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 attorney is both a skilled negotiator and a seasoned litigator who is passionate about protecting the rights of his clients. 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) 237-0871 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) 237-0871,or contact us via email or text for your initial confidential consultation.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
Our Services
- Child Pornography
- Conspiracy
- Criminal Defense
- Drug Crimes
- Embezzlement
- Federal Crimes
- Federal Drug Crimes
- Firearms
- Internet Crimes
- Medicare Fraud
- Police & Justice Dept. Investigations
- Prescription & Healthcare Crimes
- Rape
- Sex Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Unconstitutional Searches & Seizures
- White Collar Crimes
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) 237-0871!
Why Choose William M. Butler, Jr., Attorney at Law?
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Over 35 Years of ExperienceWith more than three decades of fighting for clients, William Butler has the knowledge and experience to help you.
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Proven Track RecordWhen it comes to winning for our clients, our case results speak for themselves - we give each client the commitment and time your case deserves.
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Seasoned Litigator & NegotiatorWilliam M. Butler is equally confident at the negotiating table and in the courtroom and is prepared to do what is best for your case.
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Offering Virtual ConsultationsWe'll save you a trip - we can meet via FaceTime or Zoom to make the legal process just a little easier on you.
A Proven Track record of Results
SETTLEMENTS & VERDICTS
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated your situation might be.
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Most Charges Dropped Armed Robbery
Client indicted on 2 counts of armed robbery (Robbery I), each of which carried a mandatory minimum of a 10-year sentence, 1 count of possession of a dangerous weapon, 1 count fleeing or evading police, 1 count wanton endangerment. Result: Most charges dismissed.
Robbery
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Acquitted at Trial Assault of a Child
Client charged with assaulting his 10 year old daughter. Client was acquitted at trial based on defense that child made up story which was embellished with help of her mother, the client’s ex-wife.
Assault
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Acquitted Assault of a Police Officer
Client charged with 2 counts of assaulting a police officer, and with resisting arrest. Result: acquitted at trial, on defense that the four police officers testifying against client distorted the facts. There was no assault.
Assault
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Dismissed Assault of a Police Officer
At pretrial conference defense explains to prosecutor that police officer misapplied the resisting arrest statute. On day of trial, defense announces ready for trial, Commonwealth move to dismiss. Result: Charge was dismissed.
Assault
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Acquitted Assault of a Public Servant
Client charged with assaulting an off duty police officer at a Mike Tyson fight. Result: acquitted based on defense that the officer misidentified the client as the person who assaulted him.
Assault
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Acquitted at Trial Assault of Spouse
Client charged with assaulting his former wife outside a mall. Client was acquitted at trial based on defense of ex-wife being vindictive and lying.
Assault