The Coulson Law Office focuses on several specific areas of criminal defense law. These include – but are not limited to – the following. Therefore, if you’ve been charged with any crime, whether it appears here or not, give us a call. If we can’t help you, we’re very likely to know someone who can!

Homicide Offenses

These offenses are generally the most serious a person can face. They range from Reckless Homicide through Murder. A murder conviction may carry a sentence of decades of imprisonment, life in prison, or even the death penalty. These are some of the most complex allegations to defend and typically require a team approach including attorneys, fact investigators, mitigation specialists, and a host of other experts. We work with these experts ranging in forensic pathology, forensic electronics, forensic psychology, genetics, and other areas. We have experience trying these matters before juries as well as resolving them through mediation and other methods.

Property Offenses

Property offenses usually involve the theft, unlawful retention, or destruction of property of others. Recent legislative changes offer new alternatives to resolving Criminal Mischief allegations. Often these matters involve questions regarding the rightful owner of the property, whether there was an intent to permanently deprive the owner, and other common issues.

Sexual Offenses

These allegations are among the most difficult and delicate matters to defend. A mere accusation can be life-ruining, even if it is unfounded. Forensic psychological and medical evidence, DNA, timelining, and other scientific evidence can complicate the evaluation. Certain offenses may carry sentences up to life in prison, and the stigma associated with them can make reentry to society difficult. Conviction of many of these offenses require registration as a sex offender, as well as the inability to get parole until treatment is completed. Close attention to detail and performance at a high level is important to the successful litigation of these charges. We have successfully litigated these matters to jury verdicts and taught other attorneys jury selection strategies.

Controlled Substance Offenses

These offenses range from simple possession of Marijuana and other Cannabis products to aggravated trafficking of narcotics. The Kentucky legislature has increased the penalties for many of these offenses almost every session. As law enforcement continues to utilize increasingly advanced technology and informants in a never-ending war on drugs, it is essential for criminal litigators to keep current on the law and focus on separating reality from accusation. More importantly, in addressing cases involving possession with intent to distribute, it is essential for a jury to understand that mere possession of a drug is not sufficient to convict for trafficking. Presenting an entire picture and refusing to accept a government narrative is key in the successful litigation of these accusations. We have successfully litigated these matters to jury verdicts.

Assault and Self-Defense

Kentucky provides a statutory immunity for the use of force in the defense of self and others. The law regarding asserting this immunity is complex, with several easy traps into which one can fall. There is generally no right to an evidentiary hearing and a judge must make his or her finding based on the evidence in the record. It can only be raised once for felony offenses and there is generally no right to appeal an adverse ruling. This often requires a jury to consider the defense which entails risk to the Defendant. We have taught attorneys the law in this area and successfully presented this defense at trial.

Civil Litigation

We have had positive outcomes in a number of civil litigation matters on behalf of our clients.  Our experience includes representation regarding wrongful death, personal injury, victims of sexual abuse, victims of animal attacks, and actions against government entities.  I am proud of a multi-million dollar verdict regarding a wrongful death claim along with many pretrial resolutions for people who have been harmed.  Successfully navigating these matters requires a strong knowledge of the rules ranging from establishing causes of harm to dealing with insurance subrogation.  Even matters that may seem simple have complex rules and resolutions have to take into account not only the legal situation but how it impacts the client as a whole person.  Every case is as different as every person is and we’re happy to work with clients in finding a resolution that meets their needs while recognizing the individual dynamics of the person and case.

Education Law

Students with special needs or those who are disciplined by school officials have unique needs. We have extensive experience protecting the rights of these students, and we know every case is different and deserves personal the attention of an experienced, knowledegable attorney.