Lexington Homicide Defense Attorney
Kentucky Homicide Crimes
In Kentucky, criminal homicide is defined as “causing the death of another human being under circumstances which constitute murder, manslaughter in the first degree, manslaughter in the second degree, or reckless homicide.” Thus, in order to really know what homicide is, you need to know how the crimes associated with homicide are defined. In general, Kentucky lays out homicide crimes as follows:
Murder – The intentional killing of another person.
Manslaughter in the First Degree –
- The killing of another person when the actor intended only to injure the other person; or
- The intentional killing of another person while acting under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance; or
- Abusing a child in your custody under 12 years old or a person who is mentally or physically helpless, or knowingly allowing the person to be abused, and the abuse causes death.
Manslaughter in the Second Degree – Wantonly causing another person’s death. Some examples include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing death.
- Providing narcotics to a person and those narcotics cause death.
- Leaving a young child in a hot vehicle, causing death.
Reckless Homicide – Recklessly causing another person’s death. There are hundreds of potential examples, but the main thing to remember is that reckless acts are less egregious than wanton acts.
Do not fight your homicide charge alone.
Our skilled homicide criminal defense attorneys are always prepared to fight in your defense and to protect your rights and freedom. With three attorneys working on your case, we see to it that no stone is left unturned. Our criminal defense attorneys stay current on all of the latest court decisions that can help you have what it takes to beat your charges.
It is important that the prosecutors know that you have attorneys who won’t back down. Walk into the courtroom with attorneys with a proven track record of success, who will hold the government to its burden of proving each and every element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Have you been charged with a Kentucky homicide crime?
Our team of criminal defense attorneys are members of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and have been recognized as Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in America by The National Trial Lawyers and America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys. Put our experience and track record of success to work for you against the government’s charges and protect your freedom!
If you have been charged with a homicide in Kentucky, you need a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys focused on achieving the absolute best outcome for your case. Call and speak with a Cooley Iuliano Robey, PLLC criminal defense attorney at 859-636-6803.
What are the penalties for Murder in Kentucky?
Murder is a capital offense in Kentucky and can result in the death penalty. If the prosecution does not seek the death penalty, murder can still carry a sentence of up to life in prison.
What are the penalties for Manslaughter in the First Degree in Kentucky?
Manslaughter in the First Degree is a Class B felony in Kentucky and carries a sentence of 10 – 20 years in prison. It can also carry a fine of up to $10,000.00.
What are the penalties for Manslaughter in the Second Degree in Kentucky?
Manslaughter in the Second Degree is a Class C felony in Kentucky and carries a sentence of 5 – 10 years in prison. It can also carry a fine of up to $10,000.00.
What are the penalties for Reckless Homicide in Kentucky?
Reckless Homicide is a Class D felony in Kentucky and carries a sentence of 1 – 5 years in prison. It can also carry a fine of up to $10,000.00.
You need a team of experienced lawyers on your side!
Our criminal defense attorneys at Cooley Iuliano Robey, PLLC are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys and have experience practicing criminal cases just like yours throughout all of Kentucky.
Our team of lawyers will put their experience and reputation for success to work for you against your homicide charges.
When it comes to Kentucky homicides, you need attorneys who will fight for and assert your constitutional rights. Often times, prosecutors will overcharge a Defendant in hopes of the jury “splitting the difference” and finding the Defendant guilty of a slightly lower, still unproven, offense. You need a team of attorneys who can work with you to fight on your behalf. Our team of lawyers will dedicate the time necessary to meet with you and to go through every detail of your case, as we lay the building blocks to your best defense!
Free Consultation & Case Review from our criminal defense lawyers.
CIR Legal’s criminal defense attorney services include offering a free consultation and case review to all potential clients. Our defense attorneys have fought and will always strive to fight for the rights of every person in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and we are ready to fight for you. Call our office at 859-636-6803 or fill out our form on this website to schedule your free consultation.
Want to know more? We have included Kentucky homicide laws below!
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Murder
(1) A person is guilty of murder when:
(a) With intent to cause the death of another person, he causes the death of such person or of a third person; except that in any prosecution a person shall not be guilty under this subsection if he acted under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable explanation or excuse, the reasonableness of which is to be determined from the viewpoint of a person in the defendant’s situation under the circumstances as the defendant believed them to be. However, nothing contained in this section shall constitute a defense to a prosecution for or preclude a conviction of manslaughter in the first degree or any other crime; or
(b) Including, but not limited to, the operation of a motor vehicle under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, he wantonly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to another person and thereby causes the death of another person.
(2) Murder is a capital offense.
If you or someone you know is facing a murder charge, get in contact with a reputable bar certified homicide lawyer or murder lawyer as soon as possible.
