Marijuana charges are not minor drug charges. You need an experienced marijuana defense lawyer to protect your legal rights and defend you against criminal charges. The attorneys of Suhre & Associates, LLC have over 15 years of experience handling criminal cases.
Your initial consultation is free.
Contact our Louisville law office today at (502) 371-7000 for help. We represent clients all across the Louisville metro area.
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Why is it Important to Hire a Louisville Marijuana Defense Lawyer?
Some people believe that they can do as good of a job defending themselves against drug charges as a criminal defense lawyer in Louisville, KY. However, if they make a mistake, they could face life-altering consequences. Instead of placing your future at risk, you may want to consider these five reasons why you need a marijuana defense lawyer.
1. Protect Your Legal Rights
Your lawyer assesses whether the police or other law enforcement officials violated your Constitutional rights. An attorney understands proper procedures, as well as loopholes that officers might try to use during an investigation, arrest, or questioning. They know what law enforcement officers can and cannot do.
Even though you may have a general understanding of your legal rights, you may not be aware when the police cross the line. Your lawyer knows precisely where the line is and how to use violations of your rights as part of your defense strategy.
2. Weigh Your Options
If you defend yourself, the prosecutor gives you one option, which is the outcome the prosecutor desires for your case. Your lawyer explains all possible outcomes, given the facts of your case. Our Louisville marijuana defense attorneys are honest and straightforward.
We explain the charges against you and the potential outcomes and penalties. Our attorneys will tell you if they believe it is in your best interest to negotiate a plea deal or proceed to trial.
3. Negotiate with the Prosecution
It can be challenging to negotiate with the prosecutor without an attorney. Again, the prosecutor has one goal – a conviction.
However, experienced defense lawyers build relationships with prosecutors. They know what a prosecutor is likely to do based on similar cases. They also know when a prosecutor is likely to agree to lesser charges or a reduced sentence.
Additionally, an attorney is aware of the various programs and opportunities to avoid guilty verdicts. If you represent yourself, you may not be aware of these options because you are not familiar with the judicial system.
4. Defense Lawyers Save You Money by Protecting Your Future
Even though you are paying for a defense lawyer to handle your case, your defense lawyer can save you much more money by protecting your future. A guilty verdict for marijuana charges could result in losing your job. You may not be able to earn as much money in the future if you lose your professional license or your reputation is damaged.
Some young adults may not realize how a criminal record impacts their futures in 10, 20, and even 30 years. Hiring a Louisville criminal defense attorney gives you a better chance of avoiding a criminal record than trying to defend yourself.
5. Providing Legal and Emotional Support
Giving you legal advice, protecting your rights, and fighting for the best outcome possible in your case are all important services your Louisville criminal defense attorney provides. However, our lawyers also provide emotional support throughout your case.
Facing criminal charges can be frightening and stressful. For many individuals, marijuana charges may be the first time they have been arrested, placed in a police vehicle, fingerprinted, and booked into jail. Having someone you can trust to walk you through the process and explain what is happening can be comforting.
Our attorneys and legal team are here to answer your questions and respond to your concerns during each phase of your case. If you are worried about a matter, we want to hear from you. We will do everything within our power to calm your fears and relieve your stress.
Marijuana Drug Charges in Louisville
Marijuana is one of the most common illegal drugs used by individuals throughout the United States. Many sources claim that marijuana has medicinal purposes. While many states have decriminalized medical marijuana, Kentucky has not.
A few states have decriminalized marijuana for recreational use. Kentucky definitely has not. Possessing even the smallest amount of marijuana can result in a misdemeanor charge.
There are several different crimes that a person may be charged with related to marijuana. The amount of marijuana, the specific charge, and other aggravating factors determine whether the person faces a misdemeanor or felony.
Most people are charged with one of four common marijuana crimes:
Possession of Marijuana
It is illegal to have any amount of marijuana in your possession, even for personal use. In most cases, a marijuana drug possession charge is a misdemeanor.
