Unyielding Criminal Defense Representation In Kentucky, Indiana And Ohio
Criminal charges carry serious consequences that can jeopardize your freedom and livelihood. You will need legal support that can keep up with the complexities of your case.
We are The Law Office of Marvin Knorr & Associates, and we do not give up on our clients. As your attorneys, we will protect your rights, study your case and assertively defend you. With us, you can trust us to fight with unwavering determination.
When you face a serious legal issue that may profoundly affect your future, time is of the essence. That’s why our team is available to take your call around the clock. Don’t hesitate to learn about your rights and explore your options. Call our Covington office at 859-495-1857 for immediate assistance or reach out online to set up a convenient appointment. We assist clients across northern Kentucky, southern Ohio, southeastern Indiana and nearby areas.
We Fight Criminal Charges Head-On
We offer experienced, aggressive services for several types of criminal cases, including those that involve:
- Drug charges
- Theft, robbery and burglary
- Drunk driving arrests
- DUIs
- Sex crimes
- White collar crimes, such as fraud, cybercrime and identity theft
- Assault
- Arson
- Murder, homicide and other violent crimes
Whether you face a misdemeanor or felony, we can help you. Our attorneys are highly knowledgeable on state laws in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. We can represent you at every stage in the process – from the initial hearing to trial to appeals. Working at both the state and federal levels, we are criminal defense lawyers who are ready for whatever challenges your case may bring.
Empowering You Within The Legal System
Criminal cases are naturally daunting. If this is your first time facing charges, the process can be intimidating. Even if this is not the first time, the criminal justice system is powerful; individuals have good reason to feel uneasy.
Regardless of your situation, an aggressive legal advocate is critical to your chances of successfully fighting the charges. The prosecutor bears the burden of proving the crime. Your attorney should make sure that if anyone fights an uphill battle, it would be your opponent.
We will not lose sight of the fact that you are seeking our help when you might be at your most vulnerable point. Together, we will form a customized defense strategy for your case.
Common Questions For Criminal Defense
Below we have prepared a list of some of the most common questions that we have received for our criminal defense practice.
1. Can the police arrest me without evidence of a crime?
No, the police cannot arbitrarily arrest you without any justification. In order for them to make a legal search and seizure of your person, they must have probable cause, which is a legal standard meaning they must have a reasonable suspicion that you either have committed, currently are committing or will commit a crime. The standard of evidence which they must present is known as a “preponderance of the evidence”, which only requires that the officer must establish a reasonable suspicion based on objective facts and not subjective hunches or feelings. If you are arrested without probable cause, then that is a violation of your Fourth Amendment Rights and you may have a claim against the police for false arrest.
2. What leads to being charged with a crime?
There are four basic steps that lead to being charged with a crime. The first step is usually being arrested, however there can be cases where you will not be arrested, such as receiving a traffic or municipal ordinance violation. If you are arrested, the police will generate a report that will be sent to the local prosecutors with the details of the situation. The prosecutor is the person who decides whether to pursue the case at the second step in the process. If they do decide to go forward with the case, they will submit their findings to a grand jury who will decide whether the evidence merits criminal charges being filed at step three. The prosecutor can continue to bring additional evidence to a grand jury to build their case. If the grand jury does decide to approve criminal charges, then the accused will have an arraignment hearing before a judge at step four. Here, they will receive the criminal complaint against them, along with the police reports that supported it. Usually an attorney will accompany you at this, your first hearing.
3. What is a strict liability crime?
A strict liability crime is one where the state is not required to prove your mental state when you were in the act of committing the alleged crime. An example of this would be a speeding ticket, which generally criminalizes the act of driving over the speed limit without concern to whether you intended to do so. Other examples can include statutory rape, felony murder and possession of contraband items or substances.
4. Why should I use a criminal defense attorney rather than a public defender?
Public defenders are advocates for people accused of a crime who do not have their own defense counsel. While they are valuable to our legal system and their work is highly respected, they are often overwhelmed by the number of clients which they are responsible for and do not have the ability to spend much time on your case. With a private defense attorney, you can get a representative that will dedicate a significant amount of time to building your defense and focusing on your case, and that will be more responsive to your needs. At The Law Office of Marvin Knorr & Associates, we are dedicated to this model of providing the support you need to make it through your case.
5. Do police always need to read your Miranda rights in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, police don’t always have to read your Miranda rights. You might wonder when this applies. Typically, officers must inform you of these rights when they question you while you’re in custody.
However, it’s not always clear when you’re actually in custody. If you’re not free to leave during a police encounter, you are likely considered “in custody.” But if an officer wants to question you while on the street, Miranda rights may not come into play. Understanding this distinction is crucial because prosecutors can use anything you say against you in court.
If you’re unsure about your rights, don’t answer police questions without consulting a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can help clarify your situation. An experienced attorney understands police tactics and will protect your rights.
6. What are the penalties for a DUI charge?
Facing a DUI charge in Kentucky can be a life-changing experience. For a first offense, you might face penalties like fines, license suspension or even jail time. Fines can range from $200 to $500 and you could lose your license for 30 to 120 days. Jail time might be up to 30 days, depending on the circumstances. Additional court fees also typically apply. A conviction can also affect employment, housing and educational opportunities.
If convicted of additional DUIs, the penalties are more severe. A second offense could mean higher fines, longer license suspension and increased jail time. By the third offense, you’re looking at mandatory jail time and longer suspensions. It’s vital to have a criminal defense lawyer help you address these charges. They can provide guidance on what to expect and options to minimize penalties.
7. Can you refuse a breath test during a DUI stop?
You might think about refusing a breath test during a DUI stop, but knowing the consequences is crucial. In Kentucky, refusing a breath test can lead to immediate penalties. You face license suspension for up to 120 days for a first refusal. This is because of the state’s implied consent law, which means you’ve agreed to submit to such tests by driving.
Refusing the test could also be used against you in court. If you’re facing a DUI stop, promptly contacting a criminal defense attorney is wise. They can provide advice tailored to your situation and help protect your rights. Having an attorney near you ensures you get the support you need quickly and effectively.
If you have additional questions beyond those that have been outlined here, you can visit our knowledge center to get additional questions answered.
We Will Answer Your Call Now
Whether you are a suspect in a criminal investigation, or you are in police custody, it is never too early to consult a lawyer. Criminal cases develop quickly. Returning your calls several days later is not good enough.
Therefore, we are ready to provide immediate support 24/7. Call 859-495-1857 when you need urgent legal representation or email our office in Covington for a free consultation.