Related Crime: Attempted Murder
To know more about this particular crime, its penalties, and possible defenses a skilled criminal defense lawyer can be used for it, visit our Attempted Murder page here.
Reckless Homicide
(1) A person is guilty of reckless homicide when, with recklessness he causes the death of another person.
(2) Reckless homicide is a Class D felony.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a homicide crime in Kentucky, contact our reputable criminal defense lawyers or homicide lawyers as soon as possible by calling 859-636-6803.
Manslaughter
CIR Legal’s seasoned homicide lawyers can help you with any type of homicide charge and help you determine what you’re up against—including manslaughter. To know more about this particular homicide crime, its penalties, and possible defenses a skilled homicide lawyer can be used for it, visit our manslaughter page here.
Fetal Homicide
(1) A person is guilty of fetal homicide in the first degree when:
(a) With intent to cause the death of an unborn child or with the intent necessary to commit an offense under KRS 507.020(1)(a), he causes the death of an unborn child; except that in any prosecution, a person shall not be guilty under this subsection if he acted under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable explanation or excuse, the reasonableness of which is to be determined from the viewpoint of a person in the defendant’s situation under the circumstances as the defendant believed them to be. However, nothing contained in this section shall constitute a defense to a prosecution for or preclude a conviction of fetal homicide in the second degree or any other crime; or
(b) Including but not limited to the operation of a motor vehicle under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, they wantonly engage in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to an unborn child and thereby causes the death of an unborn child.
(2) Fetal homicide in the first degree is a capital offense.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a fetal homicide crime in Kentucky, contact our reputable criminal defense lawyers or fetal homicide lawyers as soon as possible by calling 859-636-6803.
(1) A person is guilty of fetal homicide in the second degree when:
(a) With intent to cause serious physical injury to an unborn child or with the intent necessary to commit an offense under KRS 507.030(1)(a), he causes the death of an unborn child; or
(b) With intent to cause the death of an unborn child or with the intent necessary to commit an offense under KRS 507.030(1)(b), he causes the death of an unborn child under circumstances which do not constitute fetal homicide in the first degree because he acts under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance, as defined in KRS 507A.020(1)(a).
(2) Fetal homicide in the second degree is a Class B felony.If you or someone you know is facing a fetal homicide charge, get in contact with a reputable bar certified murder lawyer or fetal homicide lawyer as soon as possible.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a fetal homicide crime in Kentucky, contact our reputable criminal defense lawyers or fetal homicide lawyers as soon as possible by calling 859-636-6803.
(1) A person is guilty of fetal homicide in the third degree when he wantonly causes the death of an unborn child, including but not limited to situations where the death results from the person’s operation of a motor vehicle.
(2) Fetal homicide in the third degree is a Class C felony.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a fetal homicide crime in Kentucky, contact our reputable criminal defense lawyers or fetal homicide lawyers as soon as possible by calling 859-636-6803.
(1) A person is guilty of fetal homicide in the fourth degree when, with recklessness, he causes the death of an unborn child.
(2) Fetal homicide in the fourth degree is a Class D felony.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a fetal homicide crime in Kentucky, contact our reputable criminal defense lawyers or fetal homicide lawyers as soon as possible by calling 859-636-6803.
Assisting a suicide or Causing a suicide
(1) A person commits a Class C felony when the person knowingly by force or duress causes another person to commit or to attempt to commit suicide.
(2) A person commits a Class D felony when the person, with the purpose of assisting another person to commit or to attempt to commit suicide, knowingly and intentionally either:
(a) Provides the physical means by which another person commits or attempts to commit suicide; or
(b) Participates in a physical act by which another person commits or attempts to commit suicide.
If you or someone you know is facing an assisting a suicide charge or causing a suicide charge, get in contact with a reputable bar certified murder defense lawyer or homicide lawyer right away.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with assisting a suicide crime in Kentucky, contact our reputable criminal defense lawyers or assisting a suicide lawyers as soon as possible by calling 859-636-6803.
Federal Homicide Crimes
The federal government has its own laws regarding homicides. Whether you are tried by the state of Kentucky or by the federal government depends on a number of factors, such as where your arrest happened, who arrested you, what evidence was found and what alleged crime was committed.
Most homicide offenses are handled by the Commonwealth, but you can be charged with a violation of federal law and tried in federal court.
There are two Federal Districts in Kentucky, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Each District has a number of courthouses spread out throughout their geographical region of the state.
Federal homicide crimes are serious and can carry heavier penalties in comparison to its state level counterparts. If federal charges have been filed against you, you need to call a trusted sex crime criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. Working with a seasoned criminal defense attorney who will defend and protect your rights against the government’s charges is the first step to building your defense and protecting your freedom.