Criminal Defense Lawyer Frankfort KY

If you are facing criminal charges in Frankfort or anywhere in Franklin County, you probably have questions you do not know how to ask, and pressure coming at you from every direction. Our criminal defense lawyer Frankfort KY Law Firm knows how quickly things can move after an arrest and how important it is to respond with a clear head.

At Mashni Law, PLLC, we are here to listen, give you real answers, and start building a plan that fits your situation. Contact us today to talk through what is happening and what you can do next.

How We Build a Personalized Defense Strategy Based on Your Case

Every case begins with a close look at the facts. Our team reviews your arrest report, the evidence collected, your past record, and any video or witness statements available. We look for weak spots in the prosecution’s case and focus on the details that others might overlook, which gives prosecutors discretion over what to pursue and how aggressively they do it.

In many cases, we can take action early. That might include filing motions to suppress evidence that was not collected properly, challenging statements made during the arrest, or working with outside experts to counter the state’s claims. These steps are designed to limit what the prosecution can use and give you more control over how your case unfolds.

We also shape your defense around who you are, the accusations you are facing, and which court your case is in. That means taking into account the judge, the type of charges, and your personal circumstances. At Mashni Law, PLLC, we treat your case as your own, not just another file. We build your defense with the goal of getting the best possible result for your life, not just the best result on paper.

Charges Our Firm Handles in Franklin County Criminal Courts

At Mashni Law, PLLC, we handle a wide range of criminal charges, from misdemeanor offenses to the most serious felony allegations. Whether your case is about a misunderstanding, a one-time mistake, or a situation that spiraled out of your control, we are here to help. We work with clients facing charges across Franklin County and take pride in building strong defenses with real outcomes in mind.

Serious Felonies Like Homicide, Assault, and Rape

If you are facing a felony charge like murder, manslaughter, rape, or assault, the stakes are incredibly high. These charges often come with long prison sentences, high bail amounts, and a rush to judgment from prosecutors. We know how to slow things down, examine the evidence, and find out whether your rights were violated at any point in the investigation.

Under KRS § 508.010, the severity of an assault charge can vary depending on the facts, and we will look closely at every detail to make sure your side of the story is told.

If you need an assault defense or representation for any major felony, we are ready to get to work. Your Frankfort, KY criminal defense attorney from Mashni Law, PLLC will help you understand the risks, the strategy, and what can be done to protect your rights every step of the way.

Charges Involving Sex Offenses or Indecent Exposure

Sex offense charges are often overwhelming and emotionally charged, especially when the facts are disputed or the situation is not what it first appeared to be. Whether you are facing allegations of indecent exposure, sodomy, or another sex-related crime, we take the time to listen and understand exactly what happened.

Even a misunderstanding can lead to a charge that carries serious long-term consequences, including registration and restrictions on where you can live or work. You deserve a defense that sees the full picture, not just the accusation.

We are here to push back against assumptions, protect your rights, and make sure the system does not rush ahead without giving you a fair chance. Sex offense cases are sensitive, and we treat them with the discretion, preparation, and care they require. Whether your case is going to trial or can be resolved another way, our team will be there with you from the beginning.

Additional Offenses Our Frankfort Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle

Not every case we take on starts with a big headline charge. Sometimes it is a quiet accusation, a misunderstanding, or a situation that got out of hand faster than anyone expected.

Whether you are facing something minor like a traffic offense or a more serious charge like burglary under KRS § 511.020, we are here to help you figure out what comes next. Here are some of the other charges we regularly handle for clients in Franklin County:

Weapons Defense – If you were arrested for carrying or using a weapon, even legally, you are probably trying to make sense of it all. We look at what really happened and whether your rights were respected.
Juvenile Defense – When a young person is facing a charge, it can feel like everything is at risk. We help families protect a child’s future while working toward smart, stable solutions.
Federal Crimes Defense – Federal cases move fast and come with serious pressure. We step in early, explain the process, and build a defense that is ready for whatever comes next.
Driving While Under the Influence (DUI) Defense – If you were pulled over and charged with DUI, you might feel like you have no options. We dig into the stop, the test, and the officer’s actions to help you push back.
Expungement – If a past charge is still following you around, we can help you find out if your record can be cleared. If you qualify, we will handle the paperwork and walk you through the process every step of the way.
Drug Offenses – Whether it was a traffic stop or a search that led to your arrest, we look at how the evidence was collected and whether the charge matches what really happened.
Disorderly Conduct – These charges can come from almost anything, from a loud argument to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We will help you deal with it and move forward.
EPO/DVO/IPO – Protective orders can create real problems with housing, work, or child custody. We will help you respond to the accusation and protect what matters to you.
Attempt – Attempt charges can be just as serious as the crime itself. We look closely at the facts and fight to keep things in perspective, especially if the case is based on assumptions or incomplete evidence.

