Drug Possession Attorney in Wethersfield

The possession of controlled substances in the state of Connecticut is prohibited and is penalized harshly. While drug possession crimes may be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor dependent upon a number of factors, including the type of drug and the amount of the drug involved, protecting your rights with a Connecticut drug possession lawyer is strongly recommended. The experienced drug possession attorneys at APEX Law Firm can provide you with the aggressive criminal defense you need. Call us today to start building your defense. 

Illegal Drug Possession in Connecticut

It is against the law for any person in the state of Connecticut to possess or have within his/her control any hallucinogenic, narcotic, or other controlled substance. The only exception to this rule is in the event that the possession is authorized by law, typically in the form of a prescription from a doctor. Controlled substances are classified by schedules. There are five schedules of drugs, with schedule I drugs being the most dangerous and potent–schedule one drugs have no currently accepted medical use–and schedule V drugs being the least dangerous and drugs with the lowest potential for abuse. As explained by the state of Connecticut, penalties for drug possession depend upon a number of factors, including:

• The type/schedule of the drug;
• The amount of drug in possession;
• Where the act of possession takes place;
• The offender’s age; and
• Whether or not the offense was a first-time or repeat offense. 

Common Penalties for Drug Possession and Associated Crimes

It is important to work with a Connecticut criminal defense attorney if you are facing drug possession charges, as your attorney can explain the penalties that are specific to your situation. In general, however, a drug possession conviction is penalized in the following ways:

• Possession of narcotics. Any person who possesses or has under such person’s control any quantity of any controlled substance, except less than one-half ounce of a cannabis-type substance and except as authorized in this chapter, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. The penalty increases for subsequent offenses.

• Illegal possession of small amount of cannabis-type substance. (a) Any person who possesses or has under his control less than one-half ounce of a cannabis-type substance, as defined in section 21a-240, except as authorized in this chapter, shall (1) for a first offense, be fined one hundred fifty dollars, and (2) for a subsequent offense, be fined not less than two hundred dollars or more than five hundred dollars.

A jail or prison sentence is typically only part of the punishment for drug possession. A convicted person may also be ordered to attend rehab or drug education courses, perform community service, or may be placed on parole in place of prison. As a note, the penalties listed above may be more severe if the offense is committed within 1,500 feet of an elementary school or daycare center. This penalty incorporates a mandatory two-year jail sentence which may not be reduced by the Court. In addition to facing drug possession charges, a person charged with drug possession may also face related charges, such as distribution. 

Defenses to Drug Possession Charges

If you are facing drug possession charges, knowing how to defend yourself against those charges and do everything possible to improve the outcome of your case is critical; no one wants to be convicted and spend months or years in jail. Defenses to drug possession charges might include a lack of knowledge of possession (i.e. the drugs belonged to someone else), that you are in possession of the drugs legally (i.e. you have a prescription), or entrapment. You may also argue that the drugs were illegally seized or that your person or your home was illegally searched. In some cases, plea bargaining to reduce the charges or sentence may be the best option. Our accomplished drug possession lawyers can aid you both in understanding your options and in creating a smart plan of action. 

Why Work with Our Skilled Connecticut Drug Possession Lawyers

When you are facing drug possession charges, your future is on the line. The last thing that you want to do is attempt to represent yourself or hire an unqualified lawyer. Instead, you need the Apex Law Firm. Our lawyers have everything you’re looking for, including:

• Years of experience. We have more than 40 years’ worth of experience serving clients facing criminal and drug possession charges in our state. We have worked tirelessly both in and out of the courtroom to protect our clients’ best interests.

• Resources to successfully manage your case. Winning a criminal case and protecting clients takes resources. We have the experience to give your case the attention to detail it deserves.

• Responsiveness. When you hire our law firm, your satisfaction is our priority. You can count on us to stay in touch with you throughout the entire process, answer your questions, and represent you throughout the prosecution. You’ll never have to question whether or not we’re really working for you – it will be obvious that we are. 

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t wait a minute longer to pick up the phone and call our law office if you’re facing drug possession charges; the consequences of not acting are too great. To reach our legal team, send us a message using the intake form on our website, stop by our Hartford County office, or call us at (860) 900-0900. Our entire team will work diligently to make sure your rights are protected.