CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
IN OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY

It goes without saying that being charged with a crime can be a frightening experience. From the moment of your arrest, your future and freedom are in jeopardy. The phrase “innocent until proven guilty” is something we quickly forget as prosecutors try to push, coax, and coerce you to give up your rights sooner rather than later. 

When you’re facing a criminal charge, you need to have the best advocate to protect your rights. Even if this is your first charge, it is imperative to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney and avoid the mistake of setting for a public defender. Public defenders are government-paid, court-appointed attorneys. They are limited in their time, resources, options, and authority. The price of trying to cut costs with your legal defense is a dramatically increased risk of being convicted and sentenced to a harsher penalty.

At Evan Taylor Law Office PSC, we believe that strong legal representation shouldn’t cost you a fortune. For over two decades, we have provided families honest and practical legal guidance to navigate criminal charges such as domestic violence or assault, sex crimes, DUI and drug charges, theft, homicide, or other criminal acts.

While each case is different, your rights and future are worth protecting. Contact us at Evan Taylor Law Office PSC to get the help you need. We serve clients in Owensboro, Kentucky as well as neighboring areas of Henderson, Hancock, Ohio, and McLean County.

Misdemeanor Charges

In the state of Kentucky, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense committed by anyone residing within the state or by any visitor to the state. Such crimes are typically less severe than a felony.

Misdemeanors in Kentucky are grouped into three main categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A Misdemeanor 

In Kentucky, Class A misdemeanors include:

• Domestic Battery

• Criminal Damage to government or other persons' properties

• Criminal Sexual Abuse

• Child molestation and Abuse

• Deceptive Criminal practices

• Obscenity

• Prostitution

• Patronizing a prostitute

• Possession of Marijuana or hemp of more than 10 grams but not more than 30 grams

• Drug Abuse

• Driving under the influence, 2nd offense, and many others

The misdemeanor charges for these acts include specified incarceration for up to one year with fines up to $2,500.

Class B Misdemeanor 

Class B Misdemeanors in Kentucky include:

• Trespass to property

• DUI 1st offense

• Over speeding

• Possession of Marijuana (more than 2.5 grams but not more than 10 grams) and some other crimes of such magnitude.

Misdemeanor charges for crimes like those listed above result in a jail term of up to six months and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Class C Misdemeanor 

Class C Misdemeanors in Kentucky include minor cases such as:

• Simple assault

• Loitering

• Forgery of certificates

• Change of identity cards and other minor crimes

Charges for such crimes mentioned above include a jail term of up to one month and/or fines up to $500.

Felony Charges

A felony is a crime that is punishable by one year or more in state prison. Felonies in Kentucky are broken into five main categories depending on the severity of the crime.

Class D Felonies

Class D felonies are the lowest class of felonies in Kentucky, though they are still very serious. Class D felonies include:

• Stalking

• Possession of an illegal substance

• Burglary

• It is also possible to be convicted of a Class D felony if a person repeatedly commits serious misdemeanors

For Class D felonies, the maximum jail time is one to five years.

Class C Felonies 

Class C convictions carry a possible prison sentence of between five to 10 years if convicted. Examples of Class C felonies include: 

• Second-degree manslaughter

• A felon in possession of a handgun

• Trafficking in controlled substances

• White-collar crimes

Class B Felonies

Class B felony convictions can carry significant jail time, including 10-20 years behind bars. Examples of Class B felonies include:

• First-degree assault

• Sex crimes, including rape

Class A Felonies

Crimes that are considered to be the most heinous in nature are class A felonies. These crimes include the rape of a child under the age of 12 years. If convicted of a Class A felony, a defendant can face a prison sentence of 20-50 years.

Capital Offenses 

Murder can sometimes be classified as a capital offense, and if convicted, an individual could face:

• Life in prison without the possibility of parole

• 20-50 years in prison

• The death penalty

Kentucky Criminal Court Process

As a criminal defendant, you have certain rights. The following is a general list of the steps involved in the court process.

1. Arrest and charging

2. Bond

3. Arraignment 

4. Pleas and negotiations

5. Diversion

6. Pretrial hearing

7. Trial

8. Deliberation and verdict

9. Sentencing and penalty 

Kentucky Appeals Process

Appealing a criminal conviction is a complicated process. When a conviction is entered, the clock is ticking on meeting specific deadlines for filing an appeal. Depending on the case, there are different types of appeals that can be pursued. Individuals seeking to appeal their conviction need an attorney to navigate the appeals process.