Kentucky Drug Crime Lawyers
Drug crimes are among the most common criminal charges prosecuted in Kentucky courts and the federal criminal justice system. They cover various offenses involving controlled substances, from possession and sale to manufacture and distribution. These crimes involve violations of federal or state laws or both.
Depending on the particular circumstances of a case, these offenses can result in a broad range of potential criminal and administrative consequences, including probation, prison, property forfeiture, and participation in a court-ordered drug treatment program. The charges and penalties you face will depend on the type of drugs involved, their quantity, your prior criminal history, if any, and other factors that can aggravate or lessen the consequences.
More severe charges typically result in harsher penalties. However, even less serious charges, such as possessing a small amount of a controlled substance, may have harsh consequences. This especially applies if you have prior convictions, used a firearm in the commission of the crime, engaged in criminal activity near a protected zone (such as a school or park), or involved minors in the crime.
Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer is essential if you are being investigated for a state or federal drug crime. At Butler & Associates, we can advise you on where you stand, how to proceed, your potential options, and likely outcomes. Mr. Butler is a 35-year veteran in this field who has handled thousands of cases and brings invaluable trial experience to your defense.
We defend clients in Louisville, Lexington, Jefferson County, Fayette County, Franklin County, Daviess County, and across Kentucky. We also defend clients nationwide in federal drug charges.
Combat state and federal drug charges with help from a Louisville drug crime attorney at Butler & Associates. Contact us at (502) 237-0871. For more information, please see his Case Results and Testimonials.
Federal Drug Crime Laws
Under the Controlled Substances Act, drugs have been grouped into five categories, called “schedules,’ based on their abuse and addiction potential compared to their therapeutic value. These schedules range from the most dangerous at Schedule I and II down to the least at Schedule V. They include street drugs and prescription drugs and their precursors.
This law established regulatory requirements, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties for the unauthorized manufacture, distribution, or possession of controlled substances.
Schedule I through V Controlled Substances
The most severe penalties involve drugs listed in Schedule I, which have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and marijuana. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and severe dependence but have a currently accepted medical use.
Schedule II drugs include hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), PCP, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, morphine, and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet).
Schedule III drugs have less potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs, a potential for moderate dependency, and an accepted medical use. Anabolic steroids and codeine fall into this category.
Schedule IV drugs have less potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, limited potential for dependency, and are accepted in medical treatment. Schedule IV drugs include valium, Xanax, and other tranquilizers and sedatives.
Finally, Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse, limited risk for dependency, and accepted medical uses. These include drugs like cough medicines with codeine.
Contact us today online or call (502) 237-0871 to get started. For more information, please see his Case Results and Testimonials.
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"Would Use Him for Any Case!"William Butler is definitely a great lawyer. He actually cares about his clients. I’m a very happy client.- Keisha B.
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"My Lifesaver!!"Mr. Butler is my lifesaver! He really saved my life by resolving my case for me. He is a true professional and really experienced... Mr. Butler is the real deal.- Szuching W.
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"Deserves More than 5 Stars!"I would highly recommend William Butler over any lawyer I've known or dealt with. His and Karen's dedication and results deserve more than these 5 stars! He got my charge dismissed and my worries were over!- John D.
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"A Brilliant Lawyer"He is amazing; the best attorney I ever met. He is a brilliant Criminal Defense Lawyer...In person, he is so kind but in court, he is a shark!- Dayany W.
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"Excellent Outcomes"Mr. Butler is a commensurate professional with excellent outcomes. He tells you the options for possible outcomes in the case. We are 100% satisfied!- Deborah S.
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"A Man of His Word"
Mr. Butler is a man of his word. I can call him and within 24 hours Bill will call me back. I will never be in trouble again, but if I was, the first person I would call would be Mr. Butler.
- David C. -
"He Made Me Feel Comfortable"Mr. Butler was extremely helpful, professional, and very understanding to my situation. He made me feel very comfortable and helped ease a lot of stress I was experiencing.- Coy M.
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"Awesome Job"I would highly recommend Bill Butler! Anytime I needed him, he always came through and did a wonderful job!- Former Client
State Drug Crime Laws
Kentucky has enacted drug laws that mirror the Controlled Substances Act. Penalties may be less harsh and more flexible under state sentencing schemes than federal sentencing guidelines.
In state court, a conviction of simple possession may result in court-ordered drug treatment rather than jail, and probation may be available to first-time offenders, even for more serious crimes. However, lesser offenses can result in severe criminal consequences depending on the particular facts of a case or your prior criminal record.
Search & Seizure in Drug Crimes
Search and seizure law in Kentucky, similar to federal law, requires that law enforcement officials have probable cause before conducting a search or seizure. This falls under the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. It means they must have reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed and that evidence of the crime is present in the location to be searched.
Consulting with a legal professional in drug cases is thus essential when search and seizure is a factor. Assessing the legality of the search and seizure requires a detailed analysis of numerous elements. In a drug-related case, effectively contesting the evidence could decide between case dismissal and conviction. If it's determined that the search or seizure was conducted illegally, any evidence obtained as a result may be deemed inadmissible in court.
At Butler & Associates, we can investigate the details of your arrest and charges regarding this issue to ensure you have the defense you need against violations of your constitutional rights.
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