Facing allegations of domestic violence in Georgetown, KY can be an intimidating and isolating experience, but you don’t have to handle it on your own.
With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our Georgetown criminal defense attorneys have the skills and resources needed to navigate these challenging circumstances. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that the process is fair and you have the best chance of beating your charges.
For help with a domestic violence charge or any other criminal matter in Georgetown, Kentucky, contact our team at Suhre & Associates, LLC, or call (185)-930-98550 today! We offer a free consultation with a skilled Georgetown domestic violence attorney.
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How Suhre & Associates, LLC Can Help If You’re Arrested For Domestic Violence in Georgetown, KY
If you find yourself facing domestic violence charges in Georgetown, KY, Suhre & Associates, LLC is here to assist you every step of the way. Here’s how we can help:
Thorough Case Assessment
Our first step is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case. We’ll listen to your side of the story, paying attention to all details—big and small—and use these findings as a starting point for building your defense.
Legal Advice
Once we fully understand the nature of your case, our experienced team can provide precise legal advice based on relevant laws and precedents to guide you through the entire process.
Defense Strategy
Using extensive resources, including private investigators and technology, to assess evidence provided by prosecutors, our attorneys will meticulously build a defense strategy that addresses all aspects of your case.
Plea Deal Negotiation
In certain cases, it may be in your best interest for us to negotiate a plea deal. Our lawyers are skilled at crafting effective negotiation strategies that have successfully reduced charges or penalties for many of our clients in the past.
Representation in Court
Should your case go to trial, you can rest assured knowing our attorneys will represent you thoroughly and professionally. We are experienced in presenting arguments clearly and effectively before the court while protecting your rights.
With Suhre & Associates, LLC by your side through this trying time, navigating these legal hurdles in Georgetown becomes less intimidating. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Georgetown domestic violence lawyer.
Overview of Domestic Violence in Kentucky
In Kentucky, domestic violence doesn’t refer to a single criminal act. Instead, it covers a variety of offenses perpetrated against certain victims.
Under KRS 403.720, acts constituting domestic violence or abuse are quite broad – physical injury, stalking, sexual abuse, assault, and inflicting the fear of imminent harm.
Understanding more about Kentucky’s domestic violence laws, potential penalties, and defenses is critical for anyone facing these charges.
Domestic Violence Involves a Criminal Act Between Family Members
In Kentucky, domestic violence refers to violent acts committed by one family member against another.
The definition of “family member” is broad for these cases, and can include:
- Spouses
- Ex-spouses
- Children (biological and step)
- Grandchildren
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Unmarried couple living together
- Unmarried couple who share a child, even if living apart
Additionally, any person residing in the same home as an involved child is considered a family member under domestic violence laws in the state.
Common Domestic Violence Crimes in Kentucky
A wide array of crimes can be deemed domestic violence when committed within this particular defined relationship, and charges can be felonies or misdemeanors. Examples include assault, terrorist threats, menacing, wanton endangerment, and sexual offenses such as rape or sodomy. Even more severe charges may include manslaughter and murder.
What Are the Penalties For Domestic Violence Convictions in Georgetown, Kentucky?
The penalties for domestic violence in Kentucky reflect the gravity of the alleged offense. It’s important to understand that the punishments can vary quite a bit since there aren’t any crimes that are specifically categorized as domestic violence.
Instead, state law considers certain offenses as being domestic in nature when committed between two individuals qualified as family members.
Potential penalties upon conviction can include:
Incarceration
Depending on the severity of your crime, you could face jail or prison time. The term of incarceration can range from a few days to years to decades depending on factors such as the nature and degree of the offense, whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense, and the impact on the alleged victim, for example.
Hefty Fines
In addition to possible imprisonment, those found guilty may be ordered by courts to pay fines. These fees contribute towards crime deterrence but also serve as part of restitution for victims in some cases.
