Facing a felony charge can feel like your life is on pause. You want answers, especially about how long the case will take to finish. While no two cases are exactly alike, understanding the general timeline can help you know what to expect as your case moves through Kentucky’s court system.
The arrest and arraignment
The process begins with an arrest, followed by an arraignment where the charges are formally read. In many cases, the first court appearance happens within one to three days if you’re in custody. Kentucky law requires a preliminary hearing within 10 days if you remain in jail, or within 20 days if you’ve been released on bond. During arraignment, the court reads the charges and you enter a plea. Depending on how you plead, the court schedules your next hearing. The time between arraignment and the next court date depends on the court’s schedule and how complex your case is.
The pretrial phase
Pretrial proceedings often take the most time. During this stage, both sides gather evidence, interview witnesses, and file motions. Discovery—the process of exchanging evidence—can take weeks or even months. In some felony cases, plea discussions happen during this stage, which can shorten the process. If no plea deal is reached, the case moves toward trial. Depending on the court’s calendar and the number of witnesses, pretrial work for a felony case in Kentucky can take six months to a year or more.
The trial and verdict
Once a trial date is set, the case proceeds to jury selection, testimony, and closing arguments. Trials can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the seriousness of the charges and the number of witnesses. After the trial, the jury deliberates and delivers a verdict. If convicted, sentencing may happen immediately or at a later hearing scheduled several weeks afterward, allowing time for a presentence investigation.
Even after a verdict, some cases continue through appeals or post-conviction motions. Appeals can extend the process for months or even years. Each case moves at its own pace, but knowing the stages helps you stay informed and prepared for what lies ahead.