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Criminal Defense You Deserve the Best Defense

Federal and State Criminal Defense Attorney in Kentucky

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.

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Stages of a Criminal Case

  • 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.

Why Choose William M. Butler, Jr., Attorney at Law?

  • 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.
  • Offering Virtual Consultations
    We'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.

  • Charges Dropped Sexual Assault

    Client charged with sexual assault. Result: State decided to drop prosecution after it was provided several medical journal articles by the defense which offered an alternative explanation for Prosecuting Witness injuries.

    Sex Offenses

  • Charges Amended Rape - First Degree

    Client charged with first degree rape. Result: Case was amended to sexual misconduct, a misdemeanor with probation.

    Sex Offenses

  • Charges Amended Evading Police & Persistent Offender

    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. Result: The Commonwealth amended the charge and client accepted a plea to reckless driving with a $100.00 fine.

    Wanton Endangerment

  • Warrant Set Aside Domestic Violence Charge

    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.

    Domestic Violence

  • Sentencing Reduced Food Stamp Fraud

    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. Result: sentencing and restitution drastically reduced.

    White Collar Crime

  • Sentencing Reduced Stole from Employer

    Client fraudulently stole $452,000 from employer, and failed to pay income tax on the money taken. Result: reduced sentencing.

    Theft & Fraud

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Client testimonials

Read Our Five-Star Reviews

We prioritize your experience, and it shows. Read more about what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Worth Every Penny!"

    If you need a dependable, professional defense attorney with successful results, you need Mr Butler! He is worth every penny! 

    - Former Client
    "Kind and Knowledgable"
    Mr. Butler was very kind and knowledgeable. He also went above and beyond what I expected him to do. I do recommend his services to anyone who would need them.
    - Nancy B.
    "A Man of His Word"

    Mr. Butler is a man of his word. I can call him and within 24 hours Bill will call me back. I will never be in trouble again, but if I was, the first person I would call would be Mr. Butler. 

    - David C.
    "He's Never Let Me Down"
    I would recommend Bill Butler to anyone needing help. He has been my lawyer for over 15 years and has never let me down once. He is an amazing lawyer!!!!
    - Jenifer R.
    "Patient and Professional"
    Mr. Butler was very courteous and professional. He took care to explain each step of the court process, and was very patient with the myriad of questions I came to him with.
    - Jason F.
    "He Keeps His Promises"
    Mr. Butler is honest, responsive and will not make promises he cannot keep. He provided excellent legal representation for my family member.
    - Former Client
    "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!
    - Former Client
    "EXCEPTIONAL Lawyer"
    Bill Butler was referred by a trusted family member. He was all they claimed and then some. EXCEPTIONAL lawyer!!
    - Stacey M.