Probation Periods
Following incarceration (or instead of incarceration), you may be sentenced to a probationary period. During this time, you must comply with strict rules, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, maintaining employment, undergoing drug tests, and refraining from further legal trouble. If you fail to comply with these guidelines, it can result in imprisonment.
Mandatory Counseling Sessions
Quite often, mandatory counseling sessions form part of the sentence in domestic violence cases. These could include anger management classes or other relevant behavioral therapy aimed at preventing future incidents.
Imposition of Protective Orders
Another common consequence is the issuance of protective orders proactively prohibiting contact between the alleged victim and the accused, along with various other restrictions. Protective orders can isolate a defendant from their home and can even prevent them from seeing their children in some cases.
If you’re facing the severe penalties that come along with a domestic violence offense in Kentucky, it’s essential to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Emergency Protective Orders
Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs), often called restraining orders, serve as an immediate measure to safeguard individuals who allege they’ve been victims of domestic abuse. In Kentucky, a family member can petition for an EPO using allegations alone without providing additional evidence.
These orders come with some tough restrictions, such as prohibiting any form of contact with the alleged victim or disposing of or damaging a victim’s property, and being prohibited from visiting the alleged victim’s home, office, or school.
Victims retain the right to access a formal hearing within 14 days. If, during this process, the court finds that the claims are baseless in nature, then necessary action will be taken by dismissing the EPO immediately.
However, if the court finds it appropriate after reviewing the evidence, it can issue a permanent protective order.
This is a serious order, and any breach of the protective order can bring substantial punishment.
Therefore, it is critical for anyone dealing with an EPO to speak with a Georgetown criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Domestic Violence in Georgetown, KY?
When faced with charges of domestic violence, various defenses can be raised to fight the allegations:
Mistaken Identity
Law enforcement may have misidentified you as the perpetrator based on misleading evidence. Your Georgetown criminal defense attorney can submit proof that negates their version of events or shows ambiguity or mistakes in identification methods.
False Accusations
Domestic situations are often fraught with powerful emotions. People may falsely accuse others out of anger, jealousy, or a desire for revenge. Proving that such motives existed could support your defense.
Self-Defense
If you had to protect yourself from imminent physical harm and your actions led to the domestic violence charge, you can argue self-defense. This will require proving that you had a reasonable belief of imminent harm and you used proportional force to the harm you were facing.
Lack of Evidence
To be convicted of domestic violence, credible evidence is needed, and the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Demonstrating insufficient evidence can be a strong defense, like pointing out inconsistent witness testimony or showing that the alleged victim didn’t sustain any injuries.
Unlawful Arrest or Violations of Constitutional Rights
Errors in police procedures, like an unlawful arrest and other violations of your constitutional rights, can also serve as defenses. For instance, if the police conducted an illegal search and seizure, your attorney can challenge this issue in court. This can lead to evidence being suppressed, weakening the prosecutor’s case against you.
Facing domestic violence charges is a serious matter with significant consequences. If you need help, we’re here for you.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Experienced Georgetown Domestic Violence Attorneys
Domestic violence crimes carry significant penalties as well as social stigma. Don’t let these allegations define or limit you; being charged doesn’t mean you are going to be found guilty. Get in touch with our Kentucky criminal defense lawyers as soon as you can to start building a defense.
Contact our team at (185)-930-98550 to schedule a free consultation with a Georgetown domestic violence attorney.
Local Sheriff Department
- Scott County Sheriff – 120 N Hamilton St, Georgetown, KY 40324, United States
- Fayette Sheriff’s Office – 150 N Limestone #265, Lexington, KY 40507, United States
- Woodford County Sheriff – 103 S Main St, Versailles, KY 40383, United States
Local Prisons
- Scott County Jail – 130 Court St, Georgetown, KY 40324, United States
- Blackburn Correctional Complex – 3111 Spurr Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, United States
- FMC Lexington – 3301 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, United States
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
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