Lexington Drug Crimes Lawyer
Were you recently arrested for a drug offense in Lexington, Kentucky? To begin your legal battle, all you need to do is contact me, Jay Oakley. I am a knowledgeable Lexington drug crimes lawyer from Oakley & Oakley, LLC. Call me at and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
It is important to fight back forcefully against the state prosecutor to try to prevent them from convicting you and sending you to jail.
How Can A Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney Help You Fight Drug Charges?
Hiring a Lexington criminal defense attorney like me is a sensible step to take when facing drug charges in the state of Kentucky. Some of the many ways I can work to defend you against the allegations of the prosecution include:
- Thoroughly investigating the events that led to your arrest
- Consulting with relevant experts about the nuances of your case
- Providing you with straightforward answers to your questions
- Walking you through the inner workings of the Kentucky legal system
- Devising an effective defense strategy for your drug crime case
- Completing and filing legal documents with the court for you
- Fighting tirelessly to try to secure a reasonable bond for you
- Protecting your constitutional rights
- Searching for evidence that may persuade a jury to acquit you
- Providing you with sound legal advice at every stage of your case
- Working out a plea bargain agreement with the state’s prosecutor
- Arguing on your behalf in criminal court, if necessary
Would you like a skilled drug crimes attorney to help you battle against the accusations of the state of Kentucky? Then please reach out to set up a free initial consultation with me at my Lexington law office as soon as possible. I have many years of experience in the legal field, and I am more than ready to fight for you.
Understanding Kentucky’s Drug Laws
Like every other state, Kentucky regulates the transportation, sale, possession, production and manufacturing of drugs within its borders. It does so through statutes such as:
Possession Of Controlled Substances In The First Degree
Section 218A.1415 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to possess:
- A Schedule I or II narcotic drug
- Methamphetamine
- Lysergic acid diethylamide
- Phencyclidine
- Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)
- Flunitrazepam
People who violate this statute are guilty of the possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, which is a Class D felony.
Possession Of Controlled Substances In The Second Degree
Section 218A.1416 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to possess:
- A Schedule I or II non-narcotic drug
- A Schedule III controlled substance, except marijuana
When Kentucky police officers catch someone violating this law, they can charge them with the possession of controlled substances in the second degree. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
Possession Of Controlled Substances In The Third Degree
Section 218A.1417 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to possess:
- A Schedule IV controlled substance
- A Schedule V controlled substance
Individuals who violate this law are guilty of possession of controlled substances in the third degree. This crime is a Class A misdemeanor.
Marijuana Possession
Section 218A.1422 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to possess any amount of marijuana. Those who break this Kentucky law are guilty of marijuana possession, which is a Class B misdemeanor.
Marijuana Cultivation
Section 218A.1423 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to cultivate or harvest marijuana with the intent to sell it. When Lexington residents violate this statute, the police may charge them with marijuana cultivation. For individuals who cultivate fewer than five plants, this offense is a Class A misdemeanor. For people who grow five or more plants, this is a Class D felony.
Marijuana Trafficking
Section 218A.1421 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to sell or distribute marijuana. Those who violate this law are guilty of marijuana trafficking. Trafficking less than 8 ounces of marijuana in the state of Kentucky is a Class A misdemeanor. Trafficking more than 8 ounces but less than 5 pounds of marijuana is a Class D felony. Trafficking more than 5 pounds of marijuana is a Class C felony.
Trafficking Controlled Substances In The First Degree
Section 218A.1412 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to traffic:
- 4 grams or more of cocaine
- 2 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Ten or more doses of a Schedule I or II narcotic drug
This statute also makes it unlawful for an individual to traffic any quantity of:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Carfentanil
- Lysergic acid diethylamide
- Phencyclidine
- Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)
- Flunitrazepam
Police officers who catch people violating this law can charge them with trafficking controlled substances in the first degree. The state of Kentucky usually classifies this offense as a Class D or Class C felony. However, courts may opt to upgrade it to a Class B felony under certain circumstances.
Trafficking Controlled Substances In The Second Degree
Section 218A.1413 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to traffic:
- Ten or more doses of a Schedule I or II non-narcotic drug
- Twenty or more doses of a Schedule III controlled substance
This law also explains that it is unlawful for a person to prescribe, sell or distribute an anabolic steroid for the purposes of:
- Enhancing human performance in a sport or game
- Altering hormones to increase muscle without medical necessity
People who violate this law are guilty of trafficking controlled substances in the second degree. This drug trafficking offense is a Class D felony.
Trafficking Controlled Substances In The Third Degree
Section 218A.1414 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that it is illegal for a person to traffic:
- Twenty or more doses of a Schedule IV controlled substance
- Twenty or more doses of a Schedule V controlled substance
If a Lexington police officer catches someone violating this law, they may charge them with trafficking controlled substances in the third degree. The state of Kentucky usually classifies this criminal offense as a Class A misdemeanor. However, courts can bump it up to a Class D felony when a person traffics more than 120 doses of a controlled substance.
Are you currently facing felony charges for drug possession or trafficking in the state of Kentucky? If so, please reach out to me, the seasoned Lexington criminal defense attorney at Oakley & Oakley, LLC, today. I offer free consultations at my offices in Lexington, and I have the legal skills required to handle your criminal case with the care and attention it deserves.
What Are The Penalties For Drug Convictions In The State Of Kentucky?
The state of Kentucky does not look kindly upon individuals who cultivate, traffic or possess illegal drugs. When courts find people guilty of crimes of this nature, they almost always place them behind bars and hand them a sizable fine.
The specific nature of an offender’s punishment depends on the felony or misdemeanor level of their crime.
- Class B misdemeanors: Up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $250
- Class A misdemeanors: Up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500
- Class D felonies: Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Class C felonies: Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Class B felonies: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Do you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to help you fight to avoid the negative consequences of a drug conviction? Then please call Oakley & Oakley, LLC, as soon as possible. I have been helping the people of Lexington with their legal issues for years, and I am more than ready to do the same for you.
How Can You Defend Yourself Against Kentucky Drug Crime Charges?
Drug charges do not have to become drug convictions. Lexingtonians can frequently get their cases dismissed or their charges thrown out by:
- Claiming that the police did not have valid search warrants
- Arguing that the state did not meet its evidentiary burden
- Proving that their prescription drugs are medically necessary
- Showing that the substance in question is not illegal
- Claiming that they do not own the drugs in question
Would you like me to help you put together an effective defense for your drug possession case? If so, please do not hesitate to reach out to set up a meeting at my Lexington law offices as soon as possible.
Your Experienced Lexington Drug Crimes Lawyer
When you need an experienced drug crimes attorney in Lexington to help you battle against the accusations of the state of Kentucky, you can rely on Oakley & Oakley, LLC. I have the statutory knowledge and legal skills required to handle even the most complex cases.
Reach out to me at your earliest convenience to schedule a free consultation to learn more about my services. I represent clients in and around Fayette County, including Lexington, Nicholasville, Versailles, Winchester and Richmond.
