In Kentucky, drug trafficking is a serious charge that can lead to significant prison time and high fines. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, it is important to understand the potential penalties and defenses available to you. With the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney, you may be able to beat the charges against you.
What is Drug Trafficking?
In Kentucky, drug trafficking is defined as the sale, transportation, or distribution of a controlled substance. Drug trafficking charges can be filed against an individual who is accused of selling drugs, transporting drugs, or helping to distribute drugs. Drug trafficking charges are typically felonies that are punishable by significant prison time and high fines.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Kentucky
The penalties for drug trafficking in Kentucky will depend on the type and amount of drug involved in the offense. Generally, the penalties will be more severe if the drugs involved are classified as Schedule I or II drugs, such as heroin or methamphetamine. The penalties will also be more severe if a large quantity of drugs was involved in the offense.
Possible Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges
If you have been charged with drug trafficking in Kentucky, there are a number of possible defenses that your attorney may assert on your behalf. Some of the most common defenses to drug trafficking charges include: illegal search and seizure, entrapment, and lack of knowledge. In order to successfully assert one of these defenses, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
1. Understand the charges against you.
The first step in fighting any criminal charge is to understand the specific charges against you and what evidence the prosecution has. In a drug trafficking case, the prosecutor will need to show that you knowingly transported drugs or controlled substances across state lines with the intention of selling them. This can be difficult to prove, so it’s important to look at the evidence against you and see if there are any holes in the prosecution’s case.
2. Hire an experienced attorney.
Having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on your side is critical when facing any criminal charge, but it’s especially important in a complex case like drug trafficking. Your attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal system, build a strong defense, and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. Don’t try to go it alone; make sure you have an advocate in your corner who knows how to handle these kinds of cases.
3. Attack the credibility of witnesses.
In many drug trafficking cases, the prosecution’s case will rely heavily on witness testimony. This can be tricky because witnesses can be difficult to cross-examine, but it’s important to try to poke holes in their story whenever possible. If you can cast doubt on a witness’s testimony, it may make it more difficult for the jury to convict you.
4. Seek out alternative sentences.
If you are facing a drug trafficking charge, chances are you’re looking at some pretty severe penalties if convicted. However, there may be alternatives to incarceration that your attorney can negotiate on your behalf. For example, depending on the facts of your case, drug court or rehabilitation may be an option instead of jail time. These alternatives can help you get your life back on track and avoid serious penalties if convicted.
Drug trafficking is a serious charge in Kentucky that can lead to significant prison time and high fines. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, it is important to understand the potential penalties and defenses available to you. With the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney, you may be able to beat the charges against you. Mashni Law has the experience to represent and win drug trafficking cases. The results speak for themselves. If you or a family member need representation, please call our office at (859) 201-3550 or click here for a free case evaluation.