Best Criminal Lawyer in Kentucky
Gary Stewart
Criminal Lawyer
Started practicing law in 1986. The first ten years of practice were exclusively dedicated to doing criminal defense work. The majority of cases handled were in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1996 the practice expanded to include personal injury cases. At this time my practice expanded to handle cases throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I have had over eighty (80) criminal jury trials since 1986.
Eric Ray
Criminal Lawyer
Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney Eric Ray was born and raised in Somerset, in Pulaski County, Kentucky where he graduated from Somerset High School in 2005. He went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Kentucky, graduating Cum Laude in 2009. He then stayed in Lexington and attended the J. David Rosenberg College of Law at UK.
While attending Law School, Eric was on the Trial Advocacy Board and became a member of the Student Public Interest Law Foundation. Eric’s goal in Law School was to gain as much practical experience as possible. He worked for the UK Legal Clinic, where he drafted estate planning documents and handled divorces for low-income clients. He also took an externship class with the Lexington Public Defender’s office. This allowed him to not only learn from experienced criminal defense attorneys in the classroom, but he was also able to represent low-income clients of his own, in Fayette District Court.
During his first summer of law school, he volunteered for AppalRed Legal Aid in his hometown of Somerset. Eric was lucky to work under an experienced Lawyer who allowed him to shadow her as she handled domestic violence, employment, and family law cases. During Eric’s second summer, he worked for the Jessamine County Attorney’s Office. Being able to spend an entire summer in Criminal Courtrooms was a valuable experience. Eric was able to learn from and help experienced prosecutors as they handled misdemeanor cases. This final summer confirmed for Eric that he wanted to end up practicing criminal law at some point in his legal career.
Eric graduated from law school in May 2012 and was admitted to the Kentucky Bar Association in October 2012, after passing the bar exam. Once he was admitted to the Kentucky Bar, he worked in Salyersville, primarily handling Social Security Disability claims.
Leland Hulbert
Criminal Lawyer
Leland has been practicing law in Kentucky for the past 18 years. He has handled nearly every type of criminal and family law case in Kentucky and knows not only what it takes to defend your rights but also what it takes to build a case from the ground up. By handling thousands of cases from start to finish, Leland can offer sound legal advice and representation on any criminal charge or family law matter that you or a member of your family face.
Leland serves a wide range of clientele, and every client relationship is valued greatly and treated with dignity and respect. Leland has offices in downtown Louisville and in the East End to better serve the demanding schedules of my clients. Leland will work hard to be your advocate and your voice to ensure your case receives the attention it deserves.
Jay Oakley
Criminal Lawyer
I’ve secured and/or collaborated to secure over $25,000,000.00+ in combined settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, products liability, premises liability and workers compensation.
I have tried cases to juries with success in all levels of courts including state district and circuit court as well as in federal court.
I have argued before the Kentucky Supreme Court, Kentucky Court of Appeals as well as the US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
Bar Admissions
- Kentucky, 2006
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky, 2007
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 2015
Fraternities
- Pi Kappa Alpha
Representative Cases
- Acquittal after 1 week jury trial: 5:19-CR-101-KKC, EDKY; client charged with murder-for-hire and kidnapping
- Over $25,000,000.00 in combined personal injury, mva, dog bite, premises liability and workers compensation settlements and verdicts secured
John Olash
Criminal Lawyer
I have four sons and two daughters and have been married since 1997. I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1985 and Capital University Law School in 1988. After law school I worked for three years at the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office defending people who could not afford a lawyer. I began my private practice in 1991 .
Bar Admissions
Kentucky
United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky
Indiana- pro hac vice
Ohio- pro hac vice
United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Appointments:
- 2013 Head of Criminal Law Section of the Louisville Bar Association
- 2011 Chairman of Louisville Bar Association- Criminal Law Section
- 2010 Vice Chairman of Louisville Bar Association – Criminal Law Section
Seminars:
New Approaches to Winning DUI Cases
October, 2013- Kentucky DUI Defense Attorney Association
Speakers: Paul Gold and John Olash
How to Defend a Federal Child Pornography Indictment
February, 2011-Louisville Bar Association
DAN CARMAN
Criminal Lawyer
Focusing on criminal matters, Mr. Carman is admitted to practice law in all Courts of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, and the United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. He is a member of the American, Kentucky, and Fayette County Bar Associations.
Before entering private practice, Mr. Carman served as a law clerk for the Honorable Jennifer B. Coffman, United States District Courts for the Eastern (Chief Judge) and Western Districts of Kentucky.
Prior to the clerkship, he served as a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corps. As a Captain, he served as a criminal defense attorney, where he defended those charged with rape, possession and distribution of drugs, possession of child pornography, larceny, hazing, obstruction of justice, and many other crimes. Mr. Carman also worked as a prosecutor, as well as a legal assistance attorney, during which time he assisted hundreds of clients with their problems in areas of domestic relations, consumer fraud, collections, landlord-tenant matters, and estate planning.
