According to the Kentucky State Police, in 2018, there were 9,467 reported incidents of violent crimes in Kentucky, of which 244 were murder cases. Murder is a serious crime that is punished severely in Kentucky. If convicted, the defendant could be facing substantial fines, life in prison without the possibility of parole, or both. Also, the defendant may suffer devastating, long-term ramifications to their quality of life and professional future.
If you are facing murder charges or if you are under investigation for murder, it is crucial that you retain an aggressive and skilled Kentucky criminal defense attorney immediately to build your defense. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates are committed to providing aggressive representation in violent crimes, homicide, and murder cases. We will fight vigorously to protect your rights, negotiate a plea bargain, and help you receive fair treatment.
The Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates proudly serve clients throughout Shepherdsville, Kentucky, and the surrounding communities of Elizabethtown, Louisville, and Jeffersontown.
Under Kentucky laws, criminal homicide is defined as the intentional killing of another person and is categorized into one of four crimes: murder, manslaughter in the first degree, manslaughter in the second degree, or reckless homicide.
Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 507.020, a person is guilty of murder when:
Murder is considered a capital offense.
A person is guilty of manslaughter in the first degree when:
Manslaughter in the first degree is a Class B felony.
A person is guilty of manslaughter in the second degree when they wantonly cause the death of another person, including but not limited to circumstances in which:
Manslaughter in the second degree is a Class C felony.
A person is guilty of reckless homicide when he causes the death of another person with recklessness. Reckless homicide is a Class D felony.
Murder is a capital offense in Kentucky, which is often punishable by death. Kentucky Revised Statute 532.030 states, “When a person is convicted of a capital offense, he shall have his punishment fixed at death, or at a term of imprisonment for life without the benefit of probation or parole, or at a term of imprisonment for life without the benefit of probation or parole until he has served a minimum of twenty-five (25) years of his sentence, or to a sentence of life, or to a term of not less than twenty (20) years nor more than fifty (50) years.”
There are several arguments that defense counsel can make to refute charges of murder or petition for a lesser offense including:
Defending your murder charges by yourself can increase your risks of suffering the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing heavy fines and life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This is why it is important to retain a knowledgeable Kentucky criminal defense attorney immediately to help protect your rights.
At the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to providing strong representation to clients in matters of violent crimes, criminal homicide, and murder. Our team will review your case, carry out a comprehensive investigation, and attempt to refute the charges against you with substantial evidence.
As your legal counsel, we will help defend your rights and help you navigate the Kentucky criminal justice system. Our team will strategize an effective defense strategy and fight zealously to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced. We can help you seek fair treatment in your murder case, negotiate a plea bargain, and increase your chances at a brighter tomorrow.
Don't face your murder charges alone. Let an aggressive criminal defense attorney fight vigorously on your side. Contact the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates today to schedule a one-on-one case evaluation. Our team will determine your best defense strategy and provide you with the strong representation you need. We are proud to represent clients throughout Shepherdsville, Elizabethtown, Louisville, and Jeffersontown, Kentucky. Call today for comprehensive legal guidance from an experienced murder defense attorney.