Elkton, KY Criminal Defense Lawyer

Elkton, KY Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a crime can be a life-altering experience that can leave you feeling uncertain about the future. The outcome of your case could depend on the quality of your legal representation. With the help of an Elkton, KY, criminal defense lawyer, you can avoid the harshest penalties under the law and potentially resolve your case on favorable grounds.

Elkton residents know they can trust Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, to handle their cases with care, compassion, and attention to detail. No matter what crime you are charged with, our founding attorney can customize a legal defense strategy that weakens the prosecution’s case against you.

Why Choose Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law?

After being charged with a crime, it is reasonable to have concerns about your case’s outcome. Defendants are commonly given harsh sentences that could include confinement in jail or prison. Our founding attorney is here to remind you that you are innocent until proven guilty, and the burden of proof falls on prosecutors to demonstrate your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It is the job of a Elkton, KY criminal defense attorney to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and find weaknesses in any testimony used against you. Our attorney is a former Marine, and he will not back down when it comes to protecting the rights of his clients. He is never intimidated by prosecutors and works tirelessly to seek favorable outcomes for his client’s cases.

Common Criminal Charges in Elkton

No matter what crime you committed in or near Elkton, our criminal defense attorney can review your case and customize a legal defense strategy that serves your interests. While there are many potential crimes that our firm can defend against, there are some of the more common types of cases we field.

• Driving under the influence: Sometimes, a DUI amounts to unfortunate luck. Even if you are just at or above the legal limit, you can be arrested and charged with a DUI if you were pulled over for a bad break light or as part of a DUI checkpoint. The mere appearance of intoxication can lead to reasonable suspicion that you committed a crime.
• Drug crimes: Possessing, selling, or trafficking drugs is a serious crime in Kentucky. Possession of even a small amount of drugs can lead to criminal charges that could result in fines or jail time. The severity of these charges depends on the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal record, the type of drug used, and the presence of aggravating factors like possession of a deadly weapon.
• Sex crimes: Sex crimes could potentially include non-violent offenses like indecent exposure or possession of child pornography. More serious sex crimes include rape and other violent offenses.
• Violent crimes: Crimes that result in physical injury to the victim are classified as violent crimes. These criminal charges may lead to serious jail or prison time if the defendant is found guilty. Violent crimes include aggravated robbery, assault, murder, and other crimes.
• Juvenile offenses: Juveniles can be charged with the same crimes as adults, but the sentencing practices are different. Although harsh punishments can and are commonly given, the general goal of the juvenile courts is to reform and not punish defendants who are under 18.
• Theft: Taking someone else’s property can lead to theft charges. The penalties for this crime can range considerably, largely depending on the value of the items that are stolen. When theft involves the use of force, it becomes classified as robbery.

No matter which crime you are accused of, you can rely on the services of a criminal defense attorney to defend your rights in court. Having legal counsel can greatly improve the odds of a favorable resolution to your case that allows you to put the ordeal behind you.

How a Defense Attorney Can Help

You have a powerful ally in court once you hire a criminal defense attorney. The criminal justice system can be intimidating and overbearing. Your Elkton, KY Criminal Defense Lawyer can restore the scales of justice in your favor by getting your side of the story across and questioning the evidence being used against you.

If you were arrested even though the police did not have a reasonable suspicion that you committed or were about to commit a crime, that could be a violation of your rights. Defendants enjoy strong protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police officers must also follow their department’s policies and procedures when enforcing the law.

If the arresting officer or investigator involved in your case violated your rights, that could mean that some or all of the evidence being used against you is inadmissible in court. A skilled Elkton, KY Criminal defense attorney can identify these violations, potentially leading to the dismissal of charges or a more favorable plea agreement.

FAQs

Q: Do Defense Attorneys Defend People They Know Are Guilty?

A: Yes. A defense attorney’s job is to help balance the criminal justice system by ensuring that defendants’ rights are protected in court. The presumption of innocence applies to everyone, whether they committed a crime or not. The burden of proving guilt falls on prosecutors, and defense attorneys can argue their client’s innocence even if their client privately admits guilt to their legal counsel.

Q: What Is the Self-Defense Law in Kentucky?

A: As in other states, anyone in Kentucky has the right to take reasonable and proportional steps to defend themselves. These rights are even more strongly protected when the victim is home at the time they are attacked. The right to self-defense is not absolute, and a judge or jury may find that a defendant disproportionately acted when defending themselves from an attack.

Q: What Is the Most Common Argument of a Defense Attorney?

A: The most common argument of a defense attorney in Elkton, KY is that their client did not commit the crime they are charged with. If there is strong evidence showing that their client did commit a crime, the defense attorney may focus on the criminality of the defense by arguing that their client did not commit the act with criminal intent.

Q: Do Defendants Tell Their Lawyers the Truth?

A: Defendants are supposed to tell their lawyer the truth. This could include admitting that they played a role in a crime. Anything said between a lawyer and their client is protected under attorney-client privilege, which has been protected by higher courts for well over a century. Under this framework, any legal matters discussed between attorney and client cannot be disclosed.

Schedule Your Elkton, KY Criminal Defense Lawyer Consultation

If you are facing criminal charges, you need legal representation you can count on. Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, can represent you in court and negotiate on your behalf. As a retired Marine, he’s not afraid of putting up a fight and is not intimidated by the actions and words of prosecutors.

Once our lead attorney reviews your case, he can go about weakening the prosecution’s allegations against you. He will seek the optimal resolution to your case through dropped charges, reduced charges, or a favorable settlement. To schedule a consultation, contact our office today.