Lexington Drug Trafficking Lawyer

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.