CRIMINAL LAW

Kentucky criminal defense attorney Alex Lubans-Otto uses her experience and legal acumen to protect the rights of criminal defense clients and achieve the best possible outcomes for their case.

In her two years as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney, and her two and a half years as a Staff Attorney with the Office of Public Advocacy, Alex took numerous cases to trial. She has developed an affinity for trial work, which began back in her final year at University of Kentucky College of Law where she worked with the Kentucky Innocence Project. After law school, Alex entered into a judicial clerkship, which greatly enhanced her interest in and knowledge of criminal and civil procedure. Alex is familiar with the judges, court staff, police and prosecutors in multiple counties throughout the Commonwealth.

The optimal time for an attorney to get involved in criminal defense case is before formal charges have been filed or an indictment as been issued. Early on in a prosecution, there are many more options available to the criminal defendant that can help minimize their criminal liability. However, once charges are filed, Alex diligently provides the best possible defense by examining the facts of arrest, considering suppression issues, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence. Strengths and weaknesses of the case are discussed with the client on a regular basis, making sure that the client is well- informed about the case against him or her and the client can make informed decisions regarding recommendations, pleas and whether a trial is necessary or acceptable.

Alex handles criminal cases in the following areas:

Misdemeanors: Less serious crimes, carrying a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail, are misdemeanors. These charges include, but are not limited to: DUI, Possession of Paraphernalia, Theft by Unlawful Taking Under $300 and Criminal Trespass.
Felonies: More serious crimes, carrying a maximum penalty of anywhere from one year in prison all the way to 50 years or life, are felonies. These charges include, but are not limited to: Possession of Narcotics, Rape, Murder, and Criminal Assault.
Juvenile Criminal: Juveniles are often charged with serious offenses which are not always kept under seal. Although Juvenile criminal defendants are not entitled to a trial by jury, they are still able to have a trial, called an adjudication, where they may present witnesses and confront witnesses against them, as well as present evidence. Juveniles not only have the same rights as adult defendants, they are provided greater protection by the Commonwealth due to their age and lack of maturity.