Lexington, KY
Criminal Defense Lawyer

Securing the Best Possible Outcome

LExington Defense Lawyer

Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney

WE ARE LOCAL CRIMINAL LAWYERS IN LEXINGTON, KY, WITH GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

If you're looking for a tough and tested criminal defense attorney in Lexington, KY, who knows how to show up strong, then you're looking for Dan Carman. A former Marine Corps JAG prosecutor, Dan earned his stars in some of the toughest courtrooms imaginable. Dan brings his disciplined military legal training to the table as a criminal defense attorney in Lexington, KY. He aggressively defends his clients and knows how to guide them successfully through a complicated legal system.

If you or a family member has been arrested on misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, it is imperative that you hire the best possible attorney you can afford to represent you in local, state, or federal court.

For a free initial consultation about your case, call Dan at 859-475-1735. The conversation will be informative, yet relaxed. Dan is happy to answer any questions you have and will likely ask you some questions as well. IF YOU WANT DAN TO HELP, HE WILL.

free consultation
  • Lexington Defense Lawyer
  • Herald Leader in Lexington
  • WKYT in Central KY
  • Louisville KY
  • KY Commonwealth Lawyer

Count On Our Trustworthy Criminal Attorney Lexington, KY

Criminal charges can turn your life upside down, but you don't have to face them alone. At the Carman Law Office, we understand the seriousness of your situation. We have experience helping many individuals in Lexington in a similar situation who were facing criminal charges. We will put together effective defense strategies and fight hard for your rights. WE KNOW HOW TO WIN.

We know how the Kentucky criminal justice system operates, and we are familiar with improper prosecutorial conduct and with negotiation guidelines. We also know when it's time to stop negotiating and to take your case to trial. If prosecutors offer an acceptable deal, we will present it to you for consideration. Rest assured, though, that we will never shy away from trial if that is the best option.

DAN KNOWS HOW TO ARGUE AGAINST PROSECUTORS BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN A MARINE CORPS PROSECUTOR. BECAUSE OF HIS MILITARY EXPERIENCE, HE BRINGS TO THE TABLE BOTH GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE AND AN INTIMATE UNDERSTANDING OF KENTUCKY LAWS. HE UNDERSTANDS BEHIND-THE-SCENES STRATEGY AND NEGOTIATING LIKE FEW OTHER CRIMINAL LAWYERS IN LEXINGTON, KY. HIS FIRST-HAND PROSECUTORIAL EXPERIENCE IS ALWAYS VALUABLE WHEN FACING AN OPPONENT IN COURT.

Trust that our Lexington criminal lawyer will always listen to your side of the story. Even when it feels like police officers and the prosecutors are refusing to listen to you, you can be certain we will stand by your side. We will take the time to fully understand what you believe happened in the case, so we can represent you successfully. Through our experience with past criminal cases in Kentucky, we have multiple techniques we potentially can apply to the unique circumstances in your case. Our criminal lawyers in Lexington, KY, will work tirelessly to try to help you achieve your desired outcome in the case.

Criminal cases are not easy. Having to go through this situation can upend your life and can leave you facing an uncertain future. That’s why our criminal attorney in Lexington, KY, works so hard to represent clients with the highest level of professionalism and compassion. We know the stress that facing criminal charges can create in your life. Through our professional attitude and experience, we will attempt to alleviate your stress as much as we can.

FAQs For Our Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney

Why Should I Choose Dan Carman?

You’ll have to decide this for yourself, but Dan’s professionalism will likely become apparent in your first conversation. Dan is no-nonsense and knows how to cut to the chase. He is relaxed and doesn’t get hung up on formalities. Rather, he embraces each client as an individual with a history and unique insights. He will listen to your version of the events in question and look for ways in which there may have been a mistaken identity, incomplete evidence, police misconduct, or an alternate version of the explanation of the crime. His legal experience has shown him that mistakes are often made in these cases, and that’s why he’s committed to fighting aggressively for his clients’ rights under the law. After all, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. That means everyone, including you.

What Is The Process After I Hire A Lexington Criminal Lawyer?

