In Connecticut, law enforcement and the courts have little tolerance for drug crimes such as possession, intent to distribute, or any other offense. The penalties are stiff, and they can include incarceration, very high fines, and sometimes even life sentences.
If you have been accused of a drug crime, you need an attorney with the experience and skills to fight fiercely on your behalf. As a longtime Connecitcut drug charge defense lawyer, I have a 100 percent success rate for first-time offenders and have a long track record of helping those who have been accused of serious drug crimes.
Get the strong legal defense you need. Contact me, Erin Field, for a free case evaluation.
Drug Charges I Can Help You Fight
No one should ever have to face drug charges alone, or without an attorney who is 100 percent committed to the best possible outcome for them. Having experienced legal representation will give you a much better chance of avoiding prison and retaining your freedom.
At Field Law Office, LLC, I can help you with a number of drug charges, including:
- Possession of marijuana, hallucinogens, heroin, and narcotics such as cocaine and crack cocaine
- Possession with intent to sell
- Possession near a prohibited place, such as a school
Connecticut has many laws pertaining to possessing and selling controlled substances. Those laws are complex, and they are strict. As a trial-tested Connecticut drug lawyer, I can help you understand what you are facing and prepare a solid defense for your case.
Common Defenses Against Drug Charges in Connecticut
When facing a drug charge, you may feel like you are in a hopeless situation. However, you are not. There are many defenses that may be used in your case, including:
- Unlawful search and seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by not conducting a lawful search and seizure, any evidence seized is inadmissible in court.
- Lack of possession: There are times when more than one person is present at the arrest. For example, a number of people may have been in the same apartment unit. When this is the case, the prosecution often has a difficult time proving who the drugs belonged to.
- Miranda rights violation: Law enforcement must read anyone charged with a crime the Miranda warning and uphold the rights provided within it. When they fail to do either of those things, evidence can be thrown out and the charges may be dropped.
- Presence of drugs: When someone is charged with a drug crime, the prosecution must show the actual drugs a person was found in possession of, or was attempting to sell. If the prosecution no longer has the drugs, typically the charges are thrown out.
- Drug dependency: In Connecticut, being considered a drug dependent person is an effective defense to drug crimes. If you are struggling with drug dependency, I can explain your options for using this as a defense.
While all of these provide effective defenses to drug crimes in Connecticut, no one should ever try to argue them alone. Choosing a qualified Connecticut drug lawyer is the best defense for a successful outcome.
Penalties for Drug Offenses
The penalties for drug crimes in Connecticut are severe. Most include jail time for even a first offense. While the list of drug crimes in the state, and the associated penalties, is very long, below are some of the most common drug crimes and possible sentencing options for a first possession offense.
- Possession of heroin, cocaine, or crack: Maximum of seven years in prison and a maximum $50,000 fine
- Possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana: Maximum of one year in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine
- Possession of more than 4 ounces of marijuana: Maximum of five years in prison and a maximum $2,000 fine
- Possession of methamphetamine: Maximum of one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000
- Possession of hallucinogenic, any amount: Maximum of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $2,000
Drug offenses involving an intent to sell have much stricter penalties. Possible sentencing for a first offense of the most common intent to sell offenses are below.
- Sale of heroin, cocaine, or crack cocaine, any amount, by a drug dependent person: Maximum of 15 years in prison and a maximum $50,000 fine
- Sale of heroin, cocaine, or crack cocaine, any amount, by a non-drug dependent person: Five to 20 years in prison
- Sale of heroin, at least 1 ounce: Five to 20 years in prison
- Sale of cocaine or crack cocaine, minimum 0.5 ounce: Five to 20 years in prison
- Possession of less than 1 kilogram of marijuana with intent to sell: Maximum of seven years in prison
- Possession of more than 1 kilogram of marijuana with intent to sell: Five to 20 years in prison
What to Do If You Are Arrested on a Drug Charge
Being arrested and charged with a drug crime is a scary thing. You're likely confused and don't know what to do next. The steps you take now, though, could greatly affect what happens in your case.
First and foremost, be polite to law enforcement officers and do not try to resist arrest. A drug possession lawyer will try to get your charges dropped or reduced, but you will only make it worse for yourself if you resist arrest. Even if the other charges are dropped, not cooperating with the police could have you facing additional charges that are more difficult to beat.
While it's important that you cooperate with law enforcement, that doesn't mean you should speak to them. Don't say anything, particularly about the alleged offense or any role you had or didn't have. Saying anything to them can be used against you later and can greatly hurt your case. Once you contact an attorney, your lawyer can advise on what statements you can make to the police.
Talk to a Connecticut Drug Charges Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, you need to speak to an experienced drug charge defense lawyer in Connecticut today. Contact attorney Erin Field, and schedule a free consultation to talk about the details of your case.