Hopkinsville Drug Crime Lawyer

Hopkinsville Drug Crime Attorney

Facing drug crime charges in Hopkinsville has the potential to result in severe and life-altering consequences. Whether you are facing large fines, a long prison sentence, or even a hit to your reputation, the stakes are undoubtedly high. To secure the level of knowledge needed on drug crime laws in these cases and how to work the legal system, hire a Hopkinsville drug crime lawyer as soon as you can.

At the law office of Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, our lawyers understand how profound an impact being found guilty of a drug crime could have. It’s why we stay updated on the latest state and federal drug laws to help craft personalized defense strategies and ensure our client’s rights are not violated in the process. Our goal is to identify and expose any weaknesses that might exist in the prosecution’s case. Connect with us today to begin the process.

What Are the Most Common Drug Crime Charges in Kentucky?

While there are many different types of drug crimes someone can be charged with in Kentucky, there are a few that are charged more often than others. These include:

• Drug Possession. One of the most frequently encountered drug offenses in Kentucky is drug possession. This is when someone has a controlled substance either with them in person, in their vehicle, or at home. The severity of these charges will depend on what type of drugs the individual is found to be in possession of and how much there is.Typically, simple possession of a smaller amount of drugs will only result in a misdemeanor charge, while larger amounts with the intent to distribute can escalate the charge to a felony.
• Drug Distribution. If someone is caught selling, delivering, or distributing an illegal substance, they will face a drug distribution charge. These charges are taken more seriously than possession charges, as acts of distribution involve a large volume of drugs and spreading them to others. The extent of the distribution charge will depend on the volume of drugs involved and if there was any presence of paraphernalia to suggest distribution, such as scales or baggies.
• Drug Trafficking. Acts of drug trafficking involve the large-scale transportation and sale of illegal substances. These cases are most often felonies and can be prosecuted at both the state and federal level. The methods of how someone transported drugs, like hidden compartments in vehicles or cross-border smuggling, will impact the severity of the charge.A defense attorney will scrutinize every aspect of a drug trafficking case for their client to highlight case vulnerabilities that could drop or reduce the charges.
• Prescription Drugs. While drugs can be legally prescribed, any evidence that someone is using, selling, or distributing drugs to non-prescribed individuals is a crime. Some of the most common prescription drugs involved in these cases include opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. If the drugs have traveled across a large network of users, the penalties will increase. Doctors and pharmacists can also face charges if they purposefully prescribe an unnecessary drug.
• Manufacturing of Drugs. Drug manufacturing charges cover the act of producing illegal substances. The most common examples include methamphetamines and other synthetic drugs. These crimes are taken very seriously, as the process of manufacturing drugs involves dangerous chemicals and processes that can pose a public safety risk. A defense attorney in these cases will examine the legality of a search and seizure and the reliability of any informants when creating their defense strategy.

If you have been accused of engaging in any of these drug crimes or something similar, you need a defense attorney on your team to take on the bulk of the legal responsibilities. From day one, a defense lawyer will investigate every detail of your case to find areas where they can challenge the prosecution’s evidence against you to secure a more favorable outcome.

FAQs

Q: Do First Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Kentucky?

A: While there is the potential for a first-time drug offender to go to jail in Kentucky, it’s unlikely in most cases. Most small possession cases where someone has never been involved in a drug crime before will face less harsh penalties like probation or a mandatory drug treatment program. However, for more serious drug offenses where there are large quantities involved, or there are multiple victims, jail time is more likely.

Q: What Is Third Degree Drug Possession in Kentucky?

A: Third-degree drug possessions are classified as lower-risk and less dangerous than other possession charges. It applies to an individual in possession of a Schedule IV or V drug. These cases are often considered a Class A misdemeanor, which can include up to twelve months spent in prison and a $500 fine. These cases often involve substances like prescription medications without a valid prescription.

Q: Can Drug Charges be Expunged From Your Record in Kentucky?

A: Yes, drug charges can be expunged from a person’s criminal record in Kentucky. However, their eligibility will depend on the specifics of their case and what type of offense they were found guilty of. The most likely to be expunged are misdemeanor drug charges where the defendant already completed their penalties, such as finishing their prison sentence or completing a rehabilitation program.

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Drug Crime in Kentucky?

A: If you have been arrested and accused of committing a drug crime in Kentucky, stay calm and exercise your legal rights. Be sure not to resist arrest or try to engage in any unsavory behavior that could make the situation worse. Decline to answer any questions until you have a criminal defense lawyer present. They will help you understand the nature of your charges and what steps to take next.

Crucial Criminal Defense Support

While facing drug crimes in Hopkinsville can be extremely overwhelming, defendants never have to face these challenges alone. With the full weight of the prosecution and law enforcement behind the charges against you, reaching out to a defense attorney is one of the strongest ways to even the scales.

At the law office of Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, our experienced criminal defense team is here to assist. We understand the complexities of drug laws in Kentucky and will not rest until we feel we have secured a satisfactory outcome for your case. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities. We look forward to hearing from you.