Criminal Defense Attorney
You Deserve the Best Defense
Kentucky Criminal Defense Attorney
Defending Clients Facing State and Federal Charges in Lousville, KY
Since 1986, Kentucky trial lawyer William M. Butler has defended people accused of crimes and represented people injured through the actions of others. Our criminal defense attorney is a seasoned litigator and skilled negotiator, dedicated to vigorously protecting the rights and interests of every client. Butler & Associates has skillfully defended thousands of clients for over 35 years, compiling an impressive record of positive results. We can defend you too.
For immediate assistance, please call our firm at 502-582-2020 or use the online contact form to schedule your confidential consultation. For more information, please see his Case Results and Testimonials.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Kentucky
In Kentucky, criminal charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying different potential penalties. Misdemeanors such as petty theft or minor drug offenses may result in fines or shorter jail terms, whereas felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon or significant drug trafficking, can lead to longer incarceration periods. It is crucial to understand the gravity of these charges and the corresponding consequences, which vary depending on the circumstances surrounding each case and the individual’s criminal history.
Individuals accused of a crime need to be informed about the possible defenses available to them, such as questioning the legality of search and seizure or disputing the credibility of witnesses. Being proactive and seeking legal advice immediately can significantly influence the direction and outcome of the proceedings. William M. Butler, Jr., Attorney at Law offers detailed consultation services to help clients navigate through these daunting legal challenges, ensuring that their rights are protected at all stages of the criminal process.
Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation in Louisville, Kentucky
Our firm provides fierce defense representation to clients facing serious criminal charges in both state and federal courts.
Our Practice Areas Include:
- Drug charges: including drug possession, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, and selling. The intricacies of drug laws require an experienced team that understands both state and federal regulations to ensure an effective defense strategy, minimizing potential penalties.
- Federal drug charges: including cases involving large amounts of illegal drugs, interstate trafficking, and importation of drugs. Our strategy involves challenging evidence and questioning the legality of search and seizure procedures.
- Internet crime/cybercrime: people charged with identity theft, credit card theft, eBay scams, Internet solicitation of minors, and child pornography. We understand the unique challenges of defending cybercrime cases in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
- Sex offenses: including rape, date rape, child molestation, child sexual abuse, and other child sex crimes. Our sensitive and discreet service ensures the protection of our clients’ rights and privacy through diligent investigation and strategic defense planning.
- White-collar crime: including embezzlement, conversion, fraud, and conspiracy. Our approach focuses on thorough financial analysis and exposing potential procedural errors to build a solid defense.
- Healthcare crime: including over-billing, improper billing, prescription drug fraud, and Medicare and Medicaid fraud. With detailed knowledge of healthcare regulations, we work to resolve allegations and minimize legal consequences.
- Federal Pornography Crimes: including possession and transmitting images. We ensure our clients are afforded their rights under the law while scrutinizing evidence for procedural misconduct.
- Forgery: including Art, Money & Securities. Our defense examines both the intent and the circumstances of each case, challenging accusations with robust factual analysis.
Know Your Rights in Kentucky
If the police stop you, you do not have to consent to a search. If the police do not have a warrant, you need not allow them to search your house, your car, or your person. You do not have to answer questions from police officers. Before cooperating with a police investigation, call Butler & Associates. You have rights. We can protect them.
Police must respect your right to remain silent and provide legal representation if requested. Without proper awareness, individuals risk unintentionally compromising their defense. Early legal intervention can significantly impact outcomes by preventing unlawful evidence from prejudicing your case.
Due Process in Criminal Defense Cases
Our criminal justice system is complex, both conceptually and procedurally. To ensure the fairness of the proceedings, each federal, state, tribal, and local court system has its own rules of criminal procedure that govern the actions of all players: police, defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and juries.
The U.S. Constitution requires that criminal defendants be accorded due process of law in all proceedings against them. Broadly, this means that throughout the criminal justice process the rules of criminal procedure must be observed with all constitutional protections in place. Due process requires such things as reasonable notice of proceedings and fair hearings when a person is facing substantial negative consequences, such as incarceration.
Failure to adhere to due process can lead to mistrials and the overturning of convictions. Our firm diligently scrutinizes every aspect of legal proceedings to identify violations that can provide grounds for appeal or dismissal. Understanding procedural intricacies is fundamental to safeguarding our clients’ rights throughout their legal journey.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With a Criminal Lawyer Louisville
To better protect yourself throughout your involvement with the criminal justice system, consult with a highly skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. Butler & Associates can work hard on your behalf, to see that protections afforded criminal defendants are observed.
To find out more about how he can help, call us at 502-582-2020, or contact us via email or text for your initial confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Criminal Defense in Kentucky
What Should I Do If Accused of a Crime in Kentucky?
How Are Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Handled Differently?
What Are My Rights During a Police Search in Kentucky?
Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help with a Plea Bargain?
Why Is Local Experience Important in Criminal Defense Cases?
Our Services
A Proven Track record of Results
SETTLEMENTS & VERDICTS
Investigations Resulting In No Charges Filed
Over the course of his 28-year career, Louisville criminal defense lawyer William M. Butler has had great success ending cases before they really get started. He has attended interviews and worked with prosecutors in many cases, sometimes resulting in the best possible outcome for the client: no charges filed. Below are a few examples: Bank […]
White Collar Crime
Client was charged with Food Stamp Fraud at a grocery store and restaurant he operated. The Government put the loss at approximately $1.5 million. It believed the sentence should be 70-87 months. Result: After a trial which took place over a 2- week span, and involved several thousand pieces of discovery evidence, he was convicted. […]
Warrant Set Aside
Client had outstanding arrest warrant for Domestic Violence. Result: Warrant set aside and was not taken into custody, but instead released on conditions. Case is still pending.
