University School of Law after attending his third year as a visiting student at the University of Kansas School of Law. He also earned an LL.M. from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, School of Law. His education supports legal research, courtroom advocacy, written analysis, and criminal defense strategy in high-stakes state and federal proceedings involving difficult charges.

Van practiced law in Dodge City before Governor Bill Graves appointed him as District Judge for Kansas’ Sixteenth Judicial District in 1995. As a lawyer, he obtained acquittals in bench and jury trials for clients accused of serious crimes. As a judge, he presided over criminal, civil, domestic, and appellate matters, issued written opinions, and participated in more than one hundred jury trials.

Van Z. Hampton helps clients defend against criminal charges with courtroom experience from both sides of the bench. He served as Chief Judge of the Sixteenth Judicial District before returning to defense practice. His background includes contested hearings, bench trials, appellate panels, jury trials, and Kansas Supreme Court service. Through investigation, motion practice, negotiation, and trial advocacy, he helps clients protect rights and pursue strong defense outcomes in Kansas.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Kerns Law Group
• Member, Kansas Bar Association

Licensed State

• Kansas

Education

• University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, School of Law
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• Oral Roberts University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges