Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me
When you’re facing criminal charges, the most important search you make isn’t for a loophole or an alibi—it’s for the right criminal defense attorney. If you’re looking for “criminal defense lawyers near me” in Lexington, KY, you’re already taking the first step toward protecting your rights, your reputation, and your future. At Mashni Law, we understand what’s at stake, and we take your defense personally.
Mashni Law provides serious, strategic representation to people accused of crimes throughout Lexington, KY, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’ve been charged with DUI, assault, drug possession, or a white-collar offense, we offer more than legal help—we offer protection, advocacy, and peace of mind.
If you’re facing criinal charges, don’t delay. Contact Mashni Law in Lexington to discuss your case with criminal defense lawyers near you.
Personalized Legal Defense from a Lexington Native
When you work with Mashni Law, you’re not just hiring any defense firm—you’re choosing a dedicated Lexington attorney who knows this community and its court system inside and out.
Legal Defense from a Kentucky Native
Abe Mashni isn’t just a lawyer who happens to work in Kentucky. He was born and raised here, earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law, and has built his entire legal career fighting for people in this region.
Experience and Familiarity with the Legal System
Before founding Mashni Law, Abe served as a public defender, gaining firsthand experience on the frontlines of Kentucky’s criminal justice system. He’s represented hundreds of clients across a wide range of criminal charges from low-level misdemeanors to serious felony offenses, and he brings that experience to every case he takes.
Total Focus on the Needs of Criminal Defense Clients
Abe Mashni is not the type of attorney who sends an associate to court in his place. As your criminal defense lawyer, he shows up prepared, strategic, and focused—every time. Known for his relentless advocacy and ability to connect with judges and juries, Abe treats each case as a personal mission.
A Long Record of Legal Excellence
He has been selected for Rising Stars by Super Lawyers, served on the Kentucky Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section, and frequently lectures on trial advocacy and legal ethics. He believes that everyone deserves a defense rooted in dignity and diligence.
At Mashni Law, you’re not just a case number. Your story matters. Your rights matter. Your future matters.
Why You Need a Local Criminal Defense Attorney
When you’re charged with a crime in Lexington, you’re facing Kentucky prosecutors who handle dozens, sometimes hundreds of cases at a time. You need someone in your corner who can match that intensity and protect your rights at every stage.
A local criminal defense attorney offers more than just knowledge of the law. We know the nuances of the Fayette County court system, from how prosecutors typically approach plea deals to the preferences of local judges. We’ve built relationships that can make a difference in the outcome of your case, and we know how to manage the system to your advantage.
Mashni Law takes this one step further: we take the time to understand who you are, what’s at stake, and what outcome matters most to you. We believe that a strong defense is built on trust, preparation, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
Our practice covers a wide spectrum of criminal defense cases in the Lexington area, including but not limited to:
DUI and Traffic Offenses
Driving under the influence is one of the most commonly charged offenses in Kentucky. A first offense may seem minor, but the consequences, including license suspension, fines, increased insurance premiums, and possible jail time, can follow you for years. We examine every detail of the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breath or blood results to build your defense. We also represent clients facing reckless driving, hit and run, driving on a suspended license, and other serious traffic-related charges.
Drug Possession and Distribution
Whether you’ve been charged with marijuana possession, opioid distribution, or trafficking methamphetamine, the state takes drug crimes seriously. Kentucky law imposes harsh penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences in some cases.
We look at every angle: Did the police have a valid warrant? Were your rights violated during the search or arrest? Is the evidence admissible? We use these questions to dismantle the prosecution’s case whenever possible.
Assault, Domestic Violence, and Violent Crimes
Violent crime charges such as assault, strangulation, robbery, or domestic violence carry not only criminal penalties but also significant stigma. Even a protective order can result in you losing access to your home or children.
Mashni Law handles these sensitive cases with discretion and determination, challenging the prosecution’s version of events and ensuring your voice is heard.
Theft, Burglary, and Property Offenses
Theft charges can range from shoplifting to burglary to receiving stolen property. These cases often hinge on surveillance footage, witness testimony, or possession of stolen items.
We work to prove lack of intent, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. When appropriate, we negotiate alternatives to incarceration, such as diversion programs or restitution agreements.
White-Collar Crimes
Crimes like fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and identity theft can result in felony charges even for first-time offenders. These cases often involve massive amounts of digital evidence, financial records, and long paper trails. We have experience handling complex white-collar cases and know how to deal with prosecutors and investigators seeking to “make an example” of defendants.
Weapons Charges
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unlawful carry, or use of a weapon in the commission of a crime are all serious offenses under Kentucky law. A conviction can result in mandatory prison time and the loss of your Second Amendment rights. Our job is to evaluate whether the stop, search, or seizure was lawful and to argue for reduced or dismissed charges whenever possible.
Understanding the Lexington Court System
If you’re facing criminal charges in Lexington, your case will typically go through Fayette District Court or Fayette Circuit Court. Misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies start in District Court, while serious felony cases move up to Circuit Court.
At Mashni Law, we regularly represent clients in both courts. We know how cases progress, how prosecutors evaluate their files, and how judges tend to rule on certain issues. Our familiarity allows us to anticipate challenges, prepare for key hearings, and identify opportunities to resolve your case favorably, sometimes before charges are even filed.
Felonies vs. Misdemeanors in Kentucky
In Kentucky, criminal charges are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged offense.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors carry penalties of up to 12 months in jail and are typically handled in District Court.
Class A misdemeanors (like a second DUI or assault) are the most serious, while Class B misdemeanors (like disorderly conduct) carry lesser penalties.
Felonies
Felonies are divided into five classes: Capital Offenses (such as murder), Class A, B, C, and D. Even a Class D felony can result in 1 to 5 years in prison. Conviction of a felony often results in the loss of civil rights, such as voting, owning firearms, and serving on a jury.
The consequences of a felony go beyond incarceration—they affect every aspect of your life.
Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
A criminal conviction does more than just place a mark on your record—it can disrupt nearly every area of your life. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, the aftermath often includes long-term, deeply personal consequences that many people don’t fully understand until it’s too late.
How Convictions Can Affect Your Career and Income
Employment opportunities may become limited. Employers often conduct background checks, and even a relatively minor conviction can lead to lost job offers or termination.
For those in regulated professions—such as nursing, teaching, real estate, finance, or commercial driving—the stakes are even higher. Many Kentucky licensing boards may suspend or revoke your ability to work in your field, even before a conviction is final.
Housing, Travel, and Immigration Barriers
Criminal convictions can also create barriers to housing. Landlords often deny rental applications based on a criminal record, and even more frequently for violent or drug-related charges. Public housing applications may be denied automatically for certain offenses.
Travel is another concern—especially for those with felony records. You may be barred from international travel or refused entry into other countries. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, your immigration status could be at risk. Convictions for drug offenses, domestic violence, or crimes of moral turpitude can lead to deportation, even if you have lived in the country for years.
Civil Rights and Personal Reputation
Felony convictions in Kentucky may result in the loss of civil rights—including the right to vote, own a firearm, or serve on a jury. These rights can sometimes be restored, but the process is far from simple.
Beyond the legal consequences, convictions also carry a heavy emotional and social toll. Your reputation may suffer, especially in small communities or professional circles. Criminal records can affect child custody cases, limit volunteer opportunities, and damage relationships for years to come.
Mistakes to Avoid After Being Charged with a Crime
The period immediately following an arrest is critical. In those early hours and days, many people make decisions that unintentionally damage their own defense. At Mashni Law, our criminal defense lawyers near you help clients manage this high-stakes period with clarity and caution.
Talking to Police Without a Criminal Defense Lawyer
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to explain themselves to police without a criminal defense lawyer present. Even if you believe you’re innocent or just want to tell your side of the story, anything you say can be misinterpreted or used against you. Officers are trained to elicit information, and they may use tactics that make you feel pressured or confused. Always exercise your right to remain silent and request legal counsel immediately.
Posting on Social Media About Your Case
What you say online can come back to haunt you. Social media posts, photos, and comments are often used by prosecutors to build their narrative or contradict your statements. Even if your accounts are set to “private,” posts can be screenshot or subpoenaed. The safest course of action is to stay off social media entirely while your case is pending.
Missing Court Dates or Deadlines
Another common mistake is failing to attend court hearings or missing key deadlines. This can result in a bench warrant for your arrest, additional charges, or loss of bond. It also reflects poorly on your reliability and can weaken your criminal defense attorney’s negotiating position. At Mashni Law, we help clients stay organized and prepared, so they never miss a critical court appearance.
Contacting the Alleged Victim or Witnesses
Even if you have good intentions, trying to contact the alleged victim or witnesses after being charged is a major risk. It can be seen as witness tampering, intimidation, or a violation of protective orders. Such actions may lead to more serious charges or bail revocation. Always let your criminal defense attorney handle any necessary communication through legal channels.
Tailored Defense Strategies That Work
We don’t rely on cookie-cutter defenses. Every case we handle is different, and so is every client. Our strategies may involve:
- Challenging illegal searches or stops
- Exposing flaws in witness testimony
- Raising affirmative defenses like self-defense or alibi
- Pushing for suppression of improperly obtained evidence
- Advocating for diversion, treatment, or alternative sentencing
Whatever path we take, it’s based on the facts, the law, and your priorities.
Plea Negotiations and Alternative Sentencing
While some cases go to trial, many are resolved through negotiated outcomes. We never rush clients into a plea deal, but when appropriate, we use our relationships and experience to secure favorable agreements. This may include reduced charges, probation instead of jail, or entry into diversion or drug court programs. We advocate for second chances, not excessive punishment.
Your Defense Begins the Moment You Call Our Firm
Don’t wait until your court date to get legal help. The earlier you call, the more options you have. We may be able to intervene with the prosecutor, uncover key evidence, or file motions that strengthen your position.
If you’ve been searching for “criminal defense attorneys near me” in Lexington, KY, your search ends here. Abe Mashni is ready to hear your story and start building your defense today.
Contact Our Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me Law Firm
Our criminal defense lawyers offer personalized legal representation, local insight, and unwavering dedication to every client. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting what matters most—your freedom. For a free consultation with our experienced criminal defense lawyers near me law firm, contact our Lexington, KY law firm.