Facing criminal charges is a serious threat to one’s future. If convicted of a crime, it can lead to penalties that may affect every area of your life. Potential consequences include time behind bars, expensive fines, a permanent mark on your criminal record and much more. It could also affect your future job opportunities, your personal reputation and even an ongoing child custody case.
It is important that you take your situation seriously if you are facing criminal charges. Regardless of the allegations against you, you have the right to defend yourself and to pursue the best possible outcome to your situation. Recent statistics indicate that the rates of arrests and criminal charges has dropped overall in the state of Kentucky, but it is still beneficial to know what to do in case you are ever investigated, questioned, arrested or charged.
A closer look at crime rates
It can take time for statistics to begin to reflect changes in arrests and the overall crime rate, but some of the most recent crime reports indicate that the rate of serious criminal events in Kentucky have decreased over the last few years. Law enforcement views this as an encouraging sign as it may indicate that enforcement and community vigilance is working. There are fewer violent crimes, including murder, robberies and drug offenses, with the overall rate decreasing by approximately 10%.
The 2022 crime report indicates that, from 2021 to 2022, there was a significant decrease in the number of crimes in 23 different categories. The overall number of arrests also decreased by just over 6%, and other types of crime and arrests related to fraud, human trafficking, prostitution and obscene material also decreased. One of the areas of crime that did increase in both case reports and arrests was animal cruelty.
After an arrest
The implications of an arrest and criminal charges are serious. You would be wise to take your situation seriously and seek legal guidance as soon as possible after an arrest. An attorney can provide insight regarding the legal options available to you, as well as how you can develop an effective defense strategy. An assessment of your situation is the first step to understanding how you can fight for your future interests.