Abe Mashni
Criminal Lawyer
Abe Mashni is the founding attorney of Mashni Law, PLLC. He focuses his entire practice on defending those accused of violating state and federal criminal laws, students and faculty accused of violating university code of conduct rules, and licensed professionals accused of misconduct.
Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer from a young age. I attended Millcreek Elementary, Lexington Traditional Middle School, and Tates Creek High School. Upon graduating high school, I went to the University of Kentucky, where I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. I earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law and subsequently passed the Kentucky Bar exam in 2013.
Determined to get into the courtroom as fast as possible, I applied for and was granted a limited practitioner’s license by the Kentucky Supreme Court. While some lawyers go their entire career without trying a case before a jury, I did just that, while still in law school by representing the Commonwealth of Kentucky prosecuting a felony case in Fayette Circuit Court. In addition, I successfully argued several hearings on behalf of the Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. With that intimate knowledge, I understand how prosecutors and law enforcement agencies develop and prosecute criminal cases.
TIM DENISON
Criminal Lawyer
Jonathan W. McConnell, the founding criminal defense attorney at the McConnell Law Firm, specializes in criminal defense, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI), false sexual accusations, white collar crime and appeals. He is also highly experienced in traffic law and civil litigation.
As a noted criminal defense attorney and the leader of our firm, Jon is known for his expert knowledge and unmatched tenacity.
I also handle college student criminal defense. When college students are accused of crimes, their futures are on the line. A conviction could cut them off from pursuing the career of their choice, and there are other hidden repercussions, even if the charge is relatively minor. This is why it is critical for college students to be represented by an aggressive and knowledgeable lawyer.
If you have an arrest record or criminal record that you would like erased, you can turn to me for assistance with expungements.
Navigate the Bluegrass State’s Legal Maze: Why You Need a Top-Tier Criminal Lawyer in Kentucky
Facing criminal charges in Kentucky can feel like traversing a winding mountain road – unfamiliar, potentially dangerous, and with unexpected turns. The legal system can be complex and intimidating. In this situation, having the best criminal lawyer in Kentucky on your side is not just a benefit, it’s a necessity. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Expertise in Kentucky Criminal Law:
Kentucky’s criminal code, like every state’s, has its own unique set of laws, statutes, and procedures. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Kentucky possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:
- Decode the Legal Landscape: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) and interpret key court decisions that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Kentucky criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
- Identify Location-Specific Issues: Kentucky counties or cities may have their own local ordinances or procedures. Your lawyer’s deep understanding of the state’s legal landscape allows them to identify any potential location-specific issues that could impact your case.
2. A Steadfast Champion in Diverse Kentucky Criminal Defense:
Criminal cases in Kentucky encompass a wide range of offenses. The best criminal lawyers in the state specialize in defending clients facing a variety of charges, including:
- Violent Crimes: Murder, assault, domestic violence
- Property Crimes: Theft, robbery, burglary, vandalism
- Drug Crimes: Possession, distribution, manufacturing
- DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- White-Collar Crimes: Embezzlement, fraud, money laundering
- Traffic Offenses: Driving violations, license suspensions
This extensive experience allows them to tailor their defense strategy to the specific details and complexities of your case, drawing upon their knowledge of past cases and successful defense strategies used within the Kentucky legal system.
3. A Guardian of Your Constitutional Rights in the Commonwealth:
The foundation of Kentucky’s criminal justice process lies in your fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Top-tier criminal lawyers in Kentucky are dedicated to safeguarding these rights throughout your legal journey:
- Understanding Your Rights in Kentucky: They ensure you fully comprehend your Miranda rights (right to remain silent and right to an attorney), as well as other crucial legal protections under Kentucky law.
- Ensuring Due Process under Kentucky Law: Your lawyer meticulously reviews all legal procedures to guarantee you receive fair treatment under the law, adhering to the established principles of due process within the Kentucky judicial system. (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/)
- Challenging Unlawful Searches and Seizures: If your rights were violated during a search or seizure, your lawyer can fight to suppress any illegally obtained evidence that could be used against you in court.
4. Unveiling the Truth Through Meticulous Investigation:
Building a strong defense starts with a comprehensive understanding of the facts. The best criminal lawyers conduct a thorough investigation into your case, specifically tailored to the laws and procedures of Kentucky:
- Scrutinizing Police Reports and Witness Statements: They meticulously scrutinize police reports and witness statements to identify any inconsistencies, weaknesses, or potential defenses that could cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
- Securing Exculpatory Evidence: Your lawyer actively searches for any evidence within the legal framework of Kentucky that may support your innocence or mitigate the charges against you. This may include witness alibis, physical evidence, or overlooked details in the police report.
- Consulting with Experts: When necessary, they may collaborate with experts like forensic investigators, ballistics analysts, or mental health professionals familiar with Kentucky legal standards, to strengthen your case and provide expert testimony that could be crucial to your defense.