Your Kentucky Criminal Defense Team

Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer from a young age.  I attended Millcreek Elementary, Lexington Traditional Middle School, and Tates Creek High School.  Upon graduating high school, I went to the University of Kentucky, where I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  I earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law and subsequently passed the Kentucky Bar exam in 2013.

Determined to get into the courtroom as fast as possible, I applied for and was granted a limited practitioner’s license by the Kentucky Supreme Court. While some lawyers go their entire career without trying a case before a jury, I did just that, while still in law school by representing the Commonwealth of Kentucky prosecuting a felony case in Fayette Circuit Court. In addition to jury trial experience, I successfully litigated several hearings on behalf of the Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. With that intimate knowledge, I understand how prosecutors and law enforcement agencies develop and prosecute criminal cases.

After graduating law school, I began working for Fayette Circuit Judge Kimberly Bunnell as a staff attorney.  In this capacity, I gained invaluable insight from the Court’s perspective and learned about the inner workings of a complicated court system.

In 2014, I joined a Lexington law firm.  At first my practice was diverse handling criminal defense, personal injury, and family law litigation.  After time, I discovered my true passion was defending individuals accused of crimes and misconduct.  In 2019, I earned partnership stake in the firm.

Also, in 2019 I was honored to have received the Clarence Darrow Prodigy Award by the Kentucky Associate of Criminal Defense Lawyers (KACDL). 

Regardless of the allegations, every single one of my clients are people first and foremost.  Real people.  People that have mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, or daughters that love them dearly.  When agreeing to represent someone, I understand the disastrous effects a criminal conviction can have on your career, relationships, reputation, and most importantly, freedom.  I welcome the challenge each case presents, take pride in the trust my clients place in me, and aggressively fight for my clients in courts across Kentucky.

I have handled some of the most high-profiled cases in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  I have successfully tried several cases to jury.  My jury trial experience includes murder, federal drug trafficking and firearms, state felony crimes, state misdemeanor crimes, DUIs, and personal injury.

That’s why I promise all my clients the following:

1. I’m going to be available. I give every client my cell phone.  Law enforcement doesn’t just work Monday through Friday between 9-5.  Neither do I.
2. I’m going to give you 100%. While I can’t guarantee a particular outcome, I can guarantee attention to detail and effort while zealously advocating for my clients.
3. I’m going to be honest. Whether it’s giving great news or bad news, I’m always going to give you straight answers.

In 2022, I founded Mashni Law Criminal Defense with a clear mission – to defend the innocent, seek mercy for those who have made mistakes, and protect my clients’ rights by ensuring they are treated in accordance with the standards and principles of justice.  I offer individualized attention to detail, concierge-level support, and most importantly a dedication to achieving results.

At Mashni Law Criminal Defense, we do not shy away from technology.  We embrace anything that will help telling our client’s story.  It’s our job to help explain that story in the most effective manner possible.