Michael W. Bouldin
Attorney Profile
Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Covington, KY
Phone: 859-581-6453
Fax: 859-374-6170
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2023
Licensed in Kentucky Since: 1994
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Family Law, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
Attorney Profile
Attorney Michael W. Bouldin is the founder of Bouldin Law Firm in Covington, Kentucky. Michael has over 25 years of experience and is an experienced trial lawyer. He practices in the areas of criminal defense, divorce and personal injury, serving clients throughout northern Kentucky.
Michael Bouldin’s criminal defense experience includes handling all types of misdemeanors and felonies, including DUI. In addition to divorce, he handles family law cases involving child support, collaborative practice and child support. Over the course of his legal career, he has achieved successful results in many criminal and family law cases involving complex issues.
In addition to managing his law practice, Michael Bouldin devotes a substantial portion of his time to pro bono cases. He takes on numerous clients referred from the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center and the Women’s Crisis Center. Every year, he devotes a significant number of hours to pro bono work.
Active in his legal community, Mr. Bouldin is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. He also sits on the board of the Academy of Northern Kentucky Collaborative Professionals, Inc.
Mr. Bouldin earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He received his law degree from the Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law. He holds a license to practice law before all Kentucky and Ohio state courts, as well as before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Practice Areas
- 30%Criminal Defense
- 30%Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 30%Family Law
- 10%Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
Focus Areas
Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, Felony, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Parole, Probation, Sex Offenses, Theft, Traffic Violations, Criminal Domestic Violence, DUI/DWI, Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Marital Property, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Father's Rights
Selections
4 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2023
Additional Sources of Information About Michael W. Bouldin
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White Papers
- Not All Custody Is Equal (2019) - Attorney Michael Bouldin describes that an attorney is necessary and joint custody is not always granted despite new Kentucky Statute which provides for a presumption of joint legal custody and shared parenting. KRS 403.270 and first appellate case of Barnett v. White are discussed.
- Marital Assets and Home Valuation (2022) - With the unprecedented rise in real estate values, it is important to consider all options when you are in the middle of a divorce. Many parties overvalue certain assets in a divorce, whether for sentimental reasons, belief that the children will be less affected, or because of a preconceived notion that the party with the marital home “wins” in the divorce.
- Restricted Stock, Options & Bonuses in Divorce (2022) - If you are in the process of divorce there are always many things to consider. For those employees who receive restricted stock, stock options and bonuses, it is important to look at the historic nature of the payments as well as when the stock or bonuses are earned.Generally, any money earned during the marriage is considered to be a marital asset. As such, if you earned your bonus in a year that you were married and it is not paid out until April of the following year, that bonus is likely considered to be marital and subject to division.
- Possession and Trafficking Drugs in Kentucky (2021) - In Kentucky, there are many levels of drug possession as well as trafficking offenses. The first thing to learn is the law and your rights. Marijuana levels of 8 ounces, 5 pounds are significant in how the case proceeds. 2 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of meth or 10 dosage units may significantly alter the charges, resolution and mandatory jail sentences for trafficking. An experienced criminal defense attorney will explore possibly weaknesses in the case, discuss search and seizure issues and explain the differences in potential outcomes. Fighting drug charges often requires experience in making timely motions and objection as well as dealing with prosecutors and judges.
- Changes in Kentucky Child Support Law (2021) - Child support is primarily found in KRS §403.212. The new law is now codified, was signed into law in March, 2021 but takes effect in March, 2022. There are 2 major changes in the law:The first change relates to split custody. Since Kentucky law now has a presumption of shared parenting, split custody is generally used in majority of cases. As outlined in paragraph (6) The child support obligation in a split custody arrangement shall be calculated in the following manner:(a) Two (2) separate child support obligation worksheets shall be prepared, one (1) for each household, using the number of children born of the relationship in each separate household, rather than the total number of children born of the relationship.(b) The parent with the greater monthly obligation amount shall pay the difference between the obligation amounts, as determined by the worksheets, to the other parent.The second change relates to the presumed maximum, or top of the child support guidelines. Previous to the new enactment, the child support guidelines capped out at combined monthly income of $15,000. This equates to $180,000 per year. While this may seem like a lot of money (and it is to many), the reality is that if you have 2 working parents, it would cap out if both are earning $90,000/year. This left open many areas for litigation with parties earning over this amount. The new guidelines DOUBLE this cap rate. Under the new plan, the guidelines reach combined monthly income of $30,000/year.
