Lexington Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Being charged with drug trafficking in Kentucky is a serious matter. A conviction can bring up to life in prison and substantial fines and produce a permanent criminal record that will negatively impact your career, reputation, personal relationships, and the ability to vote, own firearms, and receive housing and educational benefits in the future. These are not charges you should attempt to fight without the help of an experienced drug trafficking defense lawyer.

If you or your loved one has been charged with drug trafficking, the Lexington drug trafficking attorneys at Dan Carman, PLLC are available to fight for your rights and your freedom. We know Kentucky prosecutors, courts and the system. We have helped many clients over the years, and we are fully prepared to do the same for you.  We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the circumstances of your charges and determine the best way to help, so call us today to get started building your defense.

Why Choose Our Lexington Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer

When dealing with serious drug trafficking charges, it’s important to find a defense lawyer with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to help you get the best results possible. Here are some reasons why we think you should choose Dan Carman:

• We are experienced and bilingual. Attorney Dan Carman speaks Spanish and has many years of experience representing clients accused of trafficking, possession and distribution of drugs. Dan was a Judge Advocate “JAG” (defense lawyer and prosecuting attorney) for Marine Corps and Navy personnel charged with felonies. This experience gives him knowledge of both sides of the legal process
• We are recognized in our field. Dan Carman is a member of various local and national Bar Associations and has been named in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers.
• We are available 24/7 for client emergencies.
• We have many satisfied clients, and have won an award for the 10 Best attorneys in client satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.

At Dan Carman, PLLC, we know how to gather and examine evidence such as police reports, recordings, and testing logs. We know your rights and the rules and regulations police officers must follow, as well as how to use mistakes they make to build your case. We look for weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, negotiate to get you the best deal possible, and are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

How Our Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Kentucky Works for You

Once you are arrested, it’s important to reach out to us as soon as possible so we can get started on your defense while evidence is still available and prevent you from saying anything that can be used against you. We will:

• Meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your arrest, help you understand the charges and potential consequences, and determine the best way to build a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation
• Protect your rights and be there for you and prepare you for all hearings and court appearances
• Scrutinize the actions of the law enforcement officials to determine if your rights were violated or evidence was handled incorrectly, and file motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally
• Negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges dismissed or lessened, such as qualifying for drug treatment programs or other alternatives to incarceration
• Take your case to court to defend you if necessary
• Handle any appeals.

What is Drug Trafficking in Kentucky?

Drug trafficking refers to the sale, distribution, transportation, or possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs. You do not have to be caught selling drugs to be charged with drug trafficking – you only have to be found in possession of quantities enough to be considered to have intent to sell them.

Drug trafficking is a felony in Kentucky, and there are different levels of drug trafficking charges, based on factors such as:

• The type of drug involved — Schedule I and II drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are typically treated more severely compared to drugs like marijuana.
• The quantity of the drug — Larger quantities generally lead to more severe charges and penalties, with increased felony charges for trafficking:
• 4 grams or more of cocaine
• 2 grams or more of methamphetamine
• 10 or more dosage units of certain Schedule I and II drugs.
• Where the distribution was intended to occur (e.g., near schools).
• To whom the drugs were intended to be sold (e.g., minors).
• Whether this is a first offense.

Drug Trafficking Attorney Explains Penalties

Felonies are rated by class in Kentucky, and the severity of the penalties depends on the class of the charges. Trafficking in larger amounts of Schedule I and Schedule II drugs is considered first-degree trafficking, which carries the harshest penalties according to Kentucky law, (KRS 218A.1412). Prison time and fines increase according to the degree of charges.

For example, for Schedule I and II drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, trafficking in smaller amounts is typically a Class C felony for a first offense, punishable by 5-10 years in prison, but larger quantities can bring a Class B felony charge, with 10-20 years in prison. Fines also increase with larger quantities. Trafficking convictions can result in fines up to $10,000 for smaller amounts, but can go up to $100,000 for larger quantities or repeat offenses

In addition, drug trafficking can be charged at both the state and federal levels, with federal charges often carrying harsher penalties.

Drug Trafficking Lawyer Knows Possible Defenses

While drug trafficking charges are severe, depending on the individual circumstances, there are several approaches that our drug trafficking lawyers can use to defend you. In general, defense strategies attempt to challenge the validity and sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence.

Examples include:

• Challenging constitutional violations of your rights, such as illegal search and seizure of your home, car, clothing, or person; failure to obtain a warrant for entry; obtaining an improper confession, or failure to have your “Miranda Rights” read at the time of the arrest. When these violations occur, evidence illegally obtained may be suppressed, or your case may even be dismissed.
• Showing lack of knowledge, if you were unaware of the presence of drugs or had no intention to distribute them.
• Demonstrating that you were not involved in the drug trafficking operation but were simply in the wrong location, or that the drugs belonged to someone else.
• Claiming there was insufficient evidence to convict or witnesses who were not credible.
• Problems with law enforcement – Claiming entrapment, that law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed or that evidence was improperly handled, analyzed or stored.
• Showing you have an alibi that proves you were somewhere else at the time of the offense.

Get Help from Lexington Drug Trafficking Lawyer Dan Carman

If you or your loved one was charged with drug trafficking in Kentucky, you need to act quickly and get the best drug trafficking defense lawyer you can find. At Dan Carman, PLLC, we have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against drug trafficking allegations, and are here to fight for your rights and your freedom. If you have been accused, contact us immediately for a confidential consultation to begin building a strong defense strategy. Having our skilled and experienced legal team by your side can make all the difference in securing a favorable outcome in your case.

Call Dan Carman today at 859-685-1055 to get started.