Criminal Law in Kentucky
If you need a defense attorney, we’ll bottom-line how to find one fast. This is what you do to find a lawyer: Ask your local bar association for referrals or simply Google, “How to find a Kentucky Criminal Defense Attorney.”
If you’re in doubt, unsure whether you need to consult with an attorney, don’t hesitate; call and ask if an attorney can help you. After all, if you’re being questioned or have been arrested for a crime, you could go to jail, pay a fine, lose your driver’s license – or even be sentenced to death.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- Kentucky criminal laws;
- What you need to know about criminal defense in Kentucky; and
- How to work with your Kentucky criminal defense attorney.
Kentucky Criminal Laws
Crime
Certain actions or inactions are classified as crimes in an attempt to prevent harm.
Kentucky criminal laws are found in the Kentucky Penal Code, which is Title L of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.
- “Penal” means “punishment”.
- There are many crimes listed in the Kentucky Penal Code, including cyber crimes, stalking, DUI, domestic abuse, child neglect, embezzlement, fraud, arson, manslaughter, murder, assault, and theft.
Statute of Limitations
Criminal charges must be brought within a certain period of time or be forever barred.
- If the statute of limitations has passed in a case, charges cannot be brought.
- In Kentucky, more serious crimes do not have any limits
For example, in Kentucky, the statute of limitations for:
- Arson is 5 unlimited. (Ky. Rev. Stat. В§500.050(1)).
- Receiving Stolen Property is either 1 year or unlimited, depending upon the value of the property. (Ky. Rev. Stat. В§500.050(1) or (2)).
- Robbery is unlimited. (Ky. Rev. Stat. В§500.050(1)).
Punishment
If criminal laws are not honored, jail time, fines, restitution, education, counseling, and death may be ordered. Judges determine sentences for those convicted of crimes.
Ask your criminal defense attorney to explain the punishments you are facing.
What You Need to Know About Criminal Defense
- You need a criminal defense attorney even if you know you are completely innocent.
- The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better.
- If you have been arrested, meaning that police do not allow you to leave the police station or wherever you are, you need a lawyer.
- You need to be completely honest and open with your attorney. Even if you think something will make you look bad, disclose it.
- Do not make a statement to police, other than to ask for an attorney. Your words can be used against you.
How to Work with a Kentucky Criminal Defense Lawyer
While your defense attorney will robustly represent you, you need to be active in your own defense.
This is what you need to do:
- Remember anything you say to a criminal defense attorney will be held in confidence. Your lawyer/client communications can’t be mentioned in court.
- Answer the questions your lawyer asks of you, even if the answers make you look bad or make you feel comfortable.
- Tell your defense attorney exactly what happened. Include all the facts, even those that appear to incriminate you.
- Return all phone calls from the law office promptly.
- Provide all requested information in a timely manner.
- Stay in contact with your attorney and make sure that the law office has your current address and phone number.
- Remember your criminal defense attorney is always working in your best interests, even if he or she asks difficult questions or is polite and cooperative with the police and prosecutors.
- Be patient; be polite.
If you have been questioned in or arrested for a crime in Kentucky, get good legal help, immediately.
You need individualized advice, aggressive representation, and an attorney who can develop a strong defense strategy. Your next step is to call a Kentucky criminal defense attorney now.
