If you have been arrested or charged in Louisville, the clock starts immediately and what you do in the first days matters. Most Jefferson County cases begin in District Court for misdemeanors and arraignments, with felonies moving to Circuit Court after a grand jury. Kentucky treats a first DUI seriously, with license consequences that can attach quickly. A criminal record can follow you for years, so the goal of a good defense is often to get charges reduced, diverted, or dismissed before that happens. Below: vetted Louisville criminal defense firms that handle DUI, drug, assault, theft, and felony charges.
Updated May 14, 2026
If you are facing any criminal charge in Louisville, talk to a lawyer before you talk to police or accept any plea. The stakes — jail, a record, your license, your job — are too high to guess. Talk to a Louisville criminal defense lawyer if:
Most Louisville criminal defense lawyers charge a flat fee per case rather than by the hour, and the amount depends on the severity of the charge and whether it goes to trial:
A first-offense misdemeanor or DUI in Louisville often runs a flat $1,500-$3,500. Felonies start higher, commonly $3,500-$10,000, and serious charges that go to trial can exceed that. Many firms offer payment plans, and a free consultation to quote the case. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, you have the right to a public defender. Ask any firm whether the quote covers trial or only the pre-trial stage.
Acting fast matters most — early work by your lawyer can preserve evidence, protect your license, and open the door to diversion. For the national picture, see our criminal defense guide, or browse all Louisville lawyers.
A criminal defense firm with a Louisville office handling DUI, drug, and felony cases in Jefferson County. A fit for clients who want a defense-focused firm across the range of state charges.
A Louisville criminal defense practice handling DUI, drug, and assault charges, plus expungements. Well regarded locally for defense work. A good fit for clients who want a focused Jefferson County defense lawyer.
A Louisville firm known for criminal defense alongside civil-rights work, handling DUI and felony cases. A fit for clients who want a firm with trial experience for a serious or high-profile charge.
A long-established Louisville criminal defense attorney handling felony cases and appeals in Jefferson County. Suited to clients who want an experienced solo practitioner for a contested case.
A Louisville lawyer with a practice centered on DUI defense and the license consequences that come with it. A fit for clients whose main concern is a DUI charge and keeping their ability to drive.
See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Louisville guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.
Tell us briefly what's going on. We route a confidential request to a best-fit Louisville firm in this directory.