Have you been arrested? If so, you need to take it seriously. Depending on the charges and on your own circumstances, a conviction on your record can have devastating long-term consequences. This is not the time to be cavalier about your predicament.
A criminal conviction can ruin your life
Mandatory minimum sentences are a factor in defense strategies
People who are facing criminal charges have to think carefully handling their defense strategy. For some, the primary concern is how much time they are facing in prison if they are convicted. While some individuals might be able to avoid incarceration with certain defense strategies, there are some charges that come with mandatory minimum sentences. This point must be considered when you are planning your defense if it is a factor for your charge.
Alternative sentences are used to address some convictions
The criminal justice system has many tools at its disposal to handle convictions. It is imperative that these aren't too harsh for the crime, but they shouldn't be easy either.
Know the differences between trial and grand juries
The criminal justice system has two types of juries. You might hear about the trial jury often, but you likely only hear about the grand jury in very serious cases on the news. You might not realize how these differ, but knowing a bit about this can help you if you are involved in the criminal justice system.
Not all criminal cases qualify for a trial before a jury
People often think that all defendants in criminal matters have the option of having a jury trial, but this isn't the case. There are several things that are required before a jury trial must occur. These are set by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article III, section 2 of the same document.
3 area of plea bargaining that might be possible
Some defendants opt to resolve their case through plea bargains. This means that the defendant will plead either no contest or guilty to a specific charge or set of charges. In exchange for this, the prosecution agrees to meet specific conditions. In order for the deal to work, both sides have to do their part.
New Year's Eve in Kentucky: Free ride shares possible
Kentucky is in the midst of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, which will run in full force through Jan. 1, 2019. The increased enforcement is aimed at getting impaired drivers off the road and putting a stop to the drunk driving crashes that are fully preventable. This campaign is said to reduce fatalities caused by drunk driving by up to 20 percent.
Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous days for DUI
November has arrived, and it will soon be Thanksgiving. People throughout Kentucky love the holiday for its celebration of family and gratitude. It is a wonderful day to gather friends and relatives together, give thanks and cook a huge feast.
Understanding Kentucky's criminal attempt law
To most in Richmond, defining criminal activity is likely relatively simple: you either committed a crime, or you did not. Why, then, do some come to us here at Shumate, Flaherty, Eubanks & Baechtold facing criminal charges for circumstances in which no crime was actually committed? Kentucky law allows officials to charge you with a crime it is believed you were going to commit one. In such a case, the determination of your guilt or innocence comes down to a question of intent.
Why are plea bargains used?
Plea bargaining may be criticized by many in Kentucky and across the U.S., but in truth, it is how the great majority of criminal trials are settled. Not only do they help ease crowded court dockets, they give prosecutors an opportunity to guarantee a conviction. For defendants, a plea bargain is a chance to receive a lighter sentence, as well as a somewhat better record.
