If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Kentucky, 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. 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 proving that you committed the crime. A Frankfort, KY, criminal defense attorney knows how to build 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 system and the tactics law enforcement and prosecutors use to get a conviction, and we are fully prepared to go up against them and protect your rights. Whether through negotiations or taking cases to trial, 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 discuss the circumstances of your charges and determine the best way to help, so call us today to get started building your defense.
How Our Frankfort Criminal Defense Lawyers Work to Help You
When accused of a crime, you need a skilled defense attorney who examines every angle in your case to make sure that you have the best possible defense. It is essential to get legal assistance quickly, to avoid making mistakes that can be used against you and to give your attorney a head start in building your defense while evidence and witnesses can be found. When you have the criminal defense lawyers at Dan Carman, PLLC on your side, we get to work on your behalf immediately. We will:
- Meet with you, whether at the office, over the phone, or at the jail, to discuss the circumstances of your arrest, get as much information about your case as possible, and determine the best strategy for building a solid defense.
- Explain the nature of 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 all hearings and court appearances to prevent you from doing anything to hurt your case, and be there to represent you in all 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.
- Scrutinize the actions of the law enforcement officials to determine if your rights were violated or evidence was handled incorrectly.
- Hire expert witnesses such as forensic experts and crime reconstruction experts to support your defense.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to find ways to potentially reduce charges or obtain a more favorable plea deal. Advocate for reduced sentencing or alternative sentencing options if a conviction seems likely.
- Take your case to court to defend you 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, from arraignment to trial to appeal.
Kentucky Attorney for Criminal Defense Explains Types of Crimes
Kentucky criminal offenses may be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, and those charged with crimes should understand the differences.
Felonies – these are most serious offenses and carry the most severe punishments. In Kentucky, felony crimes are divided into classes from A to D.
Class A felonies are considered the most severe. Examples include murder, malicious wounding, certain armed robberies, grand larceny, rape of a child under the age of 12, and certain drug-related crimes. Conviction can bring a prison sentence of 20 to 50 years, or life imprisonment.
Class D felonies are crimes such as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unauthorized credit card use for $500-$1,000, stalking in the first degree, possession of a controlled substance, and wanton endangerment in the first degree. Punishment may bring a prison sentence of one to five years.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, but still may bring punishment of one year in a county jail and fines. Examples of misdemeanors include DUI (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Offense) and theft of items worth less than $500.
Possible Defenses Our Frankfort Criminal Attorneys May Use
Depending on the circumstances of your case and available evidence, our criminal defense attorneys will utilize strategies that challenge the validity and sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence and look for misconduct by prosecutors or police officers, such as:
- unreasonable search
- illegal seizure
- improper confession
- police brutality
- failure to read your Miranda rights.
When these violations occur, evidence illegally obtained may be suppressed or your case may even be dismissed. Our goal is to undermine the legitimacy of the state’s evidence so prosecutors will not be unable to refute your arguments, and judges and juries will be more inclined to believe you.
Our attorneys will do everything in our power to mitigate the punishment for our clients. In some situations, where you will be risking facing much harsher penalties if convicted at trial, we 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.
Why Choose Our Frankfort Criminal Defense Lawyer
There are many attorneys in Kentucky, but when dealing serious criminal charges, you need one with the experience, legal knowledge and resources to get the best results possible. Here’s some reasons why we think you should choose Dan Carman:
- We are experienced in a wide range of criminal matters. Attorney Dan Carman has represented clients accused of criminal acts 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 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.
Call Dan Carman today at 859-685-1055 so we can begin building your defense.
GET HELP NOW 859-685-1055