1. Cox & Mazzoli, PLLC
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, white collar crimes, complex prosecutions, narcotics offenses, securities fraud
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, narcotics offenses including heroin, opiates, crystal meth, fentanyl, marijuana and pain pills, securities fraud, insider trading, tax evasion, health insurance fraud, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, environmental crimes, maritime offenses, computer and internet crimes, property forfeiture matters
Legal Services: Federal trial defense, appellate practice, pre-charge investigation, grand jury representation, plea negotiations, immunity negotiations, asset forfeiture defense, sentencing advocacy
Background: Scott C. Cox and Michael Mazzoli formed the firm in 2001. Both are former federal prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office. Scott Cox has been listed in the top fifty attorneys in Kentucky by Kentucky Super Lawyers and was described as one of the city’s top two criminal defense attorneys by Louisville Magazine. Mike Mazzoli was named one of the top five criminal defense attorneys in Louisville in 2007 by Louisville Magazine, has been listed in Kentucky Super Lawyers for multiple years, and is named in Best Lawyers in America. He served as Assistant United States Attorney between 1994 and 1999 where he was trial attorney in the prosecution of the Belle of Louisville sinking, chief of forfeiture division, and worked in all sections of the office’s criminal division. Mike Mazzoli was lead attorney for oral argument in United States v. Rice, a wiretap case in the Sixth Circuit. He won the appeal in United States v. Cherry which upheld one of the largest reductions of a prison sentence in the circuit. He won before the Kentucky Supreme Court in Reyes v. Hardin County. The firm represents Fortune 500 companies, physicians, attorneys, law professors, accountants, judges, law enforcement officers, and elected officials.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Contact: https://www.coxandmazzoli.com
Consultation: Consultation available
2. Pharr Law Group
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, divorce and family law, DUI defense, drug crimes defense, sex crimes defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, sex offenses, murder, drug possession and distribution, domestic violence, assault, theft, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, pre-trial investigation, motion practice, sentencing advocacy
Background: Sean Pharr is the lead attorney at Pharr Law Group. He has tried dozens of criminal cases with success throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He has secured acquittals in cases ranging from DUI to sex offenses and murder in front of juries throughout Kentucky. The firm is considered one of the top divorce and criminal defense practices in the Louisville area. The firm has offices in Louisville and Northern Kentucky.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky (with Northern Kentucky office)
Contact: (502) 264-9494 | https://www.pharrlawgroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
Practice Focus: Criminal defense exclusively, DUI/DWI defense, drug crimes defense, domestic violence defense, theft defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, drug possession and distribution, domestic violence, theft, burglary, forgery, assault, violent crimes, misdemeanors, felonies
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, pre-trial investigation, license defense, MVA hearings
Background: The firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense and has been defending clients across Jefferson County, Kentucky for more than 15 years. The attorneys have in-depth understanding of Kentucky criminal law and know how the prosecution approaches cases. The firm employs an approach designed to minimize the consequences of arrest. The firm serves clients in the greater Louisville metro area including Jeffersontown, Middletown, Indian Hills, Hurstbourne, and West Buechel.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky (Jefferson County)
Contact: (502) 371-7000 | https://suhrelawlouisville.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Neil Roy Law Office
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, personal injury, felony and misdemeanor defense, drug crimes defense, expungements
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, probation violations, bond reduction matters, outstanding warrants, assault, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense, expungements, bond reduction hearings, warrant resolution, plea negotiations, probation violation defense
Background: Neil Roy has over 20 years of experience providing personalized and aggressive representation in Louisville. The firm offers 24-hour services and same-day consultations to meet urgent needs. Neil Roy is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association, Louisville Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia, Kentucky Justice Association, American Association for Justice, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The firm is locally owned and focuses on being accessible and responsive to clients.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Contact: https://www.neilroylaw.com
Consultation: Same-day consultation available; 24-hour services
5. Hitch Defense Attorneys
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence defense, drug crimes defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, felonies, domestic violence, drug offenses, assault, theft, violent crimes, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, license defense, sentencing advocacy
Background: Hitch Defense Attorneys focuses on defending clients confronting DUI, felony, or criminal charges in Kentucky. The firm maintains a philosophy of not settling for less and dedicates attorneys to fighting for client rights. The firm serves clients in Louisville, Kentucky and surrounding areas.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Contact: https://www.lawyers.com (profile available)
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Kentucky
Kentucky requires attorneys to be admitted to the Kentucky Bar Association and maintain active licensure. The Kentucky Bar Association provides continuing legal education requirements and maintains disciplinary oversight.
