Kentucky Heroin Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 28, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Most people will never touch, see, or use heroin in their lifetime. However, many of us have family members suffering from substance abuse. Not only can this have devastating consequences on their health, but it can also lead to drug-related charges.
With the expanding opioid epidemic, lawmakers and law enforcement are cracking down on the possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. Both state and federal laws reflect society’s urgent desire to curb drug use, focusing on drugs like heroin and fentanyl.
Here, we’ll discuss Kentucky law regarding drug possession, distribution, and trafficking. We’ll also explain the penalties for drug offenses in Kentucky. If you’re facing charges for first-degree drug trafficking or unlawful possession of a prescription drug, you should know what the consequences are.
Heroin Laws in Kentucky
State drug laws restricting the sale and possession of heroin and other opiates vary from state to state. The table below highlights the specifics of Kentucky's heroin statutes.
Kentucky Heroin Laws Code Sections |
Kentucky Revised Statutes
|
|---|---|
Penalties for Possession of Heroin in Kentucky |
|
Penalties for Sales of Heroin in Kentucky |
|
Penalties for Trafficking of Heroin in Kentucky |
|
Possible Prison Terms and Fines for Heroin Convictions in Kentucky |
Following are the potential prison terms and fines you’ll face if the state convicts you of a felony. The punishments for felonies in Kentucky are as follows:
Those convicted must also pay fines according to Kentucky’s fine schedule. |
Drug Court |
Like some other states, Kentucky's court system has drug courts. These courts aim to end the cycle of substance abuse by allowing first- and second-time drug crime offenders to enter a drug treatment program instead of serving lengthy jail sentences. |
Kentucky Heroin Laws: Related Resources
State drug laws often reflect the social norms of a particular time and place, which means they change over time. Contact a Kentucky criminal defense attorney for legal advice regarding a drug crime.
Whether the state has charged you with a Class A felony or misdemeanor, the penalties are severe. You’ll face possible jail time and hefty fines. You’ll also have to live the rest of your life with the charges on your criminal record. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will help craft a solid legal defense on your behalf.
You can also visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section for additional articles and information. If you, or someone you know, has a substance abuse or drug problem, Kentucky's Office of Drug Control Policy has treatment resources that may help.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
- Experienced drug crime lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many Kentucky attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.