Baldani Law Group

Lexington & Central Kentucky Criminal Defense Attorneys

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Kentucky Criminal Defense Lawyers

The government has thousands law enforcement officers, teams of prosecutors, and billions of dollars of resources to carry out its mission of incarcerating individuals at a historic rate.  If you’ve been accused of a crime, choosing a criminal defense attorney can be one of the most important decisions you may make in your life.  Our proven team approach tilts the scales back in your favor.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience in Kentucky, our team of attorneys at Baldani Law Group have tried some of the highest profile cases across the Commonwealth.  We use that extensive and local experience to aggressively fight for the most favorable outcome for our clients.  Our mission is to protect the innocent, seek mercy for those who have made a mistake, and make sure they are treated in accordance with the standards and principles of justice.

Our dedicated criminal defense team represents clients at all stages of criminal proceedings.  Whether you are under investigation, just been arrested, indicted, are preparing for trial, or seeking post-conviction relief, we have the expertise and experience needed to guide you through the process and in the pursuit of justice.

CRIMINAL CASES WE TAKE

OUR PROCESS

Step 1: Case Evaluation

Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful experiences an individual can endure.  The potential consequences can be devastating to an individual and their family.  From losing driving privileges, a professional license, the ability to earn an income, right to vote, deportation, fines, or the ultimate – losing your freedom, our experienced criminal defense team is acutely aware of these realities.

Our trusted process has led to countless acquittals, dismissals, and most importantly – individuals getting their life back. We know each case is different, therefore each case receives the individualized attention it deserves.

It starts with the initial consultation and case evaluation.  We will meet at the office, over the phone, or go to the jail to get as much information about your case as possible.

Media Attention

If your case has media attention, our team will get to work winning in the court of public opinion.

Bond

If you are currently in jail, we will collect the necessary information, evaluate the pre-trial recommendations, and coordinate with family or friends to present the optimal bond reduction argument to the court.

Collateral Consequences

We will give you all the information you need to know regarding the collateral consequences your specific criminal charges may bring.  Possibilities include:

  1. Right to Vote
  2. Right to Possess a Firearm
  3. Prison/Jail
  4. Loss of Professional License
  5. Deportation
  6. Loss of Driver’s License
  7. Financial Impacts
  8. Forfeiture of Property

Step 2: Investigation

In the investigation phase, we will diligently and collaboratively use our over 100 years of experience to find the flaws in the government’s case.  During the investigation phase, we will:

  1. Conduct witness interviews;
  2. Legal Research;
  3. Evaluate all documentation, test results, police reports, body cam or audio recordings, and “turn every stone” in pursuit of protecting our client’s fundamental rights;
  4. Determine if a private investigator or expert forensic analysis is necessary to properly defend the government’s allegations; and
  5. Client meetings to discuss, evaluate, and spend as much time necessary to formulate a strategy going forward.

Step 3: Litigation

Our seasoned trial attorneys aren’t afraid of a fight.  No matter the issue, our criminal defense team will be prepared to advocate for your rights.  Once we have identified a legal issue, we will file the necessary pre-trial motions to get the case dismissed or evidence suppressed.  Simply put, law enforcement must follow the Constitution in all aspects of a criminal investigation and we make sure they do.

If after reviewing the evidence, filing evidentiary motions, and exhausting plea negotiations for a plea bargain, we are left with no choice but to go to trial.  Trials are won in the days, weeks, and months leading up to your one and only day in court.  Our criminal lawyers work as if every case is going to trial, which means that we are always prepared.

Step 4: Damage Control

Sometimes our clients are placed in a no-win situation.  The conundrum of accepting a plea deal or risking facing much harsher penalties if convicted at trial.  Our experienced attorneys will do everything in our power to mitigate the punishment for our clients.  Some examples include:

  • Acceptance into a diversion (community service) program
  • Performing counseling or drug rehabilitation instead than a criminal conviction
  • Probation rather than jail or prison sentence
  • Understanding the law and the important differences similar crimes have on parole eligibility
  • Entering into mental health court or drug court programs
  • Getting traffic school or traffic diversion program

Frequently Asked Questions

The police want to talk to me about a situation. What should I do?

Generally, you should avoid talking to the police unless you first speak with a criminal attorney. This is especially true if you are a suspect in a case or have been arrested. When an officer says, “Anything you say can and will be used against you,” they mean it! Anything and everything you say is admissible against you in a court of law, no matter how innocent it may seem at the time.

If you speak to the police without an attorney present, there’s no way of taking those words back. You can always make a statement to the police after speaking with your attorney. If and when you do talk to the police, it should be a carefully considered decision, not something you are pressured into doing.

If you are ever “read your rights,” politely and firmly tell the officer(s) you have nothing to say until you speak with your attorney. The officers may seem nice, or they may act threatening, or they may tell you they’ll help you if you talk to them… but their job is NOT to help you. Their job is to get information and they are very experienced at getting people to talk.

This is a very serious point. We all want to be nice, we want to be polite. We were raised right. But, just for now, between the time you first encounter an officer and the moment you speak with your attorney, don’t answer any questions–not even “how are you”–with anything other than, “No offense, officer, but I’ve been advised by my attorney not to answer any questions unless he is present.”

What should I do if I have been arrested for a crime?

You should seek advice from an attorney. Criminal convictions can have long-lasting consequences, over and above any sentence, you may receive if convicted. Our attorneys guide you through the legal process and fight for you every step of the way. It is best to have an attorney with you at your first criminal court appearance, known as the arraignment. That way, if you are still in jail, your attorney can work to get you a lower bond and faster release.

Can I talk about my case with my friends, co-workers, or anyone else?

No! It is best that you don’t talk to anyone about your case except your attorney. Anything you say to friends and co-workers is not confidential. What you tell them could come back to haunt you! It has nothing to do with whether or not you trust this person. If the prosecutor thinks your friend knows something that will help the government’s side, your friend can be forced to testify against you! Once someone is under oath, that person is legally obligated to tell the truth or risk prosecution for perjury.

If you are contacted by anyone at all about your case, give them our number and tell them to forward all questions to us.

How much does a lawyer cost?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to give a cost in advance without knowing the details of a particular case. A complex murder trial or a federal charge would require more work, more motions, more hours, and therefore a higher fee than would a traffic ticket. After a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys, we will be able to quote you a fee for our services.

Will I have to go to prison if I’m convicted of a crime?

It depends on a number of things, such as the crime you are convicted of if you have a criminal history and any mitigating circumstances that would make the judge more inclined to grant you probation as opposed to incarceration. Our attorneys are skilled at presenting the best possible case to the courts to steer our clients away from prison. While we cannot guarantee how a particular case will resolve, we work hard to get our clients the best possible outcome.

If you or a loved one is facing a criminal prosecution, the trusted legal defense team at the law firm of Baldani Law is ready to fight for your freedom, liberties, and justice.  Please contact us online or give us a call now at (859) 259-0727 to schedule a free consultation.