Lexington Homicide Defense Attorneys

Available 24/7 to Protect Your Rights

If you have been arrested for or charged with homicide, you need a homicide attorney in Lexington from Oakley & Oakley. We are available 24/7 to defend you against all types of homicide charges, including murder, murder 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 of homicide attorneys in Lexington is ready to help you. Contact us today at (859) 712-7365 for a free consultation.

Homicide Charges in Lexington, 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.

Facing homicide charges in Lexington means understanding these critical aspects:

• Kentucky law classifies homicide offenses by the degree of intent and the circumstances of the alleged act.
• Sentencing guidelines and case outcomes can be influenced by aggravating or mitigating factors, including prior convictions or the presence of certain evidence.
• Court procedures in Fayette County may impact the timeline and strategies for your defense, so staying informed and represented is vital for your protection.

Having a homicide attorney in Lexington by your side will help ensure that you fully understand the complex criminal statutes and sentencing guidelines that may apply to your case. Your legal team can also advise on potential defenses that may be available in Kentucky, such as self-defense, mistaken identity, or lack of intent, based on the unique facts involved.

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.

Understanding the types of homicide charges can help you make informed decisions about your defense:

• Each charge requires the prosecution to prove specific legal elements under Kentucky law.
• The penalties vary significantly depending on the nature of the offense, circumstances, and whether aggravating or mitigating factors are involved.
• Having a knowledgeable homicide lawyer in Lexington can be the difference in how your case is handled and what options are available to you throughout the process.

If you have been charged with any type of homicide, you need an experienced and aggressive homicide attorney in Lexington to defend you. Our team at Oakley & Oakley is available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you build a solid defense.

Each category of homicide charge under Kentucky law has very particular elements that must be proven by the prosecution. For example, vehicular homicide may require evidence of recklessness or impairment, while voluntary manslaughter centers around provocation. By working with a homicide lawyer in Lexington who understands the distinctions between these charges, you increase your ability to pursue a favorable resolution, whether in pretrial negotiations or in proceedings at the Fayette Circuit Court.

Understanding What To Expect After a Homicide Arrest with Our Homicide Attorneys in Lexington

When you or a loved one is arrested for homicide in Lexington, the criminal justice system quickly sets multiple essential processes in motion. Understanding what to expect at this stage can help reduce anxiety and enable you to make informed decisions about your defense. Homicide cases in Lexington are typically heard first by the Fayette County District Court before progressing to the Fayette Circuit Court for felony matters.

Shortly after an arrest, you will be taken to the Fayette County Detention Center and likely have an initial court appearance within a short timeframe. At this arraignment, the charges against you are read, and bond may be set if appropriate. This stage is critical, as the decisions made here—such as securing representation from a homicide attorney in Lexington—can impact your ability to contest evidence or obtain pretrial release. Throughout this process, it is helpful to have legal counsel who knows the local procedures and key officials who may be involved in your case.

There are several important steps to take after a homicide arrest:

• Contact legal counsel immediately to safeguard your rights and begin reviewing the charges and potential defenses.
• Understand your bail options as determined by the Fayette Circuit Court, which can affect whether you remain in custody before trial.
• Attend all court proceedings and follow legal advice, since missing a required hearing can have serious consequences for your case.

Working proactively with a homicide lawyer familiar with Lexington courts can help you navigate these processes and begin to build your defense from the very start. Every stage after arrest provides opportunities to challenge the prosecution's case or advocate for reduced charges, so acting quickly is always in your best interest.

Call (859) 712-7365 today to get started on your defense. We are available in all 50 states and federal courts.