We’ll get right to work. There is no time to waste when your freedom and future are at stake. First, Dan will meet with you, answer your questions, explain the court process, ask questions, and take detailed notes. He’ll review police reports, examine the evidence, read eyewitness accounts of the crime, and look for holes and inconsistencies in the prosecutor’s case. Because Dan has worked as a prosecutor in the U.S. Marine Corps and now serves as a Lexington criminal defense attorney, he has experience on both sides of a courtroom argument. Therefore, Dan is exceptionally skilled at anticipating his opponent’s arguments and defeating them. It is rare that you find a defense attorney with the wide variety of legal experience that Dan possesses. This advantage can be yours when Dan Carman represents you. If you have questions about the legal process, call Dan today at 859-475-1735.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer In Lexington?

Every case is different, and some are more complex than others. Therefore, some cases take more time to research and to build a powerful defense. Generally, the fewer and the more straightforward the charges, the less the case costs to defend. The more complicated the case, the more it costs. Dan is glad to talk to you confidentially about the potential cost of defending your case. But don’t choose the cheapest attorney you can find. Think of it this way: What price can you put on your freedom? Remember, it’s your future and potential freedom that are at stake.

How Do I Get A Fair Hearing Or Trial?

If there’s one thing that keeps Dan Carman up at night, it’s his overwhelming commitment to making sure each of his clients receives fair treatment in the legal system. It’s no secret that the legal process often has flaws, and the system sometimes inclines toward convicting some types of people more readily than others. It’s not pretty, but it’s true. This is unacceptable in Dan’s eyes. He will do everything in his power to make sure your treatment is fair and that the legal system upholds your constitutional rights.

  • DUI Lawyer Lexington, KY

    DUI / DWI

    DUI penalties can be severe, and they grow more strict for every subsequent time you are arrested and convicted of DUI. Not only could you face extensive fines, but license suspension as well. If your driver's license is revoked, your job may be jeopardized since you may have trouble getting to work.

  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

    DRUG CRIMES

    Drug-related crimes are the most frequently charged offenses in Kentucky. If you have been arrested for a drug offense, know that the penalties can escalate depending on the nature and quantity of the drug at issue and your prior criminal record. There are many available defenses, such as insufficient evidence, having a valid prescription, and illegal search and seizure.

  • KY Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

    SEX CRIMES

    If you are facing charges for a sex crime, it is important for you to understand the various penalties you could face. One of the most serious consequences of this type of crime is mandatory sex offender registration. This will appear on your criminal record and follow you for the rest of your life, possibly preventing you from getting housing, employment and more.

  • Lexington Weapons Charges Lawyer

    WEAPONS OFFENSES

    If you were charged with violating weapons laws or committing a crime while in possession of a weapon, you can be heavily fined and face prison. Additionally, anyone convicted of a felony is barred from ever possessing a firearm again. An effective defense can be crafted, because there are legal gray areas regarding possession and concealment.

  • Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney

    CRIMINAL CHARGES

    Although misdemeanors seem minor in comparison to felonies due to their reduced penalties, it is important to realize that in the eyes of prosecutors and judges all criminal charges are serious matters. Prosecutors and judges are particularly impatient with repeat offenders.

Our Lexington Criminal Lawyer Can Help When You Are Facing DUI / DWI Penalties

WHAT KINDS OF CRIMINAL PENALTIES CAN I FACE FOR ALCOHOL CRIMES?

The abbreviations DUI and DWI are used interchangeably in Kentucky and refer to “driving under the influence” and “driving while intoxicated.” This means driving under the influence of alcohol or any other substances that impair your ability to drive safely and to follow the rules of the road. Other substances can include illegal drugs, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and inhalants such as spray paint, gasoline, aerosols, nitrites, volatile solvents, and others.

No one wants to face jail time or the thought of having a criminal record, a driver’s license suspension, court fines, or embarrassment. However, the reality is that no matter what your circumstances, being arrested for DUI comes with consequences.

There’s a lot at stake when you’re facing a criminal charge. You may be risking your personal freedom, ability to keep a job or to obtain a future one, financial losses, and personal and professional relationships. Being arrested and charged with a crime doesn’t mean you’ll be found guilty. Unless you know criminal and constitutional law, you may miss mistakes that the police or prosecution made in the handling of your case. These mistakes can be the basis for your DUI defense, and they may allow you to obtain a favorable plea bargain agreement or they may result in dismissal of charges.

