Is Verbal Abuse A Crime in Kentucky?
December 2nd, 2025 by Attorney Dan Carman
In Kentucky, verbal abuse itself is not a specific crime, but it can cross the line into criminal conduct such as harassment, harassing communications, or terroristic threatening when it involves certain actions or intentions. Facing accusations related to harsh words or heated arguments can be a confusing and difficult situation, and understanding when those words might lead to criminal charges is a critical first step. The guidance of a Lexington criminal defense lawyer from Carman Law Firm can help clarify the complexities of Kentucky’s laws, challenge the allegations, and work […]
Can You Be Charged for Drugs You Didn’t Know About?
October 14th, 2025 by Attorney Dan Carman
If you are arrested and charged with the criminal offense of possessing or distributing an illegal controlled substance in Kentucky, you face serious repercussions, even if you didn’t know about them. Kentucky law on drug possession does require that the accused person must “knowingly” possess a controlled substance, so technically you should not be able to be convicted if you genuinely did not know about the drugs, police may still arrest and charge you if drugs are found in your vicinity. The burden then shifts to the prosecution to prove […]
How to Deal with Criminal Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Cases
October 13th, 2025 by Attorney Dan Carman
When a domestic relationship turns violent, the courts may get involved by issuing a protective order to keep the parties apart and prevent them from harming one another. These orders, which can limit or stop all contact from an abusive individual, are meant to protect their partners from violence that may include physical injury, sexual abuse, or assault, or from threats to carry out such violence. The alleged abuser can be a spouse, ex-spouse, parent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, son/daughter-in-law, spouse’s parent, spouse’s grandparent, spouse’s brother, spouse’s sister, […]
Understanding Constructive vs. Actual Drug Possession in Kentucky
May 26th, 2025 by Attorney Dan Carman
In Kentucky, you can be arrested for drug possession if drugs were found on your body, but you also can be charged with possession if drugs were found in your house or your car, even if the drugs did not belong to you. This is called constructive possession, and is treated just as if the drugs were found in your pocket, even if the drugs did not belong to you. Both constructive and actual drug possession are criminal offenses that bring serious repercussions. Punishments can be severe, involving fines and […]
What to do if You Are Arrested in Lexington
March 14th, 2025 by Attorney Dan Carman
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Lexington, Kentucky, it is a serious situation. Depending on the crime, a conviction can mean jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that will negatively impact your reputation, career, personal relationships, and the ability to receive housing and educational benefits in the future. Being arrested is a stressful, scary, and confusing experience, but fortunately, all is not lost. The law says that you are to be considered innocent until proven guilty, and the state has the burden of […]
Common Defenses Used in DUI Cases Attorney
March 14th, 2025 by Attorney Dan Carman
If you are arrested and charged with a DUI in Kentucky, you face serious consequences and you need all the help you can get building a defense. A conviction on a DUI can bring suspension of your driver’s license, fines, and increased insurance payments, and you may face jail time as well. If you have previous offenses, penalties increase accordingly, and you will be saddled with a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life, affecting your prospects for education, job opportunities, government benefits, and your […]
What to Expect During a Criminal Case in Kentucky
March 14th, 2025 by Attorney Dan Carman
Criminal offenses are taken seriously in Kentucky, and a conviction can mean jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that will negatively impact your reputation, career, personal relationships, and the ability to receive housing and educational benefits in the future. If you are arrested and charged with a crime, it is a frightening situation, and it is important to know what to do and expect so you do not make mistakes that can be used against you. You should be aware that prosecutors will do everything in their power […]
Kentucky Criminal Statutes of Limitations
July 29th, 2024 by Attorney Dan Carman
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Kentucky that happened in the past, you may be wondering if there is a statute of limitations for criminal charges that allows you to be “home free” from prosecution after a certain period of time. The answer depends on the crime, how long ago it occurred, and Kentucky’s statute of limitations laws. A statute of limitations is a deadline, the maximum period of time after something happened in which you have the right to sue or make a claim; […]