Victim Representation / Marsy’s Law

What Is Marsy’s Law in Kentucky?

Marsy’s Law is a constitutional amendment to the Kentucky Constitution that guarantees specific, enforceable rights to victims of crimes.

These rights apply from the moment a crime occurs, not just after charges are filed.

Marsy’s Law ensures that victims are not treated as mere witnesses, but as participants with specific standing under the Kentucky Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights in the criminal justice process.

In addition, victims of crime are not represented by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Crime victims have the right to their own separate counsel to advocate for them.

Victims’ Rights Under Kentucky Marsy’s Law

Kentucky crime victims have the right to:

• Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect
• Be notified of all critical stages of the criminal case
• Be present and heard at court proceedings involving release, plea agreements, sentencing, probation, and parole
• Be protected from the accused, including requests for reasonable protection and enforcement of no-contact orders
• Refuse discovery requests from the defense unless ordered by a court
• Timely restitution for financial losses caused by the crime
• Proceedings free from unreasonable delay
• Privacy protections, including limits on the disclosure of personal information
• Consultation with the prosecutor before plea agreements or case dismissals

When these rights are ignored or violated, Marsy’s Law allows victims to seek judicial enforcement, including by appellate review.

When You Need a Marsy’s Law Attorney

You need a Marsy’s Law attorney when your safety, privacy, and right to be heard may be at stake in a criminal proceeding. These rights can be violated, ignored, or delayed without an attorney to advocate for you.

Many crime victims are not sure when they need to speak with a lawyer about their protections under Marsy’s Law. Here are a few situations in which crime victims would benefit from having a legal advocate for their rights:

• The victim was not notified of a bond hearing or plea deal
• The accused was released without the victim’s input
• The victim’s no-contact order was not enforced
• The prosecutor failed to consult the crime victim (once their rights were invoked) before dismissing or amending charges
• The victim’s impact statement was limited or excluded
• The victim’s privacy rights were violated
• The victim’s restitution was delayed, denied, or ignored
• Law enforcement or the court minimized the victim’s role in proceedings

Enforcing Marsy’s Law Rights in Court

Mashni Law represents victims by doing the following, where appropriate: 

• Filing Marsy’s Law notices of appearance
• Asserting victims’ rights during bond hearings, plea negotiations, and sentencing
• Litigating violations of Marsy’s Law
• Filing motions, objections, and writs to enforce constitutional protections
• Representing victims in appeals or extraordinary writ proceedings
• Advocating for restitution and enforcement of protective orders

Marsy’s Law provides victims with a unique type of legal standing, and we use that authority strategically and assertively.

Victims’ Representation in Criminal Cases Across Kentucky

Our practice includes representation for victims of:

• Domestic violence
• Sexual assault and abuse
• Stalking and harassment
• Violent felony offenses
• Property crimes involving significant financial loss
• Crimes involving repeat or high-risk offenders

We represent victims in District Court, Circuit Court, and appellate courts in the Bluegrass and Central Kentucky.

Why Choose Mashni Law for Marsy’s Law Representation?

Unlike many firms providing victims’ rights advocacy, Mashni Law understands both sides of the criminal justice system.

Our background in criminal defense allows us to anticipate arguments involving victims’ rights advocacy. We can identify procedural violations and assert a crime victim’s Constitutional protections with precision and informed strategy.

You should choose Mashni Law because we provide direct advocacy for victims, not passive observation.

Speak With a Kentucky Marsy’s Law Attorney

If you are a crime victim and you want to proactively ensure that your rights are asserted or you believe your rights have been ignored, delayed, or violated, you do not have to navigate the system alone. Marsy’s Law exists to give victims a voice, and Mashni Law ensures your voice will be heard.

Contact Mashni Law today to discuss your rights under Kentucky’s Marsy’s Law and how we can help protect them.