Lexington Drug Manufacturing Defense Attorney

Understanding Federal Drug Manufacturing Law

Manufacturing or cultivating controlled substances isn’t just a crime in the state of Kentucky. It is also a federal crime. 21 USC § 841 explains that it is unlawful for an individual to knowingly or intentionally:

• Manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance
• Create or distribute a counterfeit substance

The punishments for offenses of this nature depend on the type of drug involved and the quantity the offender manufactured. Over the years, I have helped clients with countless state and federal drug cases, achieving many favorable verdicts along the way. If you would like me to stand up for you, all you need to do is give my firm a call or contact me online at your earliest convenience.

Consequences Of Drug Manufacturing Convictions In Kentucky

When courts convict Lexington residents of crimes like drug possession or manufacturing, they typically face two kinds of consequences. They are:

• Criminal penalties
• Collateral consequences

These consequences can have a significant negative impact on an offender’s freedoms and prospects for the future.

Criminal Penalties For Drug Manufacturing Convictions

Drug manufacturing convictions tend to come with harsh criminal penalties. The specific nature of these punishments really depends on the seriousness of the offense:

• Class A felonies: Up to 50 years in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000
• Class B felonies: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000
• Class C felonies: Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000
• Class D felonies: Up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000
• Class A misdemeanors: Up to one year in jail and a fine of as much as $500

The criminal punishments doled out for federal drug manufacturing crimes depends on the type and quantity of the controlled substance in question. Offenders can face the maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison if they manufacture:

• 100 grams or more of heroin
• 500 grams or more of cocaine
• 10 grams or more of PCP
• 1 gram or more of LSD
• 100 kilograms or more of marijuana
• 5 grams or more of methamphetamine

As a general rule, federal penalties are much more severe than their state counterparts.

Collateral Consequences Of Drug Manufacturing Convictions

In addition to fines and prison time, people who engage in drug trafficking and manufacturing also receive criminal records. These records can cause them to experience a range of negative collateral consequences, such as:

• Immigration issues: The federal government frequently deports noncitizen felons after they serve out their prison sentences.
• Difficulty landing a job: Employers often reject job applications from people with felony records.
• Trouble finding housing: Most apartment communities in the city of Lexington prefer to avoid renting to criminals.
• Professional licensing issues: People with criminal records often have trouble obtaining the professional licenses they require to advance in their careers.
• Loss of gun ownership rights: The state of Kentucky has strict laws against convicted felons buying, carrying and owning guns.
• Loss of privacy: The family and friends of convicted criminals can easily look up their records online.
• Trouble obtaining student loans: It is all but impossible for people with felony records to secure student loans from the federal government.

Would you like me to help you fight to avoid the negative consequences of a drug manufacturing conviction? If so, please reach out to my firm today to set up a free consultation me. I have been handling cases like yours for years, so I know what it takes to win.

Defenses Against Kentucky Drug Manufacturing Charges

When Lexington residents get charged with offenses like drug manufacturing, they tend to think that life as they know it is over. However, defendants are innocent until proven guilty and have the right to defend themselves. Asserting a strong defense can help an arrestee get their case dismissed or their charges reduced. Defenses can include:

• Claiming that they were the victim of illegal search and seizure
• Proving that the substance in question is not illegal or controlled
• Arguing that the prosecuting attorney does not have enough evidence to prove their guilt
• Claiming that they are the victim of entrapment
• Proving that they have a medical reason for needing prescription drugs
• Claiming that the drugs in question were for personal use

I have been defending the people of Lexington against drug manufacturing, possession and trafficking charges for nearly 20 years. As such, I know which strategies work and which ones do not. If you would like to have me take a look at your case and point you in the right direction, all you need to do is give me a call or send me a message online.

Your Skilled Lexington Drug Manufacturing Lawyer

When you need an experienced Lexington drug manufacturing lawyer to defend you against the accusations of the state of Kentucky, you can always rely on Oakley & Oakley, LLC. I have the legal skills and statutory knowledge required to handle just about any criminal case, no matter how complex it may be. Reach out to my firm today to learn more about how I can assist you.