1. Baldani Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 100+ years combined experience and “Best of Lexington” recognition
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: Since 1988, Baldani Law Group has successfully represented thousands of individuals throughout Central Kentucky. The attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience in the areas of criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Baldani Law Group was named “Best of Lexington” for the fourth consecutive year (2022 through 2025). Every year, the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (KACDL) gives out several awards, and the firm’s attorneys have been recognized with the Frank E. Haddad Award, the undisputed highest honor. The firm’s criminal defense team’s expertise goes beyond the courtroom and into the court of public opinion, with cases garnering extensive national media attention.
Location: Lexington, Kentucky (serves Central Kentucky including Berea, Carlisle, Danville, Frankfort, Georgetown, and surrounding areas)
Contact: Available at website | https://baldanilaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation for criminal defense cases
2. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 100+ years combined experience and former prosecutors/police officers on staff
Practice Areas: DUI, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, drug crimes, weapons crimes
Background: Since 2009, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers has been standing up and fighting on behalf of the people of Kentucky. The lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience. The firm has helped thousands of clients accused of crimes. The lawyers include former prosecutors and former police officers. Whether clients need help negotiating a fair plea agreement or fighting charges in court, the lawyers have experience on both sides of the criminal justice system. The office is located in the heart of downtown Lexington in the Vine Center building, one block from Triangle Park and two blocks from Rupp Arena. The location places the firm near the area’s major courthouses, including the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse (two-and-a-half blocks away).
Location: Downtown Lexington, Kentucky (Vine Center building)
Contact: (859) 569-4014 | https://suhrelawlexington.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Carman Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with extensive experience in Fayette County Circuit Court and federal court
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, murder, homicide, arson, burglary, rape
Background: At the Carman Law Office, the attorneys understand the seriousness of criminal situations. They have experience helping many individuals in Lexington in similar situations who were facing criminal charges. The firm puts together effective defense strategies and fights hard for clients’ rights. The Carman Law Firm represents all types of criminal defense cases, including arson, burglary, rape, homicide, and drug possession. They are not afraid of the tough cases. Attorney Dan Carman knows how the Kentucky criminal justice system operates and is familiar with improper prosecutorial conduct and negotiation guidelines. Clients never experience the frustration of unanswered calls or unreturned emails.
Location: Lexington, Kentucky (serves Fayette County)
Contact: (859) 685-1055 | https://www.lexingtondefense.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. Oakley & Oakley, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with nearly 20 years experience and aggressive representation
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, state and federal matters
Background: At Oakley & Oakley, LLC, the Lexington criminal defense attorneys and personal injury lawyers provide aggressive legal representation with nearly 20 years of experience to those who have been arrested or who have suffered serious injuries. The firm has handled all types of criminal matters, from investigations, arrests, and charges for both minor misdemeanors and serious felonies. They know that criminal charges can put a client’s life and future into chaos. They also know that clients are innocent until the state can prove otherwise. The firm puts extensive experience to work to help clients avoid or minimize consequences through meticulous investigation, legal analysis, and preparation of defense, including in both state and federal matters.
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Contact: (859) 712-7365 | https://www.oakleylawky.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Landon Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years combined experience and thousands of clients helped
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes
Background: Landon Law attorneys have over 25 years of combined experience with criminal defense cases and have helped thousands of clients. The firm serves clients in Bath, Clark, Montgomery, and Rowan Counties and throughout Eastern Kentucky. When the firm takes on cases, they treat clients as part of their family. The attorneys not only fight to avoid the negative consequences of a conviction or unfavorable court decision, but also work to achieve the best possible outcome. The firm has earned the confidence of numerous clients throughout the years. Clients have praised the attorneys as very proficient and reliable, answering all questions and getting back in a very timely manner.
Location: Lexington, Kentucky (serves Eastern Kentucky including Bath, Clark, Montgomery, and Rowan Counties)
Contact: (859) 237-7892 | https://www.landonlawky.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available for criminal defense cases
Criminal Defense Laws in Kentucky
Felony Classifications
Kentucky classifies felonies into five classes:
Capital Offense: Includes murder with aggravating circumstances. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole (Kentucky has the death penalty but has not executed anyone since 2008).
