Hopkinsville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hopkinsville Criminal Defense Attorney

It’s unsettling to be accused of criminal activity, especially when you don’t feel the accusations are a fair representation of what happened. Without properly defending against these allegations, one could unnecessarily face penalties associated with a misdemeanor or felony charge. Having a Hopkinsville criminal defense lawyer can help give you the support you need to combat the prosecution’s evidence to reach a favorable outcome, such as having the charges dismissed or reduced or being found not guilty.

At the law office of Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, our knowledgeable criminal defense team understands what it takes to execute an effective legal defense strategy. From the first meeting with our client to the finish of their case, we will supervise the entire process to ensure no one takes advantage of their rights. Connect with our team today to learn more about how we can help maximize the effectiveness of your criminal defense strategy.

What Defense Strategies Work Well?

There are several different possible defense strategies that an attorney in Hopkinsville will consider employing when taking on a new case. Their assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses will generally determine what defense tactics would be the most advantageous for your case.

Some of the most common defense strategies include:

• Challenging the Evidence
  One of the most common defense strategies available is to challenge any areas of the prosecution’s evidence that appear weak. This could be targeting an unreliable witness, highlighting a misstep in a legal procedure, or demonstrating an inconsistency in the prosecution’s story. If a defense attorney is able to prove that certain sets of evidence are weak or have been illegally obtained, it could require the court to dismiss the evidence entirely.
• Alibis
  When someone brings an alibi into a legal case, they are showing that they were somewhere else when the crime occurred. This can help to prove that the defendant was not capable of engaging in the criminal activity they are being accused of. Bringing in additional evidence, like security footage or a witness, can help validate that the alibi is valid and truthful.
• Self-Defense
  Sometimes, a defendant believes that if they did not act in the way they did, they would have experienced significant harm from a clear threat to their safety. To take a self-defense position, the court needs to validate that the threat was enough to take these protective measures. This will require a criminal defense attorney to demonstrate how their client’s response was reasonable and proportionate to the threat they faced.
• Insanity Defense
  In some specific cases, an insanity defense could be applicable if the defendant was suffering from a mental condition during the incident. The mental condition must be severe enough that it’s reasonable to believe it would have made them incapable of understanding the nature or wrongfulness of their direct actions. Evidence like psychiatric evaluations can be vital support when taking an insanity defense position.
• Mistaken Identity
  A defendant may have been incorrectly identified as the perpetrator of the crime. This happens in cases where a witness gave unreliable testimony, the surveillance footage was poor quality, or there were other identification errors in the investigation process. A defense attorney will try to introduce solid evidence, such as DNA analysis or other forensic data, to establish that the client was mistakenly identified.
• Entrapment
  When law enforcement officers entice someone to commit a crime that they would not have committed otherwise, it could be classified as entrapment. This would require a criminal defense attorney to prove that their client was either coerced or lured into committing the illegal activity by police. Because entrapment is illegal, successfully proving this occurred can have the entire case dismissed.

FAQs

Q: Do Criminal Defendants Have the Right to Access a Defense Attorney?

A: Yes, all criminal defendants in Kentucky have the legal right to hire a defense attorney to represent them in their criminal case. This right is specifically mentioned in the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The criminal justice system is incredibly complex, and any errors could result in negative consequences, such as being overcharged for a crime or being found guilty of a crime you did not commit. It is important to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney who can ensure your rights are protected throughout your trial.

Q: How Do I Know if a Criminal Defense Lawyer is Right for Me?

A: When evaluating what criminal defense attorney you want to retain, be sure to spend time researching all legal service options in your area. Look into how many years each attorney has been practicing law. You also want to find someone who has a positive track record filled with case wins. Before choosing to hire someone, it is recommended to set up an initial consultation to discuss your case and see if you agree with their initial thoughts and strategy.

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Crime in Hopkinsville?

A: If you have been arrested for a DUI or allegedly committing a crime in Hopkinsville, stay calm and cooperate with the authorities. Use your right to remain silent and wait to make any comments until you are being represented by a criminal defense attorney. After you have secured legal representation, you will be able to collaborate and come up with the strongest defense possible to help drop or reduce the penalties you face.

Q: How Long Does the Criminal Justice Process Take in Hopkinsville?

A: The length of each criminal defense case in Hopkinsville depends on how complicated the details are, what crime the defendant has been charged with, and the court’s schedule. In general, minor offenses for first-time offenders have a much shorter timeline than cases where someone has been charged with a felony. Delays can also occur due to various factors, including the need for new evidence or to have a witness available for trial.

Retain a Skilled Criminal Defense Team

If you are facing criminal charges in Hopkinsville, having the right legal support is critical to the success of your case. At the law office of Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, our team will work hard from start to finish to help protect your rights and build the strongest defense possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.