Lexington Homicide Defense Attorneys
Available 24/7 to Protect Your Rights
If you have been arrested for or charged with homicide, you need a Lexington homicide defense lawyer from Oakley & Oakley. We are available 24/7 to defend you against all types of homicide charges, including murder, murder, manslaughter, and manslaughter. We are available to defend you in all 50 states and federal courts.
Our criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors who have handled hundreds of homicide cases. We know what the prosecution will do and can help you build a strong defense against these serious charges.
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us today at (859) 712-7365 for a free consultation.
Homicide Charges in Kentucky
Homicide is the killing of another person. In the state of Kentucky, homicide is defined as murder, manslaughter, or voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. Homicide is the most serious crime in Kentucky, and the penalties are severe.
The penalties for homicide can include:
- First-degree murder: — 40 years to life in prison or life without parole
- Second-degree murder: — 20 to 40 years in prison
- Voluntary manslaughter: — 10 to 20 years in prison
- Involuntary manslaughter: — 1 to 10 years in prison
In addition to prison time, your license to practice your profession may be revoked, and you may be required to pay restitution to the victim's family.
Types of Homicide Charges
There are many different types of homicide charges, and the penalties depend on the type of charge and the circumstances of the crime. The most serious homicide charge is first-degree murder, which is the premeditated killing of another person. Second-degree murder is the unintentional killing of another person, and the penalties are less severe.
Other homicide charges include:
- Vehicular homicide: — A person who operates a vehicle while intoxicated and causes the death of another person can be charged with vehicular homicide. This charge is a Class D felony, and the penalties include 1 year in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.
- Homicide by child abuse: — Child abuse is a serious crime in Kentucky, and if the abuse causes the death of a child, the perpetrator can be charged with homicide by child abuse. This is a Class D felony, and the penalties include 1 year in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.
- Homicide by abuse: — This charge is similar to homicide by child abuse, except that the abuse does not have to be directed at a child. This is also a Class D felony, and the penalties include 1 year in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.
- Voluntary manslaughter: — Voluntary manslaughter is the killing of another person upon a sudden and violent provocation. This is a Class C felony, and the penalties include 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000 to $20,000.
- Involuntary manslaughter: — This charge is similar to voluntary manslaughter, except that the provocation is not sudden and violent. This is also a Class C felony, and the penalties include 1 to 10 years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.
If you have been charged with any type of homicide, you need an experienced and aggressive attorney to defend you. Our team at Oakley & Oakley is available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you build a solid defense.
Call (859) 712-7365 today to get started on your defense. We are available in all 50 states and federal courts.
Have a Question?
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Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer if I Shoot Someone Who Breaks Into My House?
If someone breaks into your home, the use of deadly force could be justifiable under Kentucky’s self-defense laws and the Castle Doctrine. However, there are exceptions in which the use of deadly force could result in an arrest for assault, homicide, or manslaughter.
It is wise to understand your legal rights to avoid a weapons charge or murder charge, especially if you own a gun to protect yourself and your family from intruders.
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What is Probable Cause?
Probable cause is a legal term that is often misunderstood. Law enforcement must have probable cause to believe you committed a crime before they search or arrest someone.
Probable cause is a particular and reasonable belief that an individual is:
- committing a crime,
- has committed a crime or
- is about to commit a crime.
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How Your Criminal History Could Affect Your Current Case
Your prior brushes with the law can have an enormous influence on your life. Once you pay your fines or serve jail time, you will likely have to face the additional collateral consequences of your conviction. Having a criminal conviction can prevent you from getting desirable jobs and living where you would like. What’s worse, your criminal history can influence a prosecutor’s decisions about new charges and can result in harsher punishments for subsequent convictions. If you have legal questions about a current criminal case, seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
