Trafficking in a Controlled Substance

Arrested for Trafficking in a controlled substanceA Lexington woman was arrested and on charges of possession and trafficking a controlled substance in Bardstown.  During a traffic stop, law enforcement found meth, paraphernalia (including a scale, plastic bags, syringes and spoons), and quite a bit of cash.

What is Possession of a Controlled Substance?

Possession of a controlled substance involves methamphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and various other narcotics and derivatives.  When a person “knowingly and unlawfully” possesses one or more of these narcotics, he/she can be charged with possession in the 1st degree.  The first offense is a Class D felony.  The second or subsequent offenses receive a penalty increase to a Class C felony.

What is Trafficking in a Controlled Substance?

Trafficking is defined as making, giving away, selling or possessing with intent to sell in one of those activities.  Qualifying amounts include: 4 or more grams of cocaine, 2 or more grams of meth, 10 or more dosage units of a Series I or II controlled substance classified as a narcotic, any amount of heroin, fentanyl, LSD, carfentanil and various other narcotics and/or various derivatives.  The penalties range from Class C felonies to Class D felonies and, in some cases, a Class A misdemeanor.  The sentence can include jail time and/or fines.

If the activity occurred within 1,000 feet of a school, additional charges the charge can be a Class D felony or higher.

As an experienced, Louisville Criminal Defense attorney, I’ve handled drug cases for over 25 years.  There are many considerations that need to be taken into account, if you’ve been charged with any type of drug crime in Kentucky.  In some situations, these quickly become federal cases.  Federal drug charges and the legal system can be much more complicated.  I’m licensed to defend cases in Federal courts and throughout the state of Kentucky.