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- William Butler
William M Butler Jr
- Louisville, KY
- Licensed for 33 years
- Free consultation
About William
Federal and State Criminal Defense - Serving Kentucky and the Nation
I first became interested in becoming a lawyer after reading books about noted trial lawyers such as Gerry Spence, Race Horse Haynes and Melvin Belli. I was inspired by their stories to go to law school even though I had already graduated from college and owned a successful business. I sold my business, was admitted to law school and dedicated myself to learning everything I could about being a courtroom lawyer.
I learned that trying a case well is a skill that can’t be learned just from books. It takes a lot of experience in a courtroom to really develop the ability.
I have now been a trial lawyer for over 27 years. My first jury trial took place in 1987-an acquittal on a DUI case. Since that time, I have tried many cases in both State and Federal Courts ranging from murder and drug trafficking down to accusations of stealing a pack of gum from Krogers. Most cases settle without the need for a trial but I believe my clients receive more favorable offers of settlement because Prosecutors know that if an offer is not fair, I will not hesitate to go to trial and that I have the skills and experience to obtain a favorable outcome.
Practice areas
- Federal crime: 80%
31 years
- Criminal defense: 20%
Focus on State and Federal criminal defense.
31 years
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
William. M. Butler Jr, Trial Lawyer
500 W. Jefferson St.
Suite 1520
Louisville, KY, 40202
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| KY | Authorized to practice law | 1986 | 11/07/2019 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| BV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
| Top Contributor Award | AVVO | 2014 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2013 |
| Continuing Legal Education Award | Kentucky Bar Association | 2009 |
| Continuing Legal Education Award | Kentucky Bar Association | 2008 |
| Continuing Legal Education | Kentucky Bar Association | 1995 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Responsibility Award | Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville | 1985 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Lawyer | William M. Butler, Jr., Lawyer | 1986 - Present |
| Member | Criminal Justice Act Panel Federal Defender | 1986 - 2014 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2014 - Present |
| Association of Federal Defense Attorneys | Member | 2014 - Present |
| United States District Court for the District of South Carolina | Lawyer | 2013 - Present |
| The National Trial Lawyers | Member | 2013 - Present |
| United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit | Lawyer | 2003 - Present |
| United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana | Lawyer | 2001 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit | Lawyer | 1992 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | Lifetime Member | 1989 - Present |
| Kentucky Bar Association | Member | 1986 - Present |
| United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky | Lawyer | 1986 - Present |
| United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky | Lawyer | 1986 - Present |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| AVVO Legal Guides | How a Pending Criminal Case May Effect Noncitizens | 2014 |
| AVVO Legal Guides | Allocution : The statement made by a defendant before s/he is sentenced | 2014 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville | JD - Juris Doctor | 1986 |
| University of Kentucky | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1972 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Noon Seminar | Driving Under The Influence Practice | 1989 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| U.S. v. Panayi | Acquitted by jury trial |
| U.S. v. Cruz-Narvaez | Case dismissed by United States two days before scheduled jury trial |
| Commonwealth v. Lucas-Foote | Acquittal after jury trial |
| Commonwealth v. Gonzalez | Finding of no probable cause after preliminary hearing |
| Commonwealth v. Mason | Client granted shock probation |
| Commonwealth v. Jones | Warrant set aside and client not taken into custody but instead released on conditions |
|---|
Great Lawyer
Posted by Tracy
Mon Nov 19 2018
Excellent lawyer
Posted by Cassie
Tue May 24 2016
Attorney endorsements
(27)Randy Ratliff, Trusts Attorney on Jul 21, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Bill is an excellent and doggedly determined lawyer. Fights for his clients and goes the extra mile.
Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Real estate Attorney on Jan 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Adam Bleile, Sex crime Attorney on Apr 8, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Mr. Butler is at the top of the profession. I have been practicing for over 16 years and go to him regularly for advice. Recently went to trial with him (he was first chair and I was second chair) and was highly impressed by not only his intellect but also his drive to be prepared for all legal issues which may arise- both before and during trial. There is not a better criminal defense attorney out there. I look forward to working with him again.
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Military law Attorney on Oct 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Ashley Witte Dawson, Sex crime Attorney on Oct 8, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
William Butler is an excellent advocate for his clients. I am truly impressed by his vast legal knowledge, professionalism, and high work ethic. Mr. Butler is a skilled lawyer who is dedicated to obtaining favorable results for his clients. I fully recommend and endorse this lawyer.
Jill Rogers, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 18, 2015
Relationship: Other
Experience and knowledge defines this attorney. I endorse this lawyer.
Scott Cox, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 16, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Bill Butler is an outstanding lawyer. He fights harder for his clients than anyone I know. He will travel anywhere to defend a client an he consistently gets great results. I recommend him any type of criminal case, state or federal.
Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 29, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Joseph Torri, Child support Attorney on Sep 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Richard Geller, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse William. Highly respected in the legal community. A skilled lawyer with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.
Saam Ghiaasiaan, Personal injury Attorney on Jul 19, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. William is a sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit.
Giacomo Behar, Immigration Attorney on Jun 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant criminal defense attorney, highly respected in the legal community.
Gina Famularo, Child custody Attorney on Jun 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Stephen Wallace, Intellectual property Attorney on Jun 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I enjoyed reading Mr. Butler's answers on AVVO and his website. I know that his knowledge reached far beyond this forum and into practical application in the courtroom. You know quality representation when you see the results. You betcha - I endorse this fine attorney.
John O'Brien, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.
Richard Rosenstein, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Butler is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients.
Daniel Tripathi, Litigation Attorney on May 30, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse William. He is well versed in the law and an asset to the legal community.
Michael Waddington, Military law Attorney on May 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Albert Crosner, Car accident Attorney on May 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly recommend this attorney for those seeking counsel in Federal Crime or Criminal Defense. Mr. Butler is obviously well-versed in the practice of law and furthermore, he cares deeply about the welfare of his clients. Attorney Butler is committed to client satisfaction and prompt follow-up to client questions and concerns.
Malcolm LaVergne, Criminal defense Attorney on May 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Mr. Butler. William Butler is an extremely experienced and successful lawyer with a wide range of experience and is able to offer the best service to his clients. He will deliver positive results for you legal matters.
Cost
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