Kentucky Criminal Defense Lawyers | Best Criminal Attorneys Attorneys in KY

Lawyer Legion Criminal Defense Information Center of Kentucky

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Kentucky
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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Kentucky

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2024 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Kentucky. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers in Kentucky, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high-profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certifications.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Kentucky. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a statewide list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).

William M Butler
Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Lawyer
Louisville, KY
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Brent Cox
Criminal Defense and Civil Trial Lawyer
Lexington, KY
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Dan Carman
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Lexington, KY
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Hans M. Pfaffenberger
Criminal Defense and White Collar Crime Lawyer
Louisville, KY
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Joe Suhre IV
Marijuana Law and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Cincinnati, OH
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Andrew Terrian Coiner
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Paducah, KY
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Timothy Denison
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Louisville, KY
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William G Deatherage Jr
Criminal Defense and Civil Trial Lawyer
Hopkinsville, KY
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Patrick S McClure
Child Custody / Visitation and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Danville, KY
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Christy Howell Sweeney
Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Lawyer
Lexington, KY
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Daniel Alvarez
Criminal Defense and Immigration Lawyer
Louisville, KY
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Larry Forman
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Louisville, KY
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More Noteworthy Kentucky Attorneys

Kentucky Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Kentucky Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (KACDL) - Since its formation in 1986, the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (KACDL) has influenced the legislative administration of criminal justice in Kentucky. KACDL regularly provides legislators with a more complete picture of how new laws impact the administration of criminal justice in Kentucky. The KACDL has expanded to include networking, advocacy and educational opportunities for Kentucky criminal defense lawyers through their membership.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Kentucky Attorney General

Kentucky Attorney General - The Kentucky Attorney General, elected by the people, serves as the chief legal officer for the state. The Attorney General's duties include providing legal counsel to state agencies and officials, representing Kentucky in legal matters, and overseeing the enforcement of laws. This office plays a critical role in prosecuting and defending legal actions on behalf of the state, issuing legal opinions, and addressing a wide range of legal issues such as consumer protection, public safety, and civil rights.

Kentucky Court of Justice

Kentucky Court of Justice - The Kentucky Court of Justice is tasked with the essential role of administering justice in the state. Its duties include interpreting and applying the law, adjudicating civil and criminal cases, safeguarding individual rights, ensuring due process, and overseeing family law matters like divorce and child custody. The court also plays a pivotal role in addressing legal issues specific to Kentucky, such as those related to its unique legal traditions and challenges.

Kentucky General Assembly

Kentucky General Assembly - The Kentucky General Assembly operates under a bicameral system, consisting of the Kentucky Senate and the Kentucky House of Representatives. The Senate comprises 38 members serving four-year terms, while the House has 100 members serving two-year terms. The General Assembly is responsible for proposing, debating, and passing laws that govern the state. Its duties include formulating the state budget, levying taxes, and addressing various policy issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

Kentucky Office of Public Advocacy

Kentucky Office of Public Advocacy - The Kentucky Office of Public Advocacy (OPA) is a vital organization that provides legal representation for individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. Established to ensure equal access to justice, OPA offers defense services, legal counsel, and advocacy for those facing criminal charges. With a mission to uphold constitutional rights, OPA plays a significant role in promoting fairness and integrity within Kentucky's legal system. The office aims to safeguard the rights of indigent people

Supreme Court of Kentucky

Supreme Court of Kentucky - The Supreme Court of Kentucky serves as the highest judicial authority in the state, responsible for interpreting and administering the law. Its primary responsibility involves reviewing appeals from lower courts to ensure the correct application and interpretation of state laws and the constitution. The court's duties encompass hearing various cases, including civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, and establishing legal precedents that guide lower courts and legal practitioners throughout Kentucky. Additionally, the Supreme Court of Kentucky oversees the regulation of attorneys, managing attorney admissions, setting ethical standards, and disciplining lawyers to uphold ethical conduct within the legal profession statewide.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Kentucky