Kansas Supreme Court Orders New Counsel for Dana Chandler
The court has directed that a new appellate attorney be appointed to represent the 66-year-old following a withdrawal request.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The Kansas Supreme Court has ordered the appointment of a new attorney for convicted murderer Dana Chandler, marking the 15th lawyer to represent her. This decision follows the court's approval of a motion by defense counsel Kristen Patty to withdraw from the case.
Why it matters
The ruling comes after Chandler herself filed a motion earlier this year seeking to replace her court-appointed representation. The state high court maintains jurisdiction over the appeal while the district court manages the transition to new counsel.
Dana Chandler, age 66, was convicted of murder in March 2025 and is currently serving consecutive life sentences. A new attorney must be officially appointed to her case on or before November 9, 2026.
The players
Dana Chandler
She is a 66-year-old defendant currently serving consecutive life sentences following a 2025 murder conviction.
Kristen Patty
She is a defense attorney who successfully filed a motion to withdraw from representing Chandler in March 2026.
Cheryl Rios
She is the judge who previously denied Chandler's motion for a fourth trial.
Kansas Supreme Court
It is the state's highest judicial body that retains jurisdiction over the ongoing appeal.
The details
The Kansas Supreme Court remanded the matter to the district court to facilitate the appointment of new appellate representation. In the same order, the court denied as premature a supplemental brief that Chandler had requested to file.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: The Kansas Supreme Court issued the order for new counsel.
November 9, 2026: The deadline for the district court to appoint a new attorney.
Legal Context
The court's order follows the established judicial process of ensuring a defendant's Sixth Amendment right to counsel is maintained throughout the appellate phase. This transition reflects the complex legal requirements that arise in long-term criminal appeals within the Kansas court system.
The judicial proceedings remain active within the court system, necessitating continued oversight of the appeal. Local residents and court observers may monitor the upcoming deadline to ensure the legal process proceeds according to the court's mandate.
The takeaway
The appointment of a 15th attorney underscores the procedural complexities inherent in high-profile, long-term appellate cases. Parties involved in the justice system must navigate these shifts in counsel to ensure that appeals continue toward final resolution.
What happens next
The district court is required to appoint a new appellate attorney for Dana Chandler by November 9, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's judicial system on our Kansas Criminal Justice page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Topeka Capital-Journal.
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