An Award-Winning Louisville Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re facing criminal charges in Kentucky, it’s critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side as soon as possible. At Pharr Law Group, we’ve won hundreds of criminal defense cases against nearly every prosecutor in courts all throughout the commonwealth. Our lawyer’s reputation and wealth of experience handling thousands of cases can be to your advantage. He has earned numerous awards for securing acquittals at trial in high-stakes felony cases.

The sooner you enlist our help, the better. We’re here for you 24/7, no matter where or when legal problems arise. Contact us via email or call us at 502-264-9494 to schedule a consultation.

Vast Experience In All Kinds Of Criminal Cases, Including At Trial

We have handled all kinds of criminal charges and draw on extensive trial experience to fight for our clients’ rights. We can help you with:

• DUI: We have been extremely successful at helping our clients win their DUI cases and keep their licenses when they’ve been arrested for a DUI (driving under the influence). We can help you, too.
• Drug crimes: If you’ve been arrested for a crime related to drugs, jail time isn’t necessarily automatic. We’ve helped clients who were wrongfully prosecuted for illegal substances beat the rap and clear their names.
• Sex crimes: The stigma associated with being charged with a sex crime requires a special set of legal skills to handle the matter confidentially and successfully so that your reputation is protected.
• Gun crimes: The public is pushing for more and stricter gun laws in response to the rise in acts of violence involving firearms. If you’ve been charged with a gun offense, take it seriously and talk to us about your options.
• Violent crimes: For those facing serious violent crime charges, it’s crucial to be represented by legal professionals with skilled investigators who’ll find the evidence that could make all the difference.
• Traffic offenses: Getting charged with a serious traffic violation can require a court appearance. If so, you definitely want an experienced lawyer on your side to help navigate Kentucky’s traffic court system.
• Warrants: More often than you would think, a warrant is issued, and the person doesn’t know about it until the police show up to arrest them. We can help you avoid these embarrassing situations.
• Federal defense: Defendants, witnesses and targets of investigation in federal crime cases can have their lives affected for years because the federal government has practically limitless resources to drag them out. We can level the playing field.
• Expungements: Mistakes happen, but you shouldn’t have to pay for them forever. If your mistake results in a criminal record, we may be able to clear that record so you can get on with your life and follow your dreams.
• Appeals: While many firms have little to no experience in criminal appeals, we have successfully represented civil plaintiffs and civil and criminal defendants at both the state and federal levels.

Why Hire A Former Public Defender

When looking for a criminal defense attorney, many key factors to consider include experience, knowledge of the law, negotiation skills, and trial skills. Another benefit is to find an attorney who has previous experience as a former public defender.

Why does this matter? Public defenders are appointed to individuals who cannot afford to hire a lawyer on their own to represent them during a criminal trial. This means an attorney with experience as a public defender has worked with many different types of people on many different types of cases. They have the capability to tackle large caseloads with diligence and attention to detail to protect the rights of those they are assigned to represent.

As a former public defender, attorney Sean Pharr understands the benefits his past experience gives him when handling his cases today. He has extensive trial experience, which makes him comfortable in the courtroom and in front of a judge, and he is familiar with the criminal justice system. He knows how to communicate with law enforcement, judges, and others during this process to gather the necessary information to build your case.

He has been awarded the “Walker Award” five times for his work and achievements with the Louisville Metro Public Defender office, further highlighting his skill at successful criminal defense.

Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions

At Pharr Law Group, we understand that facing criminal charges can be scary and confusing. You likely have a lot of questions about the process and how this will impact your life. Below, we have gathered some of the most common questions we receive from clients to help provide clarity during this difficult time.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Criminal acts are categorized into different categories based on their severity. Misdemeanors are usually less serious than felony offenses. Misdemeanors often result in small fines, some jail time, and other temporary consequences such as probation or community service. Felonies, on the other hand, come with much more severe penalties, including significant prison sentences, hefty fines, and a loss of freedom.

Common types of misdemeanors include DUIs, shoplifting, and domestic violence without bodily injury. Common felony charges include more violent and dangerous crimes such as larceny, treason, arson, rape, murder, robbery, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. However, some typical misdemeanor crimes may be elevated to felony status due to certain factors. For example, a misdemeanor DUI may become a felony DUI if you were found drinking and driving with a child in the car. To better understand the charges against you and the potential consequences, it’s crucial to work with a criminal defense attorney.

When should I take a plea deal?

First, it’s important to understand exactly what a plea deal is. Also known as a plea bargain, a plea deal is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor. This agreement is contingent on the defendant pleading guilty to the charges against them in exchange for a sentence from the prosecutor that may include reduced charges and consequences. Plea deals help avoid going through a trial and may expedite the entire criminal process.

While plea deals may sound like a good idea, they may not always be the best choice for your situation. A good plea deal should offer a lighter sentence for the defendant than if they went to trial and lost. However, going to trial offers defendants the opportunity to present their side of the story and a chance to clear their name. A plea deal means pleading guilty, and a guilty charge can follow you for the rest of your life. It’s critical to work with a knowledgeable defense attorney who can advise you on whether or not accepting a plea deal is in your best interests.

Can I refuse a police search of my house or car?

The short answer is yes. Under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you are protected against unlawful search and seizure. The police cannot conduct a search of your home or vehicle unless they have a valid search warrant, a valid arrest warrant, or probable cause that you have committed a crime. They can also conduct a search if you verbally consent, in which case they will not need a warrant. If you have been searched by law enforcement without a warrant or probable cause and arrested as a result, a criminal defense attorney can help you fight for your rights.

How will a conviction affect my life?

A common concern of many clients is how a criminal conviction will impact their life and future. Aside from the legal consequences such as paying fines or jail time, a conviction can have serious collateral consequences as well. Collateral consequences are those that affect your daily life, relationship, career, and overall future. Some of the most common types include:

• Losing the right to vote
• Ineligibility for certain types of employment and professional licenses
• Loss of immigration status and deportation
• Eviction
• Ineligibility for higher education
• Losing the right to own a firearm
• Ineligibility for public housing

A criminal conviction can impact various areas of your life. This is why it’s important to work with a skilled defense attorney who can fight on your behalf and achieve an outcome that doesn’t cost you your freedom.

We’ll Work To Avoid Or Minimize The Harsh Consequences Of A Conviction

With our legal team on your side, you’ll never be in the courtroom alone. We’ll be there to fight for you and your rights. We know all the tricks and maneuvers prosecutors use to gain convictions, and we have proven experience in defending against them. We don’t fall for their shenanigans. We’ll work hard to get results for you.

Call 502-264-9494 to reach out to our firm and get a free consultation. We are located in Louisville and serve clients throughout Northern Kentucky.