Criminal Defense

Contempt of court generally involves willfully disobeying a court order or showing open disrespect for the authority of the court. In Kentucky, contempt can be characterized as either civil or criminal. The consequences a person faces depend largely on which type of contempt the court finds. A criminal contempt finding can result in serious consequences,… read more

Being charged with a crime in Kentucky as a defendant means spending time in court well before a trial ever takes place. You will likely see several dates appear on your case docket, one of the most common of which is something called a status hearing. If you have never been through the criminal justice… read more

Being arrested and held in custody is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges as a defendant in Kentucky, one of the first questions that comes to mind is usually about getting out of jail. The good news is that Kentucky… read more

Charges being “dropped” and having your charges “dismissed” both can spare you from prosecution, but they don’t mean the same thing. When charges are dropped, it’s usually because the prosecutor chooses not to go forward with the case. A dismissal is an official decision made by a judge in court that ends a defendant’s case,… read more

Most people assume their home and property are completely off-limits to law enforcement without permission. In many situations, that’s true. The law places strong limits on when police can enter private property. However, there are important exceptions that allow officers to enter without a warrant. Understanding where those boundaries exist can help you better protect… read more

A disposition hearing is a stage in a criminal case where the court determines the outcome after a defendant has been found guilty or has entered a plea. In adult criminal cases, this stage is typically called a sentencing hearing, while the term “disposition hearing” is more commonly used in juvenile court. At this hearing,… read more

Counterfeit merchandise charges might seem minor compared to other criminal offenses. However, they can actually lead to serious consequences under Kentucky law, including the possibility of jail time on top of substantial fines.  Learning about the elements of this offense and what prosecutors must prove to convict you is a good first step you can… read more

Deciding whether to waive your Miranda rights is an important decision that can strongly affect the outcome of your case. What you say to law enforcement can be used against you, even if you believe you are helping yourself by explaining the situation. In most cases, the safest choice is to exercise your Miranda rights… read more

When you’re facing a legal challenge—especially something as serious as a criminal charge— the lawyer you choose matters. The right attorney can protect your rights, help you navigate complex laws, and greatly influence the outcome of your case. But not all lawyers are created equal, and the search for representation can be overwhelming, stressful, and… read more

Every criminal charge in Kentucky must meet four key requirements before a person can be convicted. These are known as the elements of a crime: actus reus (the criminal act), mens rea (the mental state), causation, and concurrence. Each element must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.  If the prosecution fails to establish even one,… read more