In recent years, many people have relaxed their views on drugs. This is particularly true when it comes to marijuana, which is now legal to possess in small amounts in Connecticut. Yet our state still has strict laws on a range of drug charges, each of which can result in a sentence of incarceration and a fine, plus collateral consequences like the loss of a professional license.
In Connecticut, drug crimes are taken very seriously. Depending on the type and amount of drug involved, you could be facing misdemeanor or felony charges. A conviction for drug possession, drug trafficking, or another offense could result in a lengthy term of imprisonment and a steep fine. Our Waterbury drug crimes lawyers will put together a strong defense to the criminal charges against you and will work to get you the best possible outcome.
The Sills Law Firm represents people who have been charged with all types of crimes, including those related to the possession, sale, and manufacture of narcotics. We use our extensive knowledge of Connecticut law to negotiate favorable plea deals, get charges dismissed, and/or get a “not guilty” verdict at trial. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut drug crimes lawyer.
Drug Charges in Connecticut
The term “drug crime” encompasses many potential charges. Some of these criminal charges – like possession of a small amount of a narcotic for personal use – are relatively minor. However, other charges, like drug trafficking, can result in a sentence of more than 10 years in state prison.
Some of the more common drug charges in Connecticut include:
- Sale or possession of a narcotic or hallucinogenic drug with intent to sell
- Sale or possession of another controlled substance with intent to sell
- Sale or possession of a drug with intent to sell by a non-drug dependent person
- Sale or possession with intent to sell drugs near a school, housing project, or child care center
- Illegal possession of a narcotic drug
- Illegal possession of a hallucinogenic drug or 4 ounces or more of a Cannabis-type substance
- Possession of a controlled substance (other than cannabis)
- Illegal possession of less than .5 ounces of a Cannabis-type substance
Connecticut maintains a schedule of controlled substances. If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs, then the charge will be based partially on the type of drug that you have. This schedule includes designations for drugs such as bath salts, opiates, amphetamines, synthetic cannabis, heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and anabolic steroids.
Significantly, you can be charged with a drug offense even if the drug that you are caught with is a prescription drug. If you don’t have a valid prescription for the medication – such as Adderall – or if you illegally obtained the prescription (such as through a stolen prescription pad), you can still be charged with a drug offense.
Our Waterbury criminal defense lawyers can help you understand your rights and options if you have been charged with a drug crime. We will investigate the facts of the case, develop a defense strategy, and work to get you the best possible outcome for the charges against you.
Potential Penalties for Connecticut Drug Crimes
In Connecticut, crimes are either classified as felonies or misdemeanors. Felony charges are punishable by imprisonment for a year or longer and are further graded as Class A, B, C, D, or E felonies. Misdemeanors are punishable by imprisonment for 364 days or less and are also graded as Class A, B, C, or D misdemeanors. Connecticut also has unclassified felonies and misdemeanors, which are also punishable by a prison or jail sentence.
The punishment for a drug crime in Connecticut will depend on the charge, the type of drug involved, and whether there are any circumstances. For example, if a person sells drugs in a school zone, then the mandatory minimum prison sentence will be 5 to 20 years.
Penalties for a drug charge may include:
- Possession of a narcotic or hallucinogenic drug with intent to sell: up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000
- Possession of another controlled substance with intent to sell: up to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000
- Possession with intent to sell by a non-drug dependent person: up to life imprisonment
- Illegal possession of a narcotic: up to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000
- Illegal possession of a hallucinogenic drug: up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
- Possession of a controlled substance other than cannabis: 1 year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines
- Illegal possession of less than .5 ounces of a cannabis-type substance: a fine of $150.00
These sentences are all for first-time offenses. If you have multiple drug possession offenses, you could be labeled as a persistent or habitual offender. This will increase the potential penalties from a misdemeanor offense to the equivalent of a Class E Felony charge.
In addition to jail time and fines, a person who is convicted of a drug charge may face a variety of collateral consequences. This can include limits on employment opportunities, restrictions on government assistance, ineligibility for federal student aid, and loss of professional licenses. Because of the severe nature of these consequences, it is important that you seek legal representation from an experienced Waterbury criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being arrested on drug charges.
Potential Defenses to Drug Charges
There are many potential defenses to drug charges in Connecticut. A skilled Waterbury drug crimes attorney will investigate the facts of your case and perform legal research to develop the best potential strategy for having the charges against you reduced or dismissed entirely.
Some common defenses to Connecticut drug crimes include:
- Illegal search or seizure: under the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution, Americans have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement violates this right – such as by searching your house without a warrant – then your criminal defense lawyer may be able to file a motion to suppress. If the motion is successful, then the evidence against you could be thrown out – and the charges may be reduced or dismissed.
- Entrapment: if the police entice you to do something that you wouldn’t normally do, like sell drugs as a “favor,” then you could raise entrapment as a defense.
- Elements of the crime: the prosecutor must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can’t do so, then you may be found not guilty at trial. For example, if the state can’t prove that you possessed the drug, then the case may be dismissed.
Depending on the facts of your case, there may be other potential defenses to the charges against you. The important thing is that you do not give a statement or sign any agreement without first seeking legal advice. Our Waterbury drug crimes lawyers will protect your interests and fight to keep you out of jail.
Facing Drug Charges? We Can Help.
Drug charges can lead to serious, life-altering consequences. In addition to jail time and penalties, harsh federal and state laws may make it difficult to get your life back on track after a conviction for a drug offense. If you have been charged with a drug crime, we will aggressively defend you and work to protect your interests.
At the Sills Law Firm, we offer top-notch legal counsel for clients who have been charged with all types of drug charges. We work hard to help our clients achieve the best possible outcome, whether through a plea deal, legal defenses, an accelerated rehabilitation program, or taking the case to trial. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Waterbury drug crimes attorney, call us at 203-591-1935 or fill out our online contact form.