Suffering a conviction on these penalties may be just the beginning. Being able to work in the profession you want or having an ability to qualify for a loan with a reasonable interest rate may be difficult or impossible after you suffer a conviction on these charges.

Simply doing what the prosecutor wants you to and pleading guilty to the DUI charges without exploring all of your defense options can leave you with struggles in your life that will last for years. Our Lexington criminal defense attorney will investigate your case thoroughly to try to help you determine the best way forward.

We understand that some people simply want to try to put an end to the case as quickly as possible and to put it behind them. However, taking a bit of extra time to speak with our Lexington criminal defense attorney may save you some significant hardship in the future.

help with your dui / dwi

1st Offense Within A 10-Year Period

  • 90 days of alcohol or substance abuse program
  • 30 to 120 days' license suspension

2nd Offense Within A 10-Year Period

  • 1 year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
  • 12 to 18 months' license suspension

3rd Offense Within A 10-Year Period

  • 1 year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
  • 24 to 36 months' license suspension

4th Offense Within A 10-Year Period

  • 1 year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
  • 5 years' license suspension

Our Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney Will Handle Cases With Drug-Related Penalties

WHAT KINDS OF CRIMINAL PENALTIES CAN I FACE FOR DRUG CRIMES?

The severity of penalties in drug-related cases depends on (1) the drug, (2) the quantity, and (3) whether cultivation, distribution and/or trafficking is part of the case. Kentucky categorizes narcotic and non-narcotic offenses into five categories, ranging from Schedule I to Schedule V.

For example, Schedule I narcotics have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use in the U.S. This includes heroin. Penalties include:

Unlawful Possession:

  • Penalty First Offense: 1 to 5 years or $3,000 to $5,000 or both
  • Subsequent Offense: 5 to 10 years or $4,000 to $10,000 or both

Unlawful Trafficking:

  • Penalty First Offense: 5 to 10 years or $5,000 to $10,000 or both
  • Subsequent Offense: 10 to 20 years or $10,000 to $20,000 or both

Schedule I non-narcotic substances include things like LSD, mescaline, PCE, hashish, MDA, PCP, and many other hallucinogens. (Marijuana technically qualifies as a Schedule I non-narcotic, but it often receives different treatment from prosecutors, especially since marijuana laws throughout the U.S. are changing rapidly.) Penalties include:

Unlawful Possession:

  • Penalty First Offense: Commitment to treatment facility
  • Subsequent Offenses: One year or less or $500 or less or both

Unlawful Trafficking:

  • Penalty First Offense: 1 to 5 years or $3,000 to $4,000 or both
  • (Exception: LSD and Phencyclidine - 5 to 10 years or $5,000 to $10,000 or both)

Subsequent Offenses:

  • 5 to 10 years or $5,000 to $10,000 or both
  • (Exception: LSD and Phencyclidine - 10 to 20 years or $10,000 to $20,000 or both)

Schedule I offenses typically receive the most severe penalties. The severity of the penalties declines through subsequent schedules, with Schedule V offenses receiving some of the least onerous penalties. For example, Schedule V substances include things like codeine cough preparations, such as Cheracol, Robitussin AC, Cosanyl, Ambenyl, Phenergan with Codeine, etc. In all schedules, trafficking carries a stiffer penalty than possession.

How To Choose The Best Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer

There are a lot of Lexington attorneys to choose from, but all lawyers are not created equal. Take the time to study our backgrounds, read client reviews, and discover examples of our winning cases. Read our blogs. Do we sound knowledgeable and informed? Do we take a personal interest in our clients' situations? Or are you just the next name on the list? Selecting your Lexington criminal defense lawyer will be one of the most important decisions you make in your life. Choose wisely.

Hiring A Skilled Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney Is Critical

No matter the charge, hiring the right criminal defense attorney is key. As a seasoned Fayette County criminal lawyer, we will take great care to make your case stand out from the crowd and to work toward the best possible outcome. If you are charged with a crime from murder to assault or from domestic violence to DUI in Fayette County Circuit Court or at the federal court level, we can help you.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY WITH YOUR LEXINGTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

You know what it's like to call someone and never get a call back. You send multiple emails and never get a reply. This is frustrating and disrespectful. You will never have this experience with Carman Law Firm. You are not a name on a list for us. You are a living, breathing, human being with a family and worries and lots of questions. We believe that excellent communication is paramount to navigate clients through the often confusing legal system.

