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Kentucky Criminal Lawyer

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In 2007 in the state of Kentucky, a serious crime was committed every 4 minutes, 28 seconds. A murder was committed every 43 hours, 35 minutes. Robbery was committed every 2 hours, 13 minutes and 60,582 arrests were made for drug violations. A total of 393,913 arrests were made in 2007. If you have been arrested in the state of Kentucky, it is imperative to hire a criminal defense lawyer attorney.

A criminal defense attorney fulfills the important legal role of representing an individual charged with a criminal offense. Without the services of a skilled Kentucky criminal lawyer attorney proficient in the laws applicable in the state, an individual facing criminal charges may be unable to receive the best defense in a court of law.

A 'crime' can be defined as any act or behavior which is in violation of a public law or regulation forbidding it. Conversely, a crime can also be the failure to act, in violation of a public law or regulation which requires that act for example, paying taxes is an act which is required, and the failure to pay taxes is therefore a crime. Crimes in the United States are established by local, state, and federal governments, and therefore criminal laws can vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Nevertheless, all jurisdictions recognize several levels of crimes. Misdemeanors are the least severe of crimes, and include offenses such as petty theft, traffic violations, prostitution, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, robbery, vandalism and trespassing. Misdemeanors are also defined as punishable by less than one year's incarceration in a county jail. However, most first- and second-time offenders will not face jail time, but will instead be required to pay a fine and/or complete community service or probation.

Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and include such crimes as treason, fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, forgery, rape, arson, murder, kidnapping and grand theft. Felonies are generally divided further into two categories, violent and non-violent. Many non-violent felonies are the so-called white-collar crimes, and occur for financial gain. Convicted felons could face punishments as serious as the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole; they could also face fines, community service, probation, parole, or the completion of a mandatory drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program.

If you have been convicted of a crime, having a professional fight on your side will determine your fate and future. Although hiring a criminal lawyer is important and must be done as soon as one is likely to face an arrest or a trial, it is also vital that the chosen attorney be appropriately trained and honest enough to be upfront about the negative aspects of a case. For instance, if a lawyer were to guarantee that the client will be acquitted without reviewing the case may not necessarily mean he/she is skilled to handle the case successfully. Also, promises of a small sentence or a assurance of a particular verdict are not proof of an attorney's abilities.

A professional criminal attorney must be able to assess the trial prospects by examining the evidence available, seeking expert guidance where necessary and preparing the approach to witness questioning. A certified lawyer will be aware of how to present plea bargains to get a reduced sentence or may help the client plead guilty for lesser charges. Proposing a proper plea bargain may reduce the time in investigation that is necessary for adequately preparing for the actual trial.

A qualified criminal attorney must always keep the defendant informed of the developments in the case and any crucial decisions that need to be made. A criminal lawyer should also have a copy of the charging document before proceeding with the trial or the preliminary hearing. This helps him/her to better understand the limitations that the nature of the charges may put on the defense. The document is a vital tool in analyzing the positive aspects that can be used in preparing the arguments.

Again, since the criminal lawyer is sworn to the confidentiality of the client, it is imperative that the defendant reveal all details pertinent to the case. The primary goal of the defense counsel is to protect the best interests of the client and guide him/her in the legal aspects to help receive a just outcome in a case.