Whether your charge is something serious or something that feels small, it still matters. Your name, your freedom, and your future deserve the same level of attention and effort either way. We are here to make sure you are treated fairly, listened to, and defended from start to finish.

What to Know If You Are Facing a Felony in Kentucky

Felony charges in Kentucky are serious and carry the potential for long prison sentences. The state separates felonies into different classes, and the class you are charged with has a direct impact on sentencing. Under KRS § 532.060, the penalties increase with the severity of the charge, and prior felony convictions can make things even more complicated, as described under KRS § 532.080.

Class A Through D Felonies and the Risk of Long-Term Imprisonment

Kentucky classifies felonies from Class A to Class D, and each one comes with its own sentencing range. Class A felonies, which include the most serious crimes, carry a minimum of 20 years in prison and can go all the way to life. Class D felonies, on the other hand, are still serious but come with lower minimums and are sometimes eligible for diversion or probation depending on the charge.

It is important to understand where your case falls and what options might be available. Your record, the judge, and the specific facts of your case all play a role in how things move forward.

Even if your charge is tied to something like a DUI, you still need an experienced voice in your corner. If you are facing a felony DUI in Frankfort, your DUI defense attorney in Fayette County, KY may still be the right person to guide you through the entire process and protect your future.

Enhanced Sentencing and Persistent Felony Designations

If you have prior felony convictions, the prosecution can ask the court to treat you as a persistent felony offender. This can increase your sentence significantly and take options like probation or parole off the table. Even a Class D felony can come with a much longer sentence if you are labeled as a repeat offender.

These designations are not automatic, and the state has to meet specific requirements to apply them. Our job is to challenge those efforts, push back where we can, and make sure the court sees you as a full person, not just a criminal record. Whether it is your first time facing charges or you have been through the system before, we are here to give you a real defense that fits your situation.

Common Legal Questions About Criminal Defense in Frankfort

If you are facing criminal charges or just trying to understand what comes next, it is completely normal to have questions. Many of the people we work with have never been through the system before and want honest answers without the legal jargon. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients across Franklin County:

Can I be arrested without a warrant?
What happens at arraignment?
Will I go to jail for a first-time offense?
What are my rights during police questioning?
How long does a criminal case take to resolve?
Can I seal or expunge a misdemeanor charge?
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
What is the difference between parole and probation?
Can I be charged with a felony and a misdemeanor at the same time?

Criminal charges often come with a lot of confusion and stress, but you do not have to work it all out on your own. Whether you are dealing with questions about your rights, expungement, or what happens after an arrest, our team is here to help. Cases are rarely as simple as they first appear, and we will walk you through every step so you know exactly where you stand.

What to Expect During the Criminal Court Process in Franklin County

Once an arrest is made in Franklin County, the first steps move quickly. You will likely be booked into custody, brought to court for arraignment, and have your bond reviewed by a judge. Under KRS Chapter 24A and KRS Chapter 31, the District Court has jurisdiction over the early stages of criminal cases and handles many of the first decisions that affect how your case moves forward.

From there, the case may head into plea discussions or pretrial motions depending on the charges involved. This includes everything from driving while under the influence (DUI) defense to more serious felony charges. During this stage, your attorney will review the evidence, identify any problems with how it was collected, and begin building a strategy to either negotiate or fight the case in court.

Having someone by your side who knows the local process can make a big difference. We work in Franklin County courts every week, and we know how local prosecutors and judges approach different charges. That experience helps us shape a defense that fits your situation, keeps the process as clear as possible, and gives you the best chance at a result you can live with.

Consult a Criminal Defense Lawyer Frankfort KY Law Firm Who Knows the System and Fights For You

If you are feeling unsure about what to do next, that is understandable. Our criminal defense attorney in Frankfort, KY will talk it through with you, explain what really matters, and help you make smart moves from the start. Contact Mashni Law, PLLC today to set up a confidential case review and take some of the weight off your shoulders.