Kentucky does not offer board certification specifically for criminal defense practice. Attorneys may demonstrate expertise through peer recognition organizations such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Martindale-Hubbell ratings.
The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) provides representation to indigent defendants throughout the Commonwealth. Each county has a public defender office or appointed counsel system. Eligibility is determined based on financial guidelines.
Kentucky classifies felonies into four categories: Class A (20 to 50 years or life imprisonment), Class B (10 to 20 years), Class C (5 to 10 years), and Class D (1 to 5 years). Capital offenses are punishable by death or life without parole. Misdemeanors are classified as Class A (up to 12 months) or Class B (up to 90 days).
Kentucky’s expungement law allows for expungement of certain Class D felony convictions after 5 years, certain misdemeanor convictions, and charges that did not result in conviction. The 2016 legislation expanded expungement eligibility significantly. A petition must be filed with the Circuit Court where the case was heard. The filing fee is $500 for felonies.
Kentucky has the death penalty for capital murder cases. Capital defense requires specially qualified counsel who have completed training through the Department of Public Advocacy.
Bail in Kentucky is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, flight risk, and danger to the community. Kentucky uses a pretrial services system to make release recommendations. Cash bail, property bonds, and surety bonds are available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Jefferson County?
After an arrest in Jefferson County, defendants are typically taken to Louisville Metro Department of Corrections for booking and processing. An initial court appearance occurs within 24 hours where a judge reviews the charges and sets bail or conditions of release. For felonies, a preliminary hearing is scheduled within 10 days (if in custody) or 20 days (if released) in District Court to determine probable cause. If probable cause is found, the case is bound over to Jefferson Circuit Court. Arraignment in Circuit Court follows where the defendant enters a plea. Pretrial Services conducts an assessment and makes recommendations to the court regarding release conditions.
How does pretrial diversion work in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers pretrial diversion programs through the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Eligibility typically includes first-time offenders charged with certain non-violent offenses. The defendant enters an agreement to complete conditions such as community service, restitution, drug treatment, or counseling over a supervision period. If successfully completed, charges are dismissed and the arrest may be eligible for expungement. Each county’s Commonwealth Attorney has discretion in offering diversion. Jefferson County has specific diversion programs for certain offense categories. A diversion fee is typically required.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Kentucky?
Drug possession penalties in Kentucky depend on the substance schedule and amount. Possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (Schedule I or II narcotics) is a Class D felony punishable by 1 to 5 years. Possession of marijuana is generally a Class B misdemeanor (up to 90 days) for less than 8 ounces. Subsequent marijuana offenses become Class A misdemeanors or felonies. Drug trafficking penalties are significantly higher and depend on substance type and quantity. Kentucky has Drug Court programs in Jefferson County and other jurisdictions offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for qualifying defendants with substance abuse issues.
Can I get my felony expunged in Kentucky?
Kentucky allows expungement of certain Class D felony convictions after a 5-year waiting period from completion of sentence. Eligible felonies include many non-violent offenses; violent felonies, sex offenses, and offenses against children are generally not eligible. The defendant must have no pending charges and no subsequent convictions. The application fee is $500. A petition is filed with the Circuit Court where the conviction occurred. The Commonwealth Attorney may object to the expungement. Misdemeanor convictions may be expunged 5 years after completion of sentence. Charges that did not result in conviction (dismissals, acquittals) may be expunged immediately with a $50 filing fee.
What drug court options exist in Louisville?
Jefferson County Drug Court provides an intensive, treatment-based supervision program for defendants with substance abuse disorders as an alternative to traditional prosecution and incarceration. Participants must plead guilty but sentencing is deferred during participation. The program typically lasts 12 to 18 months and includes regular court appearances, drug testing, treatment participation, and compliance with program requirements. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges or reduced sentencing depending on the program track. Jefferson County also has a Veterans Treatment Court for eligible military veterans with substance abuse or mental health issues. Eligibility is determined by the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and the court.