
Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant in Kentucky
The United States Constitution and its subsequent amendments define the scope of governmental power and reserve certain individual rights to the people. The first 10 amendments, also called the Bill of Rights, contain basic, fundamental rights of individuals on which the government may not impinge. Many of these constitutional rights provide protection to criminal defendants in the criminal justice system. The 14th Amendment extends substantive due process rights beyond the federal system to criminal defendants in state courts, where the vast majority of criminal trials occur.
The basic constitutional rights of the criminal defendant permeate almost every aspect of the criminal justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state, tribal or local, criminal defense attorney William Butler can explain these rights to you and help fight for them at every step of the way.
For immediate assistance, call (502) 237-0871, or contact him via email for your initial confidential consultation. For over 35 years, he has skillfully defended thousands of clients, compiling an impressive record of positive results, and he can help you too. For more information, please see Case Results and Testimonials.
Fundamental rights
Here are the main federal constitutional rights guaranteed to criminal defendants in the United States to promote fair trials. Remember that these rights have been refined and interpreted by the courts, and a lawyer can advise you about each right’s role in and application to your particular case.
- The right to due process of law
- The right to equal protection under the law
- The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure
- The right against self-incrimination or being forced to testify against oneself
- The right against double jeopardy or being tried more than once for the same offense
- The right to legal counsel
- The right to a speedy, public trial
- The right to an impartial jury trial
- The right to confront witnesses against you
- The right to call supporting witnesses
- The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment
- The prohibition against ex post facto laws or laws that retroactively criminalize certain acts or retroactively increase criminal sanctions
- The right to be free from excessive fines or excessive bail
- The right to clear notice of criminal charges
- The right to a grand jury in federal felony proceedings
Secure Legal Counsel
Our criminal justice system is designed with constitutional protections that provide a criminal defendant with a fair trial. If you have been accused of a crime, consult with William M. Butler Jr. as early as possible in the process. He is a highly skilled attorney and an important ally who will help protect your legal and constitutional rights.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
For immediate assistance, call the law office of William Butler at (502) 237-0871, or contact him for your initial confidential consultation.
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Bill Butler was referred by a trusted family member. He was all they claimed and then some. EXCEPTIONAL lawyer!!- Stacey M.
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Excellent lawyer; got my money's worth. Very cooperative, kind, and polite. Knew exactly what I wanted and knew how to handle it. Will do absolutely anything he can on his part to help you.- Ally J.
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When the case could not be resolved without a jail sentence, he went to trial. I was not convicted. As a result, I did not miss the first 10 years of my infant daughter’s life.- Former Client
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Mr. Butler is a man of his word. I can call him and within 24 hours Bill will call me back. I will never be in trouble again, but if I was, the first person I would call would be Mr. Butler.
- David C. -
I would highly recommend William Butler over any lawyer I've known or dealt with. His and Karen's dedication and results deserve more than these 5 stars! He got my charge dismissed and my worries were over!- John D.
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A police officer gave me Bill's number and said if he ever got into trouble this is who he would use. The best referral that I have ever gotten. Don't risk your life on a cheap lawyer, you get what you pay for.
- Former Client -
Mr. Butler was very courteous and professional. He took care to explain each step of the court process, and was very patient with the myriad of questions I came to him with.- Jason F.
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Mr. Butler faced my charge with pure confidence...he keeps you very calm about proceedings as they can be nerve-racking. It was almost like I didn’t even go to court half the time!!- Former Client
YOUR CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
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Hear From Our Happy Clients
"Above and Beyond"
Great lawyer, he went above and beyond for my case, always kept the positive in perspective, and got me a favorable result. I would recommend him to anybody.- Darius O.