How Long Can I go to Jail for Trafficking in Kentucky?

Since the “War on Drugs” began several decades ago, the penalties associated with drug crimes across the United States have consistently increased in severity. Kentucky is no exception to this general rule. A conviction for trafficking in a controlled substance in Kentucky carries with it harsh penalties, including a lengthy term of imprisonment in many cases. Because of the complexity of the drug offense laws and corresponding sentences, only an experienced Kentucky criminal defense attorney can review the details of your specific case and provide you with individualized advice and guidance; however, understanding some of the basic drug trafficking laws and possible penalties may be beneficial in the meantime.

“Trafficking” can refer to making, selling, giving away, or possessing a “controlled dangerous substance” with the intent to do one of those things. A “controlled dangerous substance”, or CDS, refers to well-known drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana as well as the precursors, or chemicals used to make drugs. In Kentucky, anything listed as a CDS is divided into one of five schedules with schedule I being the most dangerous and schedule V the least dangerous. The charges you face if arrested for trafficking as well as the penalties if convicted will depend on the type and quantity of CDS involved.

Trafficking can be charged in the first, second, or third degree in Kentucky. Trafficking in the first degree involves a CDS listed in schedule I or II and is charged as a class C felony for the first offense and a class B for a second or subsequent offense. If convicted of a class C felony you face five to ten years in prison. A class B felony carries with it a penalty of ten to twenty years in prison if convicted.

Trafficking in the second degree involves a non-narcotic CDS listed on schedule I, II, or III and is charged as a class D felony for the first offense and a class C for each subsequent arrest. A class D felony carries a term of imprisonment of one to five years if convicted.

Trafficking in the third degree involves lesser amounts of a CDS and is charged as a class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a class D felony for the second. A class A misdemeanor carries up to a year in jail if convicted.

If you have been charged with trafficking in Kentucky you should consult with an experienced Kentucky criminal defense attorney right away.

The criminal defense attorneys of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC have over 50 years of combined legal experience handling misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. This experience has enabled the attorneys to achieve the best possible results for their clients time and time again. Your case is important to you; therefore, it is important to us. We represent clients in Hardin County, Jefferson County, and surrounding counties from our offices in Radcliff and Elizabethtown and Louisville.

Contact us at (270) 351-6069 or 1-800-754-HELP to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your legal options.