Why is it an Advantage That My Attorney is Both a Civil Trial Attorney and an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney?

Feb 14 - Written By William Hutchins

Why is it an Advantage That My Attorney is Both a Civil Trial Attorney and an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney?

I tell all of my clients that I am somewhat of a “legal unicorn.” That is because I am a part-time Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit (that is a fancy way of saying I am a prosecutor) AND I run Hutchins Law. Part-time prosecuting positions are uncommon in Kentucky, but that arrangement allows me to maintain my civil practice while also fighting for justice in the community.

So what does that mean for my clients? As the lead trial attorney at the Commonwealth’s Office, I get more courtroom exposure than any other attorney in Nelson County. I spend two Thursdays per month in court most of the day running Division II of Nelson County’s criminal docket and two Fridays a month (minimum) at pre-trial conferences. Our office juggles hundreds of cases, from possession of illicit drugs to murder. My prosecuting work gives me consistent interactions with all the local attorneys who practice criminal defense. Its a huge advantage to build relationships and network with so many different attorneys on a regular basis! All attorneys feel the pressure of being in a courtroom, but the knowledge that your adversary is comfortable in a courtroom can be a powerful deterrent.

Those are just my routine appearances! It may sound strange, but most attorneys have NEVER TRIED A CASE!!! And those that have, do not try cases very often. The most aggressive trial attorneys in Nelson County may take 1-2 cases per year to trial. This is for several reasons: (1) trials are a LOT of work, (2) trials are very expensive, (3) some attorneys are afraid or unexperienced in trying cases, and (4) trials leave your case in the hands of 12 random jurors, that is a lot of risk! For 2023, I am averaging one trial per month! I just concluded a four-day murder trial involving over 50 exhibits, over 15 witnesses, and 5 attorneys! You may have even read about it in the Kentucky Standard! When I am retained on behalf of my clients, the opposing counsel knows that I am not afraid to take a case to trial, that I am experienced and comfortable in a courtroom, and that I will fight for my clients to the very end.