Class A Felony: Includes first-degree rape, first-degree robbery, and kidnapping. Penalty is 20-50 years or life in prison.
Class B Felony: Includes first-degree assault, second-degree rape, and first-degree burglary. Penalty is 10-20 years in prison.
Class C Felony: Includes second-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment, and trafficking in controlled substances. Penalty is 5-10 years in prison.
Class D Felony: Includes third-degree assault, theft over $10,000, and possession of controlled substances. Penalty is 1-5 years in prison.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes fourth-degree assault, theft under $10,000, and DUI (first offense). Maximum 12 months in county jail.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and harassment. Maximum 90 days in county jail.
Violations: Minor offenses punishable by fine only.
Expungement
Kentucky allows expungement of certain criminal records:
Eligible Offenses: Many misdemeanors and Class D felonies can be expunged. Kentucky has expanded expungement eligibility in recent years.
Waiting Periods: 5 years for misdemeanors and violations; 5 years for Class D felonies (from completion of sentence, probation, or parole).
Ineligible Offenses: Sex offenses, offenses against children, and violent offenses (Class A, B, and C felonies) generally cannot be expunged.
Effect of Expungement: Expunged records are sealed from public view, and the person can legally state that no record exists.
DUI Laws
Kentucky DUI applies to operating with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries 48 hours to 30 days jail (minimum 4 days if BAC .15% or higher), $200-$500 fine, 30-120 day license suspension, and alcohol education program. Second offense (within 10 years) carries 7 days to 6 months jail, $350-$500 fine, and 12-18 month license suspension. Third offense is still a misdemeanor with 30 days to 12 months jail. Fourth offense (within 10 years) is a Class D felony with 1-5 years in prison. Kentucky has implied consent; refusal results in license suspension and refusal can be used as evidence at trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Lexington?
Criminal cases in Lexington are heard in different courts depending on the severity of the offense. The Fayette County Circuit Court handles felony cases and is located at the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse. Fayette County District Court handles misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings for felonies. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky handles federal criminal cases. Having a Lexington criminal defense attorney who knows these court systems and the specific judges and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is pretrial diversion in Kentucky?
Pretrial diversion is a program in Kentucky that allows certain first-time offenders to avoid prosecution by completing specific requirements. If accepted into the program, the defendant agrees to conditions such as community service, restitution, counseling, or drug treatment. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the charges are dismissed and the arrest can be expunged. If the defendant fails to complete the program, prosecution resumes. Pretrial diversion is generally available for non-violent offenses and first-time offenders. A Lexington criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for pretrial diversion as an alternative to prosecution.
What is the difference between a Class A misdemeanor and a Class D felony in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the line between a Class A misdemeanor and a Class D felony often depends on the specific facts of the case, such as the value of property stolen or the severity of injuries. A Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum of 12 months in county jail, while a Class D felony carries 1-5 years in state prison. A felony conviction has more serious long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights while incarcerated, loss of firearm rights, and greater difficulty finding employment and housing. A Lexington criminal defense attorney can sometimes negotiate to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor, which significantly reduces the potential consequences.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Kentucky?
A felony conviction in Kentucky carries consequences beyond incarceration. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (Kentucky requires the governor to restore voting rights individually after release). You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Kentucky law. You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Kentucky does allow expungement of Class D felonies after 5 years in many cases, but more serious felonies cannot be expunged. A Lexington criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue expungement where eligible.
Can I get my Kentucky criminal record expunged?
Kentucky has expanded expungement eligibility significantly in recent years. Most misdemeanors and violations can be expunged 5 years after completion of sentence. Many Class D felonies can also be expunged 5 years after completion of sentence, probation, or parole. However, certain offenses cannot be expunged, including sex offenses, offenses against children, and violent felonies (Class A, B, and C). There are also limits on how many felony charges can be expunged. The petition must be filed in the court where the conviction occurred. A Lexington criminal defense attorney can evaluate your record and file a petition to expunge eligible offenses.