You've Been Arrested...What Do You Do Next?
Being arrested is one of the scariest and most stressful events in a person's life. Being charged with a criminal offense is a frightening experience, not only for the person facing the charge, but for family and friends as well. If you or someone you care about is facing a criminal charge, here's some information you'll want to know:
What penalties am I facing?
If you are convicted of a criminal offense, you could be facing jail time and a fine. According to the Kentucky Revised Statutes, penalties include:
Driving Under the Influence
Driving Under the Influence carries a range of penalties. Please click here for more information.
Class B Misdemeanor
90 Days in Jail
$250 Fine
Class A Misdemeanor
12 Months in Jail
$500 Fine
Class D Felony
1-5 Years Prison
$1,000 - $10,000 Fine*
Class C Felony
5-10 Years Prison
$1,000 - $10,000 Fine*
Class B Felony
10-20 Years Prison
$1,000 - $10,000 Fine*
Class A Felony
20-50 Years Prison**
$1,000 - $10,000 Fine*
* Fines for felony offenses can range from $1,000 - $10,000 or double the gain from the commission of the crime, whichever is greater.
** A Class A Felony can be enhanced to include Life in Prison, Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole for 25 years, Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole, and Death.
What do I do now?
The first thing you should do is contact an attorney. An attorney can review the case for defects, negotiate bond, move to suppress evidence, compel discovery, negotiate with the prosecutor, obtain expert witnesses for trial, among other things. As a former Sheriff's Deputy, I am in the unique position to understand both applicable law and defenses as well as police procedure.
Whether you chose to speak with me or another attorney regarding your criminal charge, it is essential that you contact legal counsel.
