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Lexington Marijuana Crimes Lawyer

Lexington Marijuana Crimes Lawyer

Were you recently arrested for a marijuana crime in Lexington? Violations carry harsh penalties in Kentucky, despite the relaxation of marijuana laws across the U.S. As the experienced Lexington marijuana crimes lawyer at Oakley & Oakley, LLC, I can help you defend yourself aggressively. My name is Jay Oakley, and I’ve been fighting to protect the rights of clients in Lexington, Kentucky, for nearly 20 years. My reputation as an elite trial lawyer is well-known. When I walk into the courtroom, prosecutors know that it won’t be easy to get a conviction. Your future is too important to trust just any lawyer with your criminal defense. Call my law offices today for a free consultation with me, a lawyer who is experienced in handling cases involving marijuana charges.

How Can Oakley & Oakley, LLC, Help If You Were Arrested For A Marijuana Crime In Lexington, Kentucky?

States across the U.S. are decriminalizing marijuana possession. Kentucky has yet to follow suit. Even possession of a small amount of marijuana remains a crime. If you’re charged with a Lexington drug crime, you could face jail time and steep financial penalties. I can fight to minimize the fallout. When you hire me, I will:

  • Investigate to locate all relevant evidence
  • Ensure you understand all of your legal options and rights
  • Build a strong defense and fight to have your charges dismissed
  • Fight to have your charges downgraded if dismissal isn’t possible
  • Ensure that your constitutional rights are respected throughout the entire criminal process
  • Advocate for your rights in court, if necessary

When you’re arrested on criminal charges, it’s important to remember that you’re innocent until proven guilty. Police and prosecutors might behave as though your guilt is a foregone conclusion. In reality, the prosecution is required to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. When you hire me, I’ll do everything I can to make the prosecution’s job as difficult as possible. If you’ve been arrested, the clock is ticking. Call my law firm today so that we can get started.

Overview Of Marijuana Crimes In Kentucky

Kentucky marijuana laws criminalize a range of activities related to the use, possession, growth and sale of marijuana. Medical marijuana isn’t legal in Kentucky – and what may seem like a simple indiscretion can quickly escalate into serious charges.

Marijuana Possession

Marijuana possession is by far the most common marijuana crime charged in the state of Kentucky. Possession of marijuana is still illegal in Kentucky. Under KRS 218A.1422, marijuana possession is Class B misdemeanor. It’s also illegal to possess items and paraphernalia used to smoke marijuana – including pipes and bongs.

Marijuana Trafficking

Trafficking in marijuana or other illegal drugs is a much more serious offense. Drug trafficking can be charged at the state or federal level. Under Kentucky state law, intent to distribute can be assumed if the defendant possessed more than 8 ounces of marijuana. Under KRS 218A.1421, prosecutors can escalate a drug possession charge to felony drug trafficking if you’re found with more than 8 ounces of marijuana, as follows:

  • Trafficking between 8 ounces and 5 pounds of marijuana is a Class D felony for first offenders and a Class C felony for repeat offenders
  • Trafficking more than 5 pounds of marijuana is a Class C felony for first offenders and a Class B felony for repeat offenders

Trafficking less than 8 ounces of marijuana is a Class A misdemeanor for first offenders and a Class D felony for second and subsequent offenses.

Have a Question?

  • How Your Criminal History Could Affect Your Current Case

    Your prior brushes with the law can have an enormous influence on your life. Once you pay your fines or serve jail time, you will likely have to face the additional collateral consequences of your conviction. Having a criminal conviction can prevent you from getting desirable jobs and living where you would like. What’s worse, your criminal history can influence a prosecutor’s decisions about new charges and can result in harsher punishments for subsequent convictions. If you have legal questions about a current criminal case, seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

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  • What is Probable Cause?

    Probable cause is a legal term that is often misunderstood. Law enforcement must have probable cause to believe you committed a crime before they search or arrest someone.

    Probable cause is a particular and reasonable belief that an individual is:

    • committing a crime,
    • has committed a crime or
    • is about to commit a crime.

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  • What is a Criminal Defense Attorney and When do You Need One?

    A criminal defense attorney represents individuals who are under investigation for criminal activity. They represent clients who might be witnesses in a criminal case. They also represent individuals charged with crimes.

    If you or a family member has been arrested or is dealing with a criminal law matter, it is wise to consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

    View More Here

Cultivation Of Marijuana

Under Kentucky law, a person can be convicted of marijuana cultivation for knowingly and unlawfully planting, cultivating or harvesting marijuana with the intent to sell or transfer the marijuana. The severity of the charge depends on how many marijuana plants were involved. Cultivating fewer than five marijuana plants is a Class A misdemeanor for first offenders and a Class D felony for repeat offenders. Cultivating five or more marijuana plants is a Class D felony for first offenders and a Class C felony for repeat offenders. Prosecutors can use the fact that five or more marijuana plants were involved as evidence that the plants were cultivated with the intent to sell or transfer the marijuana.

Marijuana DUI

Driving under the influence of marijuana or a controlled substance is also illegal in Kentucky. Operating a motor vehicle with any measurable amount of marijuana in your system is a crime. Most people think driving under the influence (DUI) laws are primarily aimed to stop drunk driving. However, drugged driving is just as illegal in Kentucky. KRS 189.103 allows law enforcement officials to perform blood or urine tests to detect marijuana use if they have probable cause. Police can also use your behavior to arrest on marijuana DUI charges. If convicted, you could lose your driver’s license and face financial penalties and jail time.

What Are The Penalties For Marijuana Crimes In Lexington?

Marijuana crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. The potential penalties depend upon how the charge is graded. Your prior criminal history can also come into play when prosecutors are deciding whether to upgrade your charges to a more serious crime.

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