Cadiz, KY Violent Crime Lawyer

Cadiz, KY Violent Crime Attorney

Violent crime covers a spectrum of illegal activity, which means that right from the moment you are first charged with a violent crime, you may be facing confusion and feeling lost. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case, as you can hire a Cadiz, KY violent crime lawyer.

Not only can a skilled violent crime defense lawyer help negotiate sentencing and defend you in court, but they can also protect you from the start during conversations with law enforcement and opposing counsel. They can gather and examine evidence, plan out a strong and compelling case, and advocate on your behalf from start to finish.

What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, “violent crime” is an umbrella term for four main categories of illegal activity where intentional force is threatened or used to cause harm to another individual. While your Cadiz, KY violent crime lawyer can go into more specific detail, here is a brief overview of the four categories of violent crime:

• Aggravated Assault: This occurs when an individual intentionally threatens or causes harm to another individual. Aggravated assault is the most reported violent crime in Kentucky. Compared to the rest of the United States, statistics show that Kentucky experiences less violent crime per 100,000 residents than the national average.
  While aggravated assault can be considered a misdemeanor, certain circumstantial factors can lead to it becoming a felony charge. This is why it may be referred to as a “wobbler.”
• Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter: In 2024, the Kentucky murder and non-negligent manslaughter rate was 7 per 100,000 residents. This is an incredibly low occurrence, potentially due to the severity with which homicide is handled in the Kentucky criminal court. Murder is almost always classed as a felony, meaning you will face steep penalties if you are convicted.
• Rape: Recent data shows that the overall rate of rape offenses in Kentucky was 34 per 100,000 residents. Rape charges are sorted into degrees, where first-degree—the rape of an individual aged 12 or under—is the most severe. A conviction of rape can lead to serving time in prison, as well as having your name placed on the state and national sex offenders list.
• Robbery: Most recently, robberies occurred at a rate of 38 per 100,000 residents. Robbery is another charge that always falls into the category of a felony. The severity of the charges depends on a multitude of mitigating factors, such as whether a deadly weapon was used and if bodily harm occurred.

Why Do I Need a Violent Crime Defense Lawyer?

If you have been charged with any of the aforementioned crimes, you will most likely benefit from the help of legal counsel. Kentucky criminal courts take violent crimes very seriously, and because potential penalties mirror this severity, there is a lot at risk in the event of conviction. It is better to hire a Cadiz violent crime defense attorney the second you are notified of the charges against you. You can turn your case around if you hire the right lawyer.

Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, offers knowledgeable lawyers who are ready to take on your unique case. They can listen to your side of the story, making sure you feel heard and are shown respect. You have a right to a fair trial, and having someone aware of the potential missteps involved in criminal court can help you better avoid them.

FAQs About Cadiz, KY Violent Crime Laws

Q: How Long After an Assault Can You Be Charged in Kentucky?

A: The length of time you can be charged after an assault depends on whether the assault was a felony or misdemeanor. In Kentucky, felony charges can be pursued at any time with no limitation set, but misdemeanor charges must be sought within a year of the incident. If you hire a violent crime lawyer in Cadiz, KY, they can help you determine whether charges against you are valid after a certain amount of time has passed.

Q: How Much Does a Violent Crime Defense Lawyer Cost in Kentucky?

A: The final cost of a violent crime defense lawyer in Kentucky varies in relation to several different factors, such as how complex your case is, how long it takes to resolve it, and what lawyer you choose to represent you. Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law understands the importance of finding representation that is worth the time and money you spend, and our legal team can help you pursue your desired outcome.

Q: How Is Violent Crime Measured in Kentucky?

A: Kentucky follows the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which states that violent crime includes homicide, rape, non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, and aggravated assault. While many of these crimes result in felony charges, some are considered wobblers, as they could result in misdemeanor charges if the incident meets those requirements. Statistics for Kentucky violent crime are expressed in incidents per 100,000 residents.

Q: How Long Can Felony Criminal Charges Be Pending in Kentucky?

A: In Kentucky, there is no statute of limitations for felony charges, meaning that charges can be pursued at any time after the crime is committed. This is not the same for misdemeanors, however, which must be sought by prosecutors within a year of the charges being issued. The one exception to this is sex crimes involving minors. An example of this would be first and second-degree rape, which involve victims under the age of 12 and 14, respectively.

Get Legal Representation From Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, Today

Being accused of a crime is a scary situation to find oneself in, and it can feel incredibly isolating. On top of this, the world of criminal law can be difficult to navigate. Trying to handle your case alone can lead to confusion and despair, but fortunately, you do not need to face these charges alone.

The legal team at Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, is prepared to help you build a strong defense, advocate on your behalf, navigate your trial, and negotiate potential sentencing if the need arises. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.