- Carrying Concealed Weapon in Kentucky (2021) - Michael Bouldin discusses recent changes to carrying weapon and concealed carry laws in Kentucky. There is no longer requirement to have CCW permit to carry concealed weapon. Exceptions for banks, schools and many other places still exist, and other charges could be brought if in possession of drugs or other contraband.
- Collaborative Divorce (2019) - Northern Kentucky divorce and collaborative attorney Michael Bouldin explains process and benefits of collaborative divorce v. traditional litigation.
- Expunge Class D Felony In Kentucky (2016) - KY passes new law allowing for expungement of class D felonies in Kentucky was enacted into law last week. Call Attorney Michael Bouldin to have your felony expunged!
About Michael W. Bouldin
First Admitted: 1994, Kentucky
Professional Webpage: https://www.bouldinlawfirm.com/about/
Transactions
- Board Member of THE ACADEMY OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY COLLABORATIVE PROFESSIONALS, INC.
- Collaborative divorce for individual with over $10MM assets. Peaceful resolution without court involvement. , 2019
Educational Background
- B.S. Business Economics from Miami University, Ohio, 1991
- J.D. NKU - Salmon P. Chase College of Law, 1994
Bar/Professional Activity
- US District Court - S.Dist. OH, 1995
- Ohio Bar Association, 1995
- Kentucky Bar, 1994
- US District Court - E.Dist. Ky, 1995
Special Licenses/Certifications
- Collaborative training and member of ANKCP. Active board member for Collaborative Divorce in Northern Kentucky., 2005
Representative Clients
- Represented criminal defendants accused of drug trafficking and possession of illegal drugs with handgun., 2018
- Collaborative Divorce representing high net worth & high income earning individuals., 2022
- Generally represent individuals involved in divorce or charged with a crime or DUI. , 2020
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Super Lawyers - Kentucky, 2020
- SuperLawyers - Kentucky, 2022
- Super Lawyers - Kentucky, 2021
- Super Lawyers - Kentucky, 2019
Verdicts/Settlements
- Questionable rape charge amended to misdemeanor sexual misconduct. Plea also did not include placement on sex offender registry., 2020
- Negotiated misdemeanor resolution for drug trafficking and child endangerment charges., 2021
- Successful dismissal of DUI charges after client drove off road and into residence., 2022
- Negotiated favorable divorce resolution with 25+ year marriage and $5MM of assets., 2022
- Successfully argued to impute wages of $113,934 to Husband who claimed $38,162/year on taxes. Dissolution and imputation of wages in Tibtani v. Tibtani case upheld on appeal., 2019
- Acquittal jury verdict in Scott County, Kentucky for defense client facing charges of Burglary and Theft., 2019
- Dismissal of DUI case after court determined that evidence was insufficient to sustain conviction. Client was originally charged with aggravated DUI, refusal of breathalyzer and speeding charges., 2017
- Sole custody awarded to mother following extensive trial to family court judge. New Kentucky law makes a preseumption of joint legal custody and 50/50 parenting determination. Despite new law, sole custody was awarded based on evidence presented at trial., 2017
Honors/Awards
- AV Preeminent peer review rating, Distinguished, Martindale, 2021
- Selected as Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Ratings, Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell, 2022
- AVVO award for top rated lawyer, Top Rated , AVVO, 2021
- Again selected as SuperLawyer by colleague and peer review, SuperLawyer, Thomson Reuters, 2022
- Again rated AV Preeminent by peer review, Distinguished, Martindale, 2021
- rated SuperLawyer by superlawyer magazine and Thomson Reuters, SuperLawyer, Thomson Reuters, 2021
- More than 16 years consecutively rated very high by peer review in ability and ethics. , Very High Peer Review Rating In Legal Ability & Ethical Standard, Martindale, 2020
- Again rated top attorney by peers, clients according to AVVO scaled ratings., Top Rated , AVVO, 2020
- Very High Peer Review Rating In Legal Ability & Ethical Standard, 15 Year Anniversary, Martindale Hubbell, 2019
- Selected to SuperLawyers again. Nomintated by peers and approved as top 5% lawyers., SuperLawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2020
- Selected to Super Lawyers in criminal defense and practice in multiple areas., SuperLawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2019
- Superb attorney rating from AVVO for 2019., Top-Rated Lawyer, AVVO, 2019
Pro bono/Community Service
- Provided over 40 hours pro bono services, primarily through ION (formerly Women's Crisis Center), 2021
- Provided probono services to individuals referred by ION, formerly Women's Crisis Center., 2022
- Over 40 pro bono hours completed, 2020
- 50 hours on divorce/custody case in Kenton County., 2018
- I commit to 40 hours of pro bono/community service each year. I generally accept pro bono clients who have been referred from the Women's Crisis Center and Children's Advocacy Center.
