Our office prosecutes felony cases which occur in Fayette County, including homicide, robbery, assault, burglary, sexual assault, theft, drug crime, and many others. The cases we prosecute are investigated and brought to us by peace officers, primarily the Lexington Police Department.
We believe in:
Fairness: Every person should be treated the same under the same facts;
Responsibility: Every person should be held responsible for their conduct, with consequences for violations of our laws;
Respect and Restoration: Every crime victim should be treated with respect, dignity, and every effort be made to restore the victim.
The role of the prosecutor is unique. The prosecutor must see that every defendant is treated fairly and that every crime victim receives the benefits of rights laid down by the Kentucky Crime Victim Bill of Rights.
Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Palmore described the role of the Commonwealth’s Attorney like this:
“One of the finest offices the public can give to a member of the legal profession in this state is that of Commonwealth’s Attorney. Its very status becomes a mantle of power and respect to the wearer. Though few are apt to wear it lightly, some forget, or apparently never learn, to wear it humbly. No one except for the judge himself (or herself) is under a stricter obligation to see that every defendant receives a fair trial, a trial in accordance with the law, which means the law as laid down by the duly constituted authorities, and not as the prosecuting attorney may think it ought to be.” Niemeyer v. Commonwealth.
Likewise, the prosecutor must ensure that crime victims receive the help they need to navigate the confusion of the criminal justice system – this office actively works to keep crime victims informed and we strive to help them find resources to get their lives back on track.
