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William M Butler Jr

also known as Bill Butler
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Avvo Rating9.9
  • Louisville, KY
  • Licensed for 34 years
  • Free consultation
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About William

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.

 

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Practice areas

Criminal defenseFederal crime
  1. Federal crime: 80%

    33 years

  2. Criminal defense: 20%

    Focus on State and Federal criminal defense.

    33 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

4571982 1397005691

4571982 1397005824

4571982 1397005874

Contact

William. M. Butler Jr, Trial Lawyer

500 W. Jefferson St.
Suite 1520
Louisville, KY, 40202

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
KYAuthorized to Practice Law198604/04/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers316
Legal guides2
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
BV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2014
Top Contributor AwardAVVO2014
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2013
Continuing Legal Education AwardKentucky Bar Association2009
Continuing Legal Education AwardKentucky Bar Association2008
Continuing Legal EducationKentucky Bar Association1995
Professional Responsibility AwardLouis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville1985
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Trial LawyerWilliam M. Butler, Jr., Lawyer1986 - Present
MemberCriminal Justice Act Panel Federal Defender1986 - 2014
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2014 - Present
Association of Federal Defense AttorneysMember2014 - Present
United States District Court for the District of South CarolinaLawyer2013 - Present
The National Trial LawyersMember2013 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh CircuitLawyer2003 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of IndianaLawyer2001 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth CircuitLawyer1992 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysLifetime Member1989 - Present
Kentucky Bar AssociationMember1986 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of KentuckyLawyer1986 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of KentuckyLawyer1986 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
AVVO Legal GuidesHow a Pending Criminal Case May Effect Noncitizens2014
AVVO Legal GuidesAllocution : The statement made by a defendant before s/he is sentenced2014
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of LouisvilleJD - Juris Doctor1986
University of KentuckyBA - Bachelor of Arts1972
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Noon SeminarDriving Under The Influence Practice1989
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
U.S. v. PanayiAcquitted by jury trial
U.S. v. Cruz-NarvaezCase dismissed by United States two days before scheduled jury trial
Commonwealth v. Lucas-FooteAcquittal after jury trial
Commonwealth v. GonzalezFinding of no probable cause after preliminary hearing
Commonwealth v. MasonClient granted shock probation
Commonwealth v. JonesWarrant set aside and client not taken into custody but instead released on conditions

Reviews

(14)
5 Star
93%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
7%
Review William Butler

Great Lawyer

Posted by

I have used Mr Butler for over 20 years. He is a wonderful lawyer. He gets all of my traffic tickets reduced or dismissed. I couldn't see every going to another lawyer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent lawyer

Posted by

Since I have retained mr. Butler he has worked endlessly on my case. He got me out of jail when there was little to no hope of me getting out at all. He is still currently working on my case and has gone above and beyond my expectations. I have 100 prevent faith that my outcome will be everything he has told me to expect. He has been honest and not beaten around the bush with me at all. He has even done extra work when he did not have to. He currently represents me and my husband . I can't think of better hands to be in .
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best in Kentucky

Posted by

Bill got a great deal for me. I was guilty but he prevented me from going to jail. He always answered my questions fast and in a clear way. I will always call Bill Butler if I run into an legal issue
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Saves me every time!

Posted by

I've used Bill to represent me over 30 years now.. Some years I need his representation some years I don't but if I do I can always count on him to get me outta the jam I've gotten myself into.... Thanks Canary
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Legal issues

Posted by

Mr. Butler has done a wonderful job in representing our son. He is knowledgeable, confident and provides excellent advice while explaining next steps to our son. He has provided key information to us; we are confident in Mr. Butler. He is well respected by the judges and is respectful to other attorneys. He points out the facts of the case to the judge.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A great lawyer

Posted by

Mr Butler represented me in 2 assault 3 and 1 resisting arrest charges on 4 deputy sheriff's and I was found not guilty by jury trial. Mr Butler believed in the facts and was confident and professional during the entire process. Thank you Mr Butler for all your help.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Recommendation For Mr Butler

Posted by

Mr Butler is very good criminal defense lawyer and helped our case to the fullest extent of the law. He was on time and very helpful with telling us what we needed to have in order to proceed, along with possible outcomes and upstanding knowledge of what laws are and what they pertain too. He always responds with in 24 hours to calls and messages as well. We worked with him for over a year in criminal case for our family member and he was very helpful. He doesn't judge and didn't make us feel it was all about the money like some small town lawyers have in the past. He is very honest and up front about the consequences of breaking the law and what the court system can offer and what rights we had denied do to mishap and poor judgement of local authorities with the two cases we hired him to take on. He keeps up with the local laws and doesn't mind reminding the courts of what those laws states when rights have been violated on be half of his clients. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be consulting him first and for most for the job. I recommend him over some of the local small town favorites I have worked with in the past and have no regrets of hiring and consulting with him from the big city of Louisville KY. I promise you won't be disappointed in his work and commitment to your case.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Always there for you

Posted by

Mr. Butler was there for me whenever i needed him, and his incredible and extensive knowledge of the law, combined with a relaxed-yet-professional demeanor made me feel comfortable at all times. Even when he was busy, he made arrangements to make sure i was never alone at any stage of the legal process. Mr. Butler's services were worth every penny.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Thank you, Mr. Butler

Posted by

Bill Butler has helped me out several times over the years. At the end of my cases, I was surprised that I got such good deals. Bill even prevented me from being charged in one case. All I had to do was follow his expert advice. I highly recommend Bill Butler.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Thank you, Mr. Butler

Posted by

Bill Butler has helped me out several times over the years. At the end of my cases, I was surprised that I got such good deals. Bill even prevented me from being charged in one case. All I had to do was follow his expert advice. I highly recommend Bill Butler.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(27)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Randy Ratliff, Criminal defense 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

I endorse this lawyer.

Adam Bleile, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 7, 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Ashley Witte Dawson, Federal 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

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 28, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Joseph Torri

I endorse this lawyer.

Richard Geller

I endorse William. Highly respected in the legal community. A skilled lawyer with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.

Saam Ghiaasiaan

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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Stephen Wallace, Federal crime 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 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

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, Federal crime 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, Criminal defense 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, Federal crime 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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      30 minutes
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