Videos
- Attorney Michael Bouldin discusses the Bouldin Law Firm and provides overview of services offered to clients. Michael Bouldin has been practicing law primarily in areas of divorce, dissolution, criminal defense and DUI since 1994 in Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio. While the firm is primarily focused on family law and criminal defense, the practice also includes estate planning, personal injury and corporate formation and litigation. Kentucky law does not recognize the specialty practice of law. Any references to focus and primary areas relate to the amount of time which is typically devoted to a specific area of law., Introduction to Michael Bouldin, Legal, 2021
- Michael Bouldin has been handling family law matters, including collaborative law, divorce, custody, support and dissolution in Northern Kentucky since 1994. Much of his law practice focus is on family matters both in N.Ky and Cincinnati. Family law representation includes collaborative divorce, mediation, and litigation as methods of dispute resolution. Other areas which are also included in family law include juvenile court, allegations of abuse, dependency and neglect, paternity, custody, visitation, domestic violence and emergency protective orders (EPO and DVO) and DNA. The Bouldin Law Firm has excelled at personalized attention for over 25 years. Handling cases in a minimum number of locations allows lawyers to understand nuances of each division and each judge as well as developed relationships with other local attorneys who practice family law., Introduction to Divorce Law, Divorce And Family Law Litigants, 2020
- Michael Bouldin introduction to potential clients and colleagues., Introduction, 2017
- Northern Kentucky attorney Michael Bouldin discusses representation of criminal defendants, including those charged with DUI or OVI. Narrative reports, questions answered and introduction to attorney Bouldin are all included. , Intro to Criminal Law, Criminal And DUI Defendants, 2020
- Introduction by attorney Michael Bouldin outlining what to expect from your attorney in hiring and through a divorce or dissolution., NKy Divorce Attorney, 2013
- Attorney Michael Bouldin introduces self to clients and discuses aspects of Criminal Defense in Northern Kentucky., NKy Criminal Attorney, 2013
Scholarly Lectures/Writings
- The biggest divorce complaint is that one (or both) parties believe that their spouse is a narcissist. While many people have narcissistic traits, relatively few are diagnosed with having narcissistic personality disorder. For a medical diagnosis, the primary symptoms include an excessive need for admiration, disregard for others’ feelings, an inability to handle any criticism, and a sense of entitlement., Author, Divorcing a Narcissist, Family/Divorce Law, 2022
- Michael Bouldin is a 25 year DUI defense attorney and this article explains the different factors which will require additional penalties if convicted of DUI in Kentucky. Kentucky refers to these factors as aggravators. Aggravators require jail time for the first offense and double minimum jail times on second and subsequent DUI convictions. This article is information reading for both the practicing attorney as well as defendants charged with a DUI violation., author, What Is a DUI Aggravator in Kentucky, Legal - DUI, 2019
Industry Groups
- Criminal Defense
- Divorce
- DUI Defense
- NKy Collaborative
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Last Updated: 8/31/2022