Call Us At 859-475-1735 For A Free Consultation About Your Case.

Our Criminal Defense Attorney In Lexington, KY, Handles a Range of Criminal Defense Cases

The Carman Law Firm represents all types of criminal defense cases, including arson, burglary, rape, homicide, and drug possession. We are not afraid of the tough cases. Depending on the circumstances in your case, even a simple charge of assault against you can lead to significant complexity and life-changing penalties.

Additionally, prosecutors and law enforcement officers may try to convince you that misdemeanor charges are not a big deal, telling you that pleading guilty immediately is a good way to put the issue behind you. However, pleading guilty without speaking to our Lexington criminal defense attorney can result in far more problems for you than you could imagine. Depending on your job and on the circumstances in your life, pleading guilty to a misdemeanor could leave your life upended in a manner similar to a felony. Trust that we will always look at all of your defense options and craft a strategy that fits your particular case.

We strive to provide the best possible defense to anyone accused of a crime, whether their case is at the local court in Scott County, at the Madison County District Court, or at circuit court. We have trial experience ranging from perjury to harassment, identity theft to probation violations, and everything in between.

Our Criminal Defense Blog

  • Can a lawyer get a felony dropped to a misdemeanor?

    Can a lawyer get a felony dropped to a misdemeanor?

    September 15, 2022

    A felony charge can feel like a nightmare. However, it is crucial that you explore your legal options before it is too late. Sometimes a skilled lawyer can help you reduce your felony charge to a misdemeanor. Felony...

  • How Do You Get a Possession Charge Dropped?

    May 25, 2022

    Were you recently charged with drug possession? Are you wondering, “How do you get a possession charge dropped?” If so, you aren’t alone. Many people in this situation ask the same question. Keep reading to learn more about...

  • Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail

    Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail?

    February 28, 2022

    Based on the latest media 24/7 spin, every major city in the country is suffering from drug abuse, drug-related crime, and drug addiction problems. It’s no surprise that lots of laws have also been passed increasing penalties for...

Were You in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time?

Dan understands that things can get out of hand quickly and there’s a lot of confusion when an alleged crime occurs. It could be that you were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. For example, you may have been driving a friend’s car and had no idea that there were drugs under the seat. Or perhaps you were at a neighbor’s house when a crime occurred, but you were in the living room and the alleged crime took place in the kitchen. Or maybe police officers or witnesses thought several people at the scene looked alike, and you happened to be the one they pointed to when choosing someone to label as guilty. It could be a case of mistaken identity.

At the Dan Carman Law Firm, we have seen these scenarios play out again and again, and that’s why we know you deserve an aggressive and skillful defense. Don’t settle for a lawyer who is inclined to settle your case quickly and push you to accept an unfair and onerous plea bargain. And don’t rely on an overworked, tired lawyer from the public defender’s office. Many of these public defenders try hard, but they simply have too many cases to get done in a day and don’t have time to give you their full attention. It’s different with Dan. When he’s with you, he’s really with you.

Don’t Go It Alone: Trust Our Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney

Whether your charges involve drunk driving, drugs, weapons, arson, rape, or burglary, having an experienced and skilled attorney at your side can mean the difference between a conviction on the strictest charges or receiving a more favorable outcome. Don't go it alone. At the Carman Law Firm, you are not a name on a list. You're a person with a story, a history, a family, and a future. We take seriously our responsibility to defend our clients aggressively, because we know their future depends on it.

Dan Carman sits beside you at the table with a unique set of skills. Because he has served as both a Marine Corps JAG prosecutor and a Lexington criminal defense attorney, Dan knows the law from both sides. He can anticipate prosecutors’ decisions and formulate a proactive defense based on his years of experience in the courtroom. When choosing an attorney, don't settle for just okay. Choose a lawyer who gives you the best possible opportunity to receive the least possible penalty.

For a free initial consultation and a conversation about your situation, call the Carman Law Office at 859-685-1055.

It’s the first step in turning your life right-side up.

start your defense now