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William M Butler Jr
also known as Bill Butler
About William
Biography
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
2
Practice Areas
Federal Crime
80%
38 years
Criminal Defense
20%
38 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Kentucky for 39 years
State: Kentucky
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Location
William. M. Butler Jr, Trial Lawyer
500 W. Jefferson St., Suite 1520, Louisville, KY, 40202
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William M Butler Jr's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
14 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (14)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 reviews
Posted by Tracy | November 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Great Lawyer
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.
Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Nightmare
I do not believe he did a good job representing me at all and the outcome he set me to believe I would receive was far from what the judge sentenced. He was tardy returning my calls and emails. Secondly after I was taken into custody he never took any my calls or my spouse's. I feel he took my mone...
William Butler
Replied last July 03, 2016The client was accused by the United States of stealing over 3 million dollars from his employer. After the sentencing hearing, the United States reduced the accusation to the Defendant having stolen $2,260,000.00. I argued, on my client’s behalf, that he only took $454,000.00, based on the client’s statement to me. Due to my argument both oral and written, and after a lengthy court hearing, the Court finally found that he stole $623,000.00. This was $2,577,000.00 less than he was accused of taking by the United States originally. At sentencing, the United States argued that the sentence should be between 78-97 months which was the “guideline sentence”. Instead, based on my presentation, the Court sentenced the client to 60 months. The Judge commented that he “used his employer’s bank account like it was his personal piggy bank”. I saved the client between 18-37 months. During the time period of this case, I emailed the client 27 times and always responded to his telephone calls, either personally or through my paralegal. I have never refused calls from the Defendant or his spouse. I never told client what sentence the Court would impose, only that I would work diligently to persuade the Judge, based on the facts, to sentence him to the least possible number of months, which I did.
Posted by Cassie | May 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent lawyer
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 ...
Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best in Kentucky
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
Posted by canary | January 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Saves me every time!
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
William M Butler Jr's Lawyer Endorsements
"Bill is an excellent and doggedly determined lawyer. Fights for his clients and goes the extra mile."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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 lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Experience and knowledge defines this attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse William. Highly respected in the legal community. A skilled lawyer with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I endorse this lawyer. William is a sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant criminal defense attorney, highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse William. He is well versed in the law and an asset to the legal community."
"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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."
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Experience
Honors
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top Contributor Award, AVVO
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2009
Continuing Legal Education Award, Kentucky Bar Association
2008
Continuing Legal Education Award, Kentucky Bar Association
1995
Continuing Legal Education, Kentucky Bar Association
1985
Professional Responsibility Award, Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville
Work Experience
1986 - Present
Trial Lawyer, William M. Butler, Jr., Lawyer
1986 - 2014
Member, Criminal Justice Act Panel Federal Defender
Associations
2014 - Present
Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - Present
Association of Federal Defense AttorneysMember
2013 - Present
United States District Court for the District of South CarolinaLawyer
2013 - Present
The National Trial LawyersMember
2003 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh CircuitLawyer
2001 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of IndianaLawyer
1992 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth CircuitLawyer
1989 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysLifetime Member
1986 - Present
Kentucky Bar AssociationMember
1986 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of KentuckyLawyer
1986 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of KentuckyLawyer
Sample of Legal Cases
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
Education
1986
Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville
JD - Juris Doctor
1972
University of Kentucky
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
1989
Noon Seminar
Driving Under The Influence Practice
Publications
2014
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
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How long before an arrest warrant is issued
04 Sep 2016
Q&A
Can I get my gun back once it was seized by the police (misdemeanor)?
03 Jul 2016
Q&A
Best way to beat possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
29 May 2016