Felony Defense in Shelby County, KY

Felony Defense Lawyer in Shelby County, Kentucky

A felony charge in Shelby County, Kentucky carries life-altering consequences — prison time, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to your career and reputation. Shelby County’s growing population and proximity to Louisville mean that its courts handle an increasing number of serious felony cases. Clark + Harris, PLLC provides experienced felony defense to clients in Shelbyville, Simpsonville, and throughout Shelby County.

Call 859-474-0001 now to speak with a Kentucky felony defense attorney.

Felony Classifications in Kentucky

Under KRS 532.060, Kentucky felonies are classified as follows:

Class D Felony — 1–5 years. Examples: drug possession first degree, theft over $1,000, fourth-offense DUI
Class C Felony — 5–10 years. Examples: second-degree assault, drug trafficking, second-degree burglary
Class B Felony — 10–20 years. Examples: first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, meth manufacturing
Class A Felony — 20–50 years or life. Examples: kidnapping, first-degree rape

Felony Court Process in Shelby County

Felony cases in Shelby County proceed through the Shelby County Justice Center at 501 Main Street, Shelbyville, KY 40065:

Arrest & Booking — Processing at the Shelby County Detention Center
Arraignment — Initial appearance where charges are read and bond is addressed
Preliminary Hearing — Commonwealth must show probable cause in District Court
Grand Jury — Shelby County Grand Jury reviews evidence and issues indictment
Circuit Court Proceedings — Pretrial motions, discovery, plea negotiations, and trial in the 53rd Judicial Circuit

Consequences Beyond Prison

For Shelby County residents, a felony conviction creates ripple effects throughout daily life. Shelbyville and Simpsonville are close-knit communities where a felony record impacts employment, housing, and community standing. Many Shelby County residents commute to Louisville or Lexington — a felony conviction can disqualify you from employment with major regional employers and cost you professional licenses regulated by Kentucky boards.

Contact Clark + Harris — Shelby County Felony Defense

When your freedom and future are on the line in Shelby County, you need defense attorneys who will fight aggressively on your behalf. Clark + Harris, PLLC is prepared to challenge the prosecution at every stage.

Call 859-474-0001 for a confidential consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky, including Shelby County?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:

Felony Defense in Shelby County, KY | Clark + Harris, PLLC