Lexington Felonies Lawyer

Home / Lexington Felonies Lawyer

Are you facing felony criminal charges in Lexington, KY? Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses in the state of Kentucky – and a conviction can alter the course of your life forever.

For that reason, it is critical to enlist the help of an experienced Lexington felonies lawyer as you defend yourself. Contact the defense team at Suhre & Associates, LLC, to arrange a time to sit down and discuss the details of your criminal case.

Your initial consultation is free, so call us to speak with one of our highly-qualified, well-respected felonies lawyers at (859) 569-4014.

Table of Contents

Why You Need to Call Suhre & Associates, LLC if You are Facing Felony Charges in Lexington, KY

Due to the severity of felony penalties, it can be easy to become disheartened and lose hope. If you have been told by law enforcement or even other attorneys that your case is too complex, that you have reoffended on too many occasions, or that the evidence in your felony case is too damning, call a Lexington criminal attorney from Suhre & Associates, LLC, immediately.

Our Lexington criminal defense lawyers are experienced and unafraid to take on the challenge of your case.

As a criminal defense law firm, we have represented clients in countless criminal cases and we are ready to face down any challenge. We are here to offer legal advice and are ready to stand with you. If you are ready to fight back and have these charges dropped or lessened, give us a call.

Call us for a consultation immediately to provide us with the details of your case. We will take down all of the necessary information and assess your options.
Do not speak to anyone regarding the allegations against you. If you are pressured to answer questions, even by law enforcement, exercise your right to remain silent.
We will perform extensive research, use proven investigational techniques, and gather evidence pertaining to your case.
If an expert witness can provide testimony we think will be helpful in your case, we do not hesitate to hire the specialists to testify on your behalf.
If there are any legal loopholes, discrepancies in police records, and/or other missteps by police or the prosecution, rest assured we will find any and all mistakes. With your life on the line, there is no room for error.
We will work with the prosecution to negotiate a plea deal to lower your charges and/or sentencing. Depending on the severity of the circumstances in your case, charges could be dismissed, dropped to a misdemeanor offense, or lessened dramatically. There are alternatives to prison time including pretrial diversion and parole.

When you hire Suhre & Associates, LLC, you’ll benefit from the experience and insight of a former police officer and a former prosecutor. The time to begin defending yourself is now, so call us to get started today.

What is a Felony?

A felony charge is a serious crime with harsh penalties. Less serious crimes, called misdemeanor offenses, are often dismissed or probated. A felony charge, however, carries a minimum term of imprisonment of one year, as well as hefty fines.

Some criminal charges are automatically classified as felonies, due to the nature of the offense.

Examples of felony charges include:

Armed robbery
Manslaughter
Aggravated assault
Sexual assault
Rape, and
Murder.

Being accused of a felony crime is a serious allegation that can result in harsh penalties if you are convicted. Kentucky has an abnormally high incarceration rate at 869 people per every 100,000 residents. This is due to notorious over-sentencing in the state.

In some cases, when the defendant has been convicted of subsequent misdemeanor offenses, the law bumps the fourth offense (and any further offenses) up to a felony charge.

For example, if the defendant has been convicted of three misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence (in the last ten years), and is arrested on a fourth DUI, this is likely to be pressed as a felony charge.

This is also the case in domestic violence. If the defendant is convicted of his/her fourth assault charge of domestic violence (even with different victims), the individual will now face a felony charge rather than the previous misdemeanor charges.

In Kentucky, there is no statute of limitations on felony charges. This means if a crime is deemed a felony, it can be prosecuted years and even decades after the crime first occurred.

Penalties for a Felony Conviction in Lexington, KY

Penalties for felony convictions can be devastating. Knowing that even the least heinous felony charge can carry a sentence of one year in prison is a terrifying realization. We understand that fear and we are passionate about getting you justice and the best result possible in your case.

Felonies are divided into four distinct classes based on severity of the crime and/or number of offenses.

Class D Felonies

Although still felony offenses, this conviction is the least harsh level of felony charge. Class D felonies carry a sentence of one to five years in prison and most can be deferred with pretrial diversion. Examples of Class D felonies include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, wanton endangerment, and possession of a controlled substance.

Class C Felonies

Class C felonies carry a sentence of five to ten years in prison. Examples of crimes that are convicted of this charge include robbery, rape, and manslaughter, all in the second degree.

Class B Felonies

The second most severe felony charge carries a sentence of ten to twenty year in prison. Examples include first degree assault, rape, and sodomy.

Class A Felonies

This is the most severe felony charge you can face. Crimes under this classification carry a sentence of twenty to fifty years, or even life. This charge is reserved for crimes including, but not limited to, high-level drug trafficking, murder, or rape of a child.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony in Kentucky

The aftermath of a felony conviction also results in permanent penalties. In the state of Kentucky, a convicted felon is not allowed to own a firearm, including in one’s possession or residence. Prior to December of 2019, all convicted felons were also prohibited from voting. Since then, the state has begun restoring civil rights to convicted felons who already served their sentencing.

Convicted felons in Kentucky suffer in the aftermath of their convictions as well, even after serving their sentences. They typically experience trouble finding housing, employment, and the assistance programs they need to get back on their feet.

Pretrial Diversion in Lexington Felony Cases

For lesser charges we will consult with the prosecution and discuss pretrial diversion. This program is available to those with a first-time (clear for at least ten years) low level felony criminal record, who are unlikely to reoffend. During this program, the defendant waives the right to a trial, takes a plea deal, and avoids jail time.

However, this is a risky decision because if the defendant does reoffend, they will immediately go to prison without a trial. For this reason, this legal move is reserved for one time, low-level felony offenders.

If already involved in the legal process, do not plead guilty. A guilty plea will put all the cards in the prosecution’s hand. A guilty plea needs to be a deliberate decision, made under qualified legal guidance, and only if it offers the best bargain available in your case.

Defending Against Felony Charges in Lexington, Kentucky

If your case goes to trial, your legal team at Suhre & Associates will step in to provide the necessary doubt to avoid a conviction.

Defenses in a felony level case will vary greatly depending on the charges being pursued by the prosecution. Based on the circumstances, evidence, and our client’s testimony, we will decide the best route to take to beat or lower the severity of the charges.

Self Defense/Imminent Fear of Being Harmed: This defense is often valid in circumstances of aggravated assault, manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a felon, or even a DUI if the driver is fleeing an attack.
Lack of Intent: The prosecution would need to prove that the defendant intentionally committed a crime. This defense works well in theft cases including embezzlement and trading that conflicts with the law.
Justifiable Circumstances: Cases involving justifiable homicide, on one’s property, or a crime in order to protect another individual, fall within this subjective category.

Violations of your rights can always be raised as part of your defense strategy. If you were the vicitm of an unlawful arrest or illegal search, our Lexington criminal defense attorneys will ask the court to dismiss your charges or toss evidence that’s been tainted in the process.

Contact a Lexington Felonies Lawyer Today

At Suhre & Associates, LLC, we believe that good people can make mistakes. Felony charges are a terrifying threat to your freedom, career, family, and future endeavors. If you do not seek qualified attorneys to represent you in court, you could be convicted of the highest of felony charges associated with your case.

You do not want to spend decades away from your family, locked behind prison walls. Contact our law firm immediately to secure the representation of a highly-respected, knowledgeable Lexington felonies lawyer.

Let us do the work in your case and fight for you. You will feel safe knowing that your future is in our hands. Call today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case and how we may be able to help you.

Our Lexington, KY criminal defense law firm also provides: