Criminal Defense Attorneys in Somerset, Kentucky

Knowing Your Rights

Being arrested for a crime can seriously derail your future. If police officers wish to interrogate you, be kind and cooperate, but do not speak to them until you have consulted with an experienced criminal attorney first. The sixth amendment gives anyone under prosecution the right to an attorney, and your future may be brighter if you utilize that right. You also have the right to deny testifying against yourself per the fifth amendment, meaning, at any point of the case, you cannot be forced to speak to police officers or prosecutors.

If you have been arrested in Somerset, Kentucky, whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor, keep quiet and calm, and contact The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley to schedule a free consultation with their criminal defense attorneys.

Felonies & Misdemeanors in Kentucky

With a combined two decades of experience, both Jeremy and Kerri Bartley handled nearly every criminal charge, from DUIs to capital murders. Having been on both sides, they have the ability to negotiate and the courage to fight.

Violent Crimes in Kentucky

Murder & Manslaughter

In Kentucky, homicide covers four different crimes. From most serious to least serious, they are murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, and reckless homicide.

What differentiates murder and manslaughter in the state of Kentucky is malice. If a person intentionally kills somebody, he or she will be charged with murder. If a person did not intend to kill or injure the other person, he or she will be charged with manslaughter. Kentucky utilizes the death penalty for capital offenses, including murder.

A person commits reckless homicide when he or she negligently causes the death of another person. If a person disregards an unjustifiable risk, and another person dies, that would be considered a reckless homicide.

If you have been charged with murder or manslaughter in Somerset, Kentucky, or in the surrounding areas of London, Wayne County, Lincoln County, McCreary County, and Russell County, contact The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley to schedule a free consultation.

Rape

Rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse. The state of Kentucky recognizes three different degrees of rape:

• First-Degree Rape - Having sexual intercourse with another person by force, or with someone who is not able to consent because he or she is either physically helpless or is younger than 12 years old.

• Second-Degree Rape - Being 18 years old or older and having sexual intercourse with a person who is either younger than 14 years old or with someone who is mentally indisposed.

• Third-Degree Rape - Having sexual intercourse with someone who is not able to give consent because he or she has an intellectual disability; the offender is 21 years old or older, and the victim is younger than 16 years old; the offender is 21 years old or older, and the victim is younger than 18 years old and lives in the actor’s foster home; the offender holds a position of authority over the victim, who is under 18.

All degrees of rape are felonies. A conviction can result in anywhere from one to 20 years in prison, or more if the victim is under the age of 12. If you have been charged with rape or any other sex crime, contact The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley immediately.

DUI

In Kentucky, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if:

• You have a BAC level of 0.08% or more

• You are under the influence of any other substance, such as drugs, that will hinder your ability to drive

• You are under the age of 21 and have a BAC level of 0.02% or more

A first offense of a DUI can be punishable by a fine of $200 to $500 and imprisonment for 48 hours to 30 days. First-offense DUIs in Kentucky can restart after 10 years, meaning, if you were convicted of a DUI one year and again 10 or more years later, it would be sentenced as a first offense, not a second offense.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Somerset, Kentucky, the DUI attorneys at The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley want to help.

Schedule a Free Consultation

The attorneys at The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley understand how difficult dealing with a criminal charge can be. That is why they are dedicated to providing insightful and aggressive legal representation. When arrested for a crime, cooperate with the police, but do not say anything. Instead, contact The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley in Somerset, Kentucky. They proudly defend clients throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including Laurel County, Wayne County, Lincoln County, Casey County, and Russell County. Get in touch with their criminal defense attorneys today so they can begin building your defense.