The Kentucky Motion to Bar Use of Certain Aggravating Circumstances is a legal procedure aimed at excluding specific elements that may enhance the severity of a criminal offense during sentencing. This motion serves as a strategic tool for defense attorneys to limit the consideration of potentially prejudicial factors or circumstances that could unfairly impact their client's case. In Kentucky, there are several types of motions that can be filed to bar the use of certain aggravating circumstances during criminal proceedings. These motions include: 1. Kentucky Motion to Bar Use of Prior Convictions: This motion seeks to prevent the prosecution from introducing a defendant's previous criminal history as an aggravating factor, arguing that it should not influence the current case or be considered during sentencing. 2. Kentucky Motion to Bar Use of Victim Impact Evidence: This motion aims to exclude information or testimonies about the emotional or psychological impact of the crime on the victim or their family. The defense argues that such evidence can unduly sway the jury or judge and cloud their judgment. 3. Kentucky Motion to Bar Use of Inflammatory Evidence: This motion seeks to prohibit the introduction of highly emotional or prejudicial evidence that is not directly relevant to the case but could potentially bias the jury or judge against the defendant. 4. Kentucky Motion to Bar Use of Improperly Obtained Evidence: This motion is employed to challenge the admissibility of evidence that was acquired through illegal search and seizure or in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights. By highlighting the improper acquisition, the defense seeks to exclude it from consideration as an aggravating circumstance. 5. Kentucky Motion to Bar Use of Unreliable Witness Testimony: This motion contests the reliability or credibility of witness testimony provided by individuals who may be biased, lack firsthand knowledge, or have questionable motives. The defense argues that such testimony should not be considered as an aggravating circumstance due to its unreliability. Overall, the primary goal of the Kentucky Motion to Bar Use of Certain Aggravating Circumstances is to ensure a fair trial by limiting the introduction of potentially unfair or prejudicial factors that could disproportionately impact the sentencing phase of a criminal case. By utilizing these strategic motions, defense attorneys seek to create a level playing field and protect their clients' rights.