Bowling Green, KY, Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Kentucky, the repercussions can be severe. A conviction can bring 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. Fortunately, all is not lost as the state has the burden of proving that you committed the crime. An experienced Bowling Green, KY, criminal defense attorney can help by building a defense that increases the chances of having your charges reduced or dismissed.

The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Dan Carman, PLLC know the Kentucky criminal justice system and how to go up against over-zealous prosecutors. We have helped many clients accused of criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to felonies, and we will do everything possible to do the same for you.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to find the best way to defend against your criminal charges, so call us today to get started building your defense.

Why Choose Our Bowling Green Criminal Defense Lawyer

When facing serious criminal charges, you need a criminal defense attorney with the experience, legal knowledge and resources to get the best results possible. Here are some reasons to choose Dan Carman:

• We are experienced in a wide range of criminal matters that include sex crimes, possession and distribution of drugs, child pornography, and obstruction of justice. Dan was also a Judge Advocate “JAG” defense lawyer and prosecuting attorney for Marine Corps and Navy personnel, so he knows both the prosecution and defense sides of the criminal process.
• We are recognized in our field. Dan Carman has been named in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers, and has won an award for the 10 best attorneys in client satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
• We are bilingual, speaking Spanish as well as English.
• We are available 24/7 for client emergencies.

At Dan Carman, PLLC, we know how to examine every angle to find weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, negotiate to get you the best deal possible or take your case to trial and fight for your rights if necessary. We have a proven track record that can make all the difference in securing a favorable outcome in your case.

How Our Bowling Green Criminal Defense Lawyers Work for You

It is essential to get legal assistance as soon as possible to avoid making mistakes that can be used against you. When you have the criminal defense lawyers at Dan Carman, PLLC on your side, we get to work for you immediately. We will:

• Meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your arrest, evaluate the evidence against you, and develop a strategic defense plan tailored to your specific situation
• Protect your rights throughout the legal process, from arrest through trial, making sure proper procedures were followed by law enforcement and determining whether your rights were violated or evidence was handled incorrectly
• Make sure you understand the charges against you, potential penalties, and the legal process you will go through
• Ensure you comply with court procedures and deadlines, prepare you for and represent you at all hearings and court appearances
• Investigate your case; gather and evaluate evidence such as test results, police reports, and body cam or audio recordings, and interview witnesses to build your defense.
• Hire expert witnesses such as forensic experts and crime reconstruction experts to support your defense
• Negotiate with prosecutors to find ways to reduce charges or obtain a more favorable plea deal
• Advocate for reduced sentencing or alternative sentencing options or diversion programs if a conviction seems likely
• Take your case to court if necessary: prepare for trial, including making depositions, selecting a jury, and handling opening statements, cross-examinations, and closing arguments in order to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecutor’s case
• Take care of any appeals by representing you in appellate court to seek reversal or modification of the verdict
• Help with the expungement process to clear your criminal record if you qualify under Kentucky law.

We will be there for you in all stages of the criminal justice process, fighting for your rights, reducing stress and helping you make informed decisions.

Attorney for Criminal Defense Explains Classifications of Crimes

It is important to understand the way crimes are classified in Kentucky and the consequences of the charges.  Criminal offenses may be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor.

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, divided into two classes:

1. Class B Misdemeanors:
   • Punishable by up to 90 days in jail
   • Fines up to $250
2. Class A Misdemeanors:
   • Punishable by up to 12 months in jail
   • Fines up to $500

Examples of misdemeanors include DUI (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Offense) and theft of items worth less than $500.

Felonies – more serious offenses with the most severe punishments. In Kentucky, felony crimes are divided into 5 classes:

Class D felonies are less serious crimes such as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and are punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison.

Class C Felonies, such as second-degree manslaughter, are punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison.

Class B Felonies, such as first-degree manslaughter or robbery, are punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.

Class A felonies are punishable by 20 to 50 years or life in prison, and include murder, rape of a child under the age of 12, and certain drug-related crimes. Conviction is punishable by 20 to 50 years or life in prison.

Capital Offenses are the most serious category. They are punishable by 20 to 50 years in prison, life imprisonment, life without parole, or death.

In addition, felony convictions may bring fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or double the amount of any financial gain from the crime. Kentucky has no statute of limitations for felony crimes, so you can be charged at any time after the alleged crime was committed.

Defenses Our Bowling Green Criminal Attorneys May Use

Depending on the circumstances of your case and available evidence, our criminal defense attorneys will utilize a wide range of strategies, including:

Violations – These are strategies that challenge the validity and sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence and look for misconduct and constitutional violations by prosecutors or police officers, such as:

• unreasonable search
• illegal seizure
• improper confession
• police brutality
• failure to read your Miranda rights.

Our goal is to undermine the legitimacy of the state’s evidence, as evidence illegally obtained may be suppressed or your case may even be dismissed.

Affirmative defenses — Affirmative defenses admit the act occurred but it was legally justified for reasons such as self-defense, entrapment, or even insanity.

Mitigating punishment — In some situations, where you will be risking facing much harsher penalties if convicted at trial, our attorneys may have you consider a plea deal or alternative punishments such as:

• Attending a diversion (community service) program
• Undergoing counseling or drug rehabilitation
• Probation rather than jail or prison sentence
• Going to traffic school or a traffic diversion program.

Other defenses – These may include providing an alibi as to why you couldn’t have committed the crime, lack of intent, mistaken identity, or — for misdemeanors — expiration of the statute of limitations.

Get Help from Our Bowling Green Criminal Defense Attorney

At Dan Carman, PLLC, we know your rights. We find weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, negotiate to get you the best deal possible, and take your case to trial if necessary. We have a proven track record and can make all the difference in securing a favorable outcome in your case.

If you have been charged with any criminal offense, call Dan Carman today at 859-685-1055 to start building your defense.

GET HELP NOW 859-685-1055