Drug Paraphernalia
Most drug paraphernalia charges are misdemeanors. While it is illegal to possess or distribute drug paraphernalia, it is also illegal to advertise any items for sale that are commonly used in growing, processing, storing, selling, or using marijuana.
Marijuana Cultivation
Growing or harvesting marijuana is charged by the number of plants in your possession or control. A first offense for under four plants is typically a misdemeanor, but subsequent charges are felonies. If you have five or more plants, the offense is a felony.
Marijuana Trafficking
Drug trafficking charges cover several different offenses, including possessing marijuana with the intent to sell, processing marijuana, and selling/distributing marijuana. The specific charges and penalties depend on the amount of marijuana and any aggravating factors.
Trafficking marijuana in small amounts may result in a misdemeanor for the first offense. Second and subsequent offenses are felonies. Selling larger amounts of marijuana or trafficking in or near a school are serious felonies.
What are the Punishments for Marijuana Drug Charges?
Criminal Penalties for Marijuana Charges
Kentucky has not legalized marijuana for medical use or recreational use. The state takes a strong stance against marijuana. Lawmakers have classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug that has a potential for high abuse with no accepted medical purpose.
Typically, penalties for crimes involving Schedule I drugs are harsher than crimes involving other scheduled drugs. Therefore, having even a small amount of marijuana could result in penalties including:
- Prison or Jail Time
- Fines
- Probation
- Protective Orders
- Community Service
- Mandatory Drug Counseling Treatment
The facts and the circumstances of the case dictate the severity of the penalties. However, Kentucky has mandatory minimum sentences for some drug offenses. You could find yourself serving a substantial prison sentence for a marijuana conviction.
Other Consequences of a Marijuana Conviction
In addition to the criminal penalties, you could also face several consequences in your personal life because of a marijuana charge. Some of the consequences you face in your personal life could have a much more detrimental and long-term impact than the punishments handed down by the court.
Examples of the consequences of a marijuana conviction on your everyday life include:
- Loss of a job or professional license
- Negative consequences on child custody and visitation cases
- Loss of certain government benefits
- Ineligibility for student loans
- Loss of gun rights
- Loss of voting rights
A marijuana conviction can have far-reaching implications. Do not let a marijuana drug charge decrease your future choices and opportunities. Contact our Louisville marijuana defense lawyers to discuss defenses to the criminal charges you face.
How Can I Defend Myself If I’m Facing Marijuana Charges in Louisville, Kentucky?
If you are facing marijuana charges in Louisville, there are several options you have for handling the charges. You can ignore the charge. Unfortunately, ignoring the charge generally results in a guilty verdict and maximum penalties.
You can defend yourself against the marijuana charges. While it is an option, it may not be your best option. Even though your marijuana charges may appear to be a minor misdemeanor, you do not know what could happen in court.
Your third option is to hire a Louisville marijuana defense lawyer. That might be the best option for you to defend yourself against marijuana charges.
Choose a Louisville Criminal Defense Attorney with Experience
All criminal defense lawyers are not the same. When you choose an attorney to defend you against marijuana charges, you need an attorney who has specific experience handling cases like your case. Look for some with years of experience handling marijuana cases, like our lawyers at Suhre & Associates, LLC.
We have extensive experience handling marijuana cases. Our lawyers possess extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system. We know how to navigate the system to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Our law firm has the resources needed to handle even the most complicated marijuana trafficking case involving numerous felony charges and aggravating factors. Our experience and skills are essential to providing exceptional criminal defense services, but what is more important is that we know how to win.
Contact Our Louisville Marijuana Defense Lawyers for a Free Case Review
If you have been arrested on marijuana charges, do not make the mistake of ignoring the charges or assuming a judge will go easy on you. Consult with a marijuana defense attorney in Louisville now. We can develop a defense strategy that gives you the best chance of success.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (502) 371-7000 or visit us at our Louisville law office.
Visit our Law Office in Louisville, Kentucky
Suhre & Associates, LLC
214 S Clay St A
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 371-7000
