Criminal Law
Busald Funk Zevely, P.S.C. represents clients charged with criminal offenses—federally and statewide. Our experienced lawyers offer premiere legal advice and representation. We work with skilled professionals, including private investigators, forensic psychiatrists and other experts, to assist you in preparing a sound defense.
If you are arrested in Kentucky, visit the frequently asked questions section of the site to learn more about your legal rights.
Some of the violations we are prepared to handle include:
- Traffic violations
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Felonies
- Homicide/murder
- Misdemeanors
- Federal criminal law
- Post-conviction remedies
- Sex crimes
- Death penalty
- Parole and probation
- Expungements
Our lawyers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at (859) 371–3600 or contact us to schedule your free initial consultation.
Traffic Violations
If you have accumulated multiple unpaid tickets for moving violations and non–moving violations, your license may be suspended or revoked. If you are deemed a habitual offender, you may even face jail–time. We can help you:
- Reduce the number of points associated with a moving or non–moving violation
- Set aside suspensions resulting from failure to appear or unpaid fines
- Work out payment plans if you have a suspension due to an accident judgment
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Whether or not you have exceeded the legal limit for alcohol consumption, a police officer can charge you with criminal DUI based on impaired driving. Based on the five-year period in Kentucky and a six-year period in Ohio, your ticket may be deemed a repeat offense. Our lawyers work with you to disprove the evidence presented against you. We can also apply for reduced sentences including:
- Community service in place of fines and/or jail–time
- A hardship license when your license is suspended for more than 30 days
Felonies
Felonies are among the most serious criminal offenses—with penalties range from hefty fines, over a year in jail and long probationary periods, to the death penalty. Our lawyers mitigate sentences based on your unique circumstances for crimes including
- Narcotics possession
- Driving with a suspended license as a habitual offender
- Burglary
- Grand theft
- Domestic violence
- Aggravated assault
Homicide/Murder
A person convicted of murder can face 25 years to life in prison—and even the death penalty in certain cases. Our criminal defense lawyers offer legal counsel and representation for clients accused of
- Capital murder
- First degree murder
- Second degree murder
- Third degree murder
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Involuntary manslaughter
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor conviction on your permanent record adversely affects your earning capacity and may result in collateral consequences such as license suspensions. We aggressively defend clients charged with misdemeanors such as
- Possession of cannabis under 20 grams
- Petty theft
- Drunk driving
- Beverage law violations
- Disorderly conduct
- Disorderly intoxication
- Assault, battery & domestic violence
- Criminal traffic violations
- Trespassing
- Violation of probation
Federal Criminal Law
As soon as you become aware that you are under federal criminal investigation, you should seek legal counsel. By the time you are charged or indicted, a substantial case will have been built against you. Our lawyers defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in cases relating to
- Threats to national security
- Economic espionage
- Computer–related fraud
- Crimes against children
- Cyber crimes
- Gun crimes
- Illegal immigration crimes
- Illegal import and export crimes
- Native American jurisdictional crimes
- Art or jewelry theft
- Organized crime
- Public corruption crimes
- Tax crimes
- Serial rapes and murders
- Public corruption
Post-Conviction Remedies
When you have exhausted your appeals, post-conviction motions to reverse your sentence or conviction may be the only avenue of litigation available to you. We will honestly assess your case to determine whether these post-conviction remedies are appropriate to your circumstances.
Sex Crimes
Convictions for sexual crimes carry jail–sentences, lifelong registration obligations, public notice requirements, and employment restrictions. Our firm supplies the knowledge and experience necessary to litigate sexually-based offenses like:
- Rape/sexual assault
- Indecent exposure/public indecency
- Prostitution/pimping/solicitation/pandering
Death Penalty
The death penalty is not always a reliable indicator of guilt. In the United States alone, over 100 death row inmates have been exonerated after their death. Our lawyers seek redress through post-conviction appeals.
Parole and Probation
Parole is an early release from prison based on good behavior, while probation is a reprieve from a prison sentence or an extension to an already–served prison term. In either scenario, a parolee who violates a condition of his or her release can face jail-time. Our lawyers can represent you at parole hearings and help you file appeals with the parole boards.
Expungements
Even after you have been convicted of a crime, your criminal record can affect your job prospects and quality of life after a prison term. Our lawyers assess your eligibility for an expungement based on several factors:
- How serious the crime was
- How long ago the crime took place
- How many crimes are now visible on your record
- Whether the case was dismissed or your prison record is clean
- Whether you have been arrested or under suspicion recently