Wanton Endangerment
Client was charged with multiple counts of wanton endangerment, evading the police and being a persistent felony offender. The Commonwealth’s offer was 10 years to serve. Two police officers positively identified the client at trial. Result: The first trial ended in hung jury 11-1 and the second trial ended in hung jury 7-5. The Commonwealth […]
Vote Buying Charges
Client was charged with one count of 18 U.S.C. §371 Conspiracy and one count of 42 U.S.C. §1973(i)(e) Vote Buying. Result: case dismissed by the Prosecutor after a three day federal trial. The three co-defendants pled guilty.
Vandalism Charges
Client charged with vandalizing a cemetery and doing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Client confessed to police officers after being arrested and interrogated at the police station. Result: acquitted at trial after the police officer was cross examined on interrogation techniques and the defendant testified about his fear and nervousness when being interrogated.
Client testimonials
Read Our Five-Star Reviews
"The Best Referral I've Ever Gotten"
A police officer gave me Bill’s number and said if he ever got into trouble this is who he would use. The best referral that I have ever gotten. Don’t risk your life on a cheap lawyer, you get what you pay for.
"Your Ace in the Hole!"
When you hire William Butler Jr., you can rest easy knowing he takes each case as if it were his family he’s representing. His knowledge and expertise is astounding!
"Awesome Job"
I would highly recommend Bill Butler! Anytime I needed him, he always came through and did a wonderful job!
"He Never Refused a Phone Call"
When the case could not be resolved without a jail sentence, he went to trial. I was not convicted. As a result, I did not miss the first 10 years of my infant daughter’s life.
"Worth Every Penny!"
If you need a dependable, professional defense attorney with successful results, you need Mr Butler! He is worth every penny!
"A Great Human Being"
William Butler Jr. is awesome. He always answered my questions and never promised or said something if he wasn’t sure that it was going to happen.
Stages of a Criminal Case in Kentucky
- Investigation: During a criminal investigation of a crime, the police review the facts, interview witnesses, and gather evidence against suspects. If the police uncover enough evidence, they can ask a judge to sign an arrest warrant for a suspect.
- Arrest and Bail: After being arrested, a suspect will go before the judge, who will either set bail or decline to set any bail so that the suspect must remain in jail until trial. Bail is an amount of money that the suspect must post so that he or she can get out of jail. The amount of bail depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the crime of which the suspect is accused, the strength of the prosecution’s case, whether the suspect has a criminal history, and whether the suspect is a flight risk. If the suspect shows up for future court dates, the bail money is returned. If, however, the suspect doesn’t show up or flees, the court will keep the money and issue an arrest warrant.
- Arraignment: The accused first appears before the judge at an arraignment. At this proceeding, the judge informs the accused of the criminal charges against him or her, asks the accused whether he or she has an attorney or wants a court-appointed lawyer, asks how the accused will plead to the charges, determines whether to modify the initial amount of bail, and sets a schedule for future court dates.
- Preliminary Hearing: In felony cases, a judge or magistrate will hold a preliminary hearing during which the prosecution must show that there is enough evidence supporting the charges against the defendant so that the case can proceed to the next stage. This hearing is an adversarial proceeding and the defendant’s attorney has the right to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. It is also sometimes called a “preliminary examination” or “probable-cause hearing.”
- Plea Bargaining: Sometimes a criminal defendant and the prosecution can negotiate an agreement that resolves the criminal matter. Usually, the prosecutor agrees to reduce a charge, drop some of the multiple charges, or recommend a more lenient sentence in exchange for the defendant’s guilty plea, often to a lesser offense.
- Trial and Sentencing: At trial, the prosecutor and defense attorney will give opening and closing statements, introduce evidence, and question witnesses. If a defendant is found guilty, the court will impose a sentence that may include incarceration, fines, court costs, restitution, and probation. For minor crimes, the sentence may be issued right away. For serious crimes, the prosecution and defense will submit evidence and make arguments about what the appropriate sentence should be. In some states, a judge will decide the sentence. In other states, sentencing is completely separate from the trial, with a different jury determining the sentence. During this separate sentencing phase, the prosecution will present aggravating factors to argue for a harsher sentence, and the defense will present mitigating factors in favor of a lesser sentence. Also, before the sentence is issued, the defendant normally has the right to allocution, which is the right of the defendant to address the judge directly. Allocution may be a chance for the defendant to apologize, show remorse or explain his or her actions.
Protect your rights with the help of a dedicated Kentucky criminal defense lawyer. Get expert advice and a strong defense strategy. Contact us now for a free consultation—call 502-582-2020!
Over 35 Years of Experience
With more than three decades of fighting for clients, William Butler has the knowledge and experience to help you.
Proven Track Record
When it comes to winning for our clients, our case results speak for themselves – we give each client the commitment and time your case deserves.
Seasoned Litigator & Negotiator
William M. Butler is equally confident at the negotiating table and in the courtroom and is prepared to do what is best for your case.