Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree ky sentence

Were you arrested on suspicion of trafficking a controlled substance in Lexington, Kentucky? If so, you need to assert a strong defense and make it as difficult as possible for the prosecutor to convict you and send you to prison. To start your legal fight, all you need to do is contact me, a seasoned Lexington drug trafficking lawyer at Oakley & Oakley, LLC. My name is Jay Oakley, and your first consultation with me is free, so call now.

How I Will Help You Fight Drug Trafficking Charges In Lexington

All drug crimes in the state of Kentucky are a serious matter. Allegations of trafficking can take your criminal case to another level. The state will work hard to get a conviction, and that means that your future is most definitely at stake. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce the likelihood of a lengthy prison sentence. Enlisting the help of an experienced Lexington criminal defense attorney can level the playing field, strip the prosecution of its advantage and even tip the scales of justice in your favor. At Oakley & Oakley, LLC, I have more than 15 years of experience and have been advocating on behalf of clients in Fayette County for more than a decade. I work hard and, time and again, have secured favorable outcomes in cases just like yours. When you need help, I’ll be there to stand by your side and fight. Among other things, you can expect me to:

• Launch a detailed investigation into your arrest
• Work to secure a reasonable bond on your behalf
• Offer you sound legal advice on an as-needed basis
• Stand up for your constitutional rights
• Devise a smart and effective defense strategy for your case
• Consult with respected experts about the nuances of your case
• Negotiate a plea bargain deal with the prosecution, if that’s in your best interest
• Litigate on your behalf at trial, if necessary

At Oakley & Oakley, LLC, I am ready to defend you against criminal drug charges. Please give me a call today to schedule a free consultation at my law office in Lexington. I have many years of experience in the legal field, and I are ready to go to battle for you.

Understanding The Drug Trafficking Laws In Kentucky

The state of Kentucky has many laws on its books that make it illegal for residents to sell controlled substances, such as:

Drug Trafficking In The First Degree

Section 218A.1412 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes says that it is illegal for an individual to knowingly traffic in:

• 4 or more grams of cocaine
• 2 or more grams of methamphetamine
• Ten or more units of a Schedule I or II narcotic drug
• Any quantity of fentanyl, heroin or carfentanil

Individuals who violate this statute are guilty of drug trafficking in the first degree. The state of Kentucky usually classifies this criminal offense as a Class C or Class D felony. However, courts may upgrade this crime to a Class B felony under certain circumstances.

Drug Trafficking In The Second Degree

Section 218A.1413 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes says that it is illegal for an individual to knowingly traffic in:

• Ten or more units of a Schedule I or II non-narcotic drug
• Twenty or more units of a Schedule III controlled substance

This statute further explains that it is unlawful for an individual to supply, prescribe or sell an anabolic steroid for:

• Enhancing a person’s performance in a sport, exercise or game
• Increasing a person’s muscle mass without medical necessity

Lexington residents who violate this criminal statute are guilty of drug trafficking in the second degree. Courts in the state of Kentucky almost always punish this crime as a Class D felony.

Drug Trafficking In The Third Degree

Section 218A.1414 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes says that it is illegal for an individual to knowingly traffic in 20 or more units of a Schedule IV or V controlled substance. When Kentucky law enforcement officers catch people violating this statute, they can arrest them and charge them with drug trafficking in the third degree. The severity of this criminal offense depends on the amount of drugs the suspect had on their person at the time of their arrest. If they had fewer than 120 units of the controlled substance, this crime is a Class A misdemeanor. However, if they had more than 120 units, the state can upgrade it to a Class D felony.

Trafficking Salvia

Section 218A.1450 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes says that it is illegal for an individual to knowingly traffic in salvia for human consumption. People who violate this law are guilty of trafficking salvia – a Class A misdemeanor in the state of Kentucky.

Drug Trafficking In A School

Section 218A.1411 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes says that it is illegal for an individual to knowingly traffic in a Schedule I, II, III, IV or V controlled substance or any other prescription drugs within 1,000 feet of a school building. If you’ve been accused of trafficking drugs at the University of Kentucky, Transylvania University, Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) or another school in Lexington, you could face Class D felony charges. At Oakley & Oakley, LLC, I have been defending clients against drug possession and trafficking charges for years – and securing many favorable outcomes along the way. So, if you were recently arrested on suspicion of committing one of the offenses outlined above, please do not hesitate to give me a call. I might be able to help you get your charge dropped or reduced.

Consequences Of Drug Trafficking Convictions In Kentucky

When courts in the state of Kentucky convict Lexington residents of crimes like the trafficking or possession of a controlled substance, they almost always hand down severe fines and terms of imprisonment. The specific nature of an individual’s criminal punishment usually depends on the severity of their crime, which includes:

• Class B felonies: As long as 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class C felonies: As long as 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class D felonies: As long as five years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class A misdemeanors: As long as one year in county jail and a fine of up to $500

Courts in the state of Kentucky usually dole out the most severe fines and prison sentences to people with multiple drug convictions. First-time offenders, on the other hand, generally receive more lenient penalties. Of course, Lexington residents who traffic drugs don’t just go to prison or pay a fine. They also receive permanent criminal records that can cause them to experience collateral consequences like:

• Trouble finding housing: Landlords in the city of Lexington often refuse to rent houses and apartments to people with criminal records.
• Immigration issues: Noncitizens with criminal records often find it difficult to get the federal government to renew their green cards.
• Difficulty landing a job: Many businesses in the state of Kentucky have policies that prevent them from hiring convicted felons.
• Professional licensing issues: Professional licensing boards in the state of Kentucky frequently reject applications and renewals from felons.
• Trouble obtaining student loans: The federal government makes it difficult for convicted felons to obtain student loans.
• Loss of gun ownership rights: Convicted felons do not have the right to buy, carry or use guns in the state of Kentucky.

Most convicted criminals in Kentucky need to deal with collateral consequences like these for the remainder of their lives. The only way for them to get their lives back to normal is to petition a judge to expunge their criminal records. Over the years, I have helped myriad Lexington residents avoid the negative consequences of trafficking convictions. If you would like to have me stand up and go to battle on your behalf, all you need to do is give me a call or contact my firm online.

Defenses Against Kentucky Drug Trafficking Charges

Being arrested on drug charges in the state of Kentucky can be a scary experience. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that charges of this nature will eventually lead to a conviction. Indeed, many arrestees can get their cases dismissed by using defenses like:

• Lack of evidence: Convictions can only be achieved when the prosecution can prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An attorney can challenge the substance, validity, legality and credibility of any evidence that the state or federal government may have.
• Illegal search: If a lawyer can show that the police uncovered their client’s drugs during an illegal search, they can generally get their charges dismissed.
• Medical necessity: When a defense attorney proves that their client had a valid medical reason for possessing the controlled substance, they can usually get the case against them dismissed.

Do you want to have a criminal defense lawyer from Oakley & Oakley, LLC, analyze your case and let you know which strategy is right for you? If so, all you need to do is give me a call and set up a meeting at my law offices in Lexington. I will be happy to sit down with you and provide you with the information you seek.

A Lexington Drug Trafficking Lawyer You Can Count On

At Oakley & Oakley, LLC, I pride myself on being there for the people of Kentucky when they need me most. So, if you want a skilled Lexington drug trafficking lawyer to defend you against your criminal charges, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am ready, willing and able to assist.

Office Location

Address:
111 Church St.
Suite 300
Lexington, KY 40507

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