Defense Against Violent Crimes Charges in Kentucky
In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, violent offenses can range from misdemeanor offenses known as Assault in the Fourth Degree, and increase in severity up to murder. The penalties for violent offenses are substantial and range from a jail sentence for a number of years, to a life sentence, or a death sentence. Alleged offenders of these crimes are often treated more severely by the prosecution and the Court.
I am attorney Shannon D. Sexton; I defend people charged with violent crimes in Northern Kentucky. An experienced lawyer can find potential weaknesses in the case against you, fully explain your options and the choices that must be made. Whether you choose to make a deal or take your case to trial, I will work to get the best possible outcome for you. When your freedom or your life is on the line, contact me online or at 859-431-9999 to discuss your case.
An Explanation of Violent Offenses
A violent offense can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The crime that you are charged with depends on the specific facts of your individual case, whether there were any mitigating factors, and whether there are any lesser included offenses.
- Murder is, of course, the most serious of violent offenses. Certain forms of murder carry the death penalty, but other forms of murder carry a penalty of up to life imprisonment. Depending on the mitigating facts of the case, any number of lesser included offenses may apply. The same is true of traditional assault offenses.
- Assault is the intentional or wanton infliction of physical injury upon another. Depending on the facts of the individual case, the crime can be classified as an Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, or Assault in the Fourth Degree.
Defense Strategies to Get the Best Possible Outcome in Your Case
One of the multiple factors that can result in a reduction to a lesser included offense is the mental state of the accused. For instance, if a life is taken or injury is caused while the alleged offender is under an extreme emotional disturbance or when the alleged offender was in fear for himself or others, the law may allow a lesser penalty or a finding of not guilty.
I have successfully utilized a self-defense strategy combined with an extreme emotional disturbance theory in two of my more recent trial victories involving violent offenses:
- One case involved a shooting where the alleged victim survived, but the shooting resulted in permanent paralysis of the alleged victim. My defense developed a history of years of domestic violence perpetrated on the alleged offender, and a specific instance of self-defense requiring desperate action moments before the shooting.
- In another case, I utilized a similar theory for a client who was accused of Assault in the Second Degree after being involved in a physical altercation resulting in brain surgery for the alleged victim.
In both instances, my clients received not guilty verdicts from the jury. See my successful cases page to learn more about a few of the victories I’ve achieved for my clients.
Contact Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Shannon D. Sexton
The above is a sample of the multiple strategies that need to be pursued in order to build a complete defense for a client who has been accused of a violent offense. It is important to have an attorney with the experience, ability, and thoroughness to seek these strategies in the course of your representation. If you have been charged with a crime, call me at 859-431-9999 or contact me online.