Bridgeport Drug Lawyer
Connecticut is one of many states nationwide to legalize the possession and use of recreational marijuana by adult residents over the age of 21. State legislators have also taken steps in recent years to lessen the penalties associated with possession of other controlled substances for personal use. However, possession of specific amounts of a controlled substance can still be prosecuted harshly as possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, selling, or trafficking controlled substances.
If you are facing criminal charges involving drugs of any kind, you should strongly consider reaching out to a Bridgeport drug lawyer for help with your impending criminal proceedings. From negotiating with court authorities on your behalf to seeking favorable dispositions in the event of a conviction or guilty plea, a knowledgeable Bridgeport defense attorney is an irreplaceable ally from start to finish.
Understanding Drug Possession Charges
Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) § 21a-279, defines possession of any amount of a controlled substance, other than cannabis, as a Class A Misdemeanor offense. If convicted, a person could face penalties of up to $2,000 in fines and one year in jail. The statute does carve out numerous exceptions, allowing for courts to consider and prioritize counseling and drug treatment programs as alternatives to criminal sentencing whenever possible, for defendants considered to be drug dependent. This exception is something a Bridgeport drug defense attorney can fight to help you achieve during your criminal proceedings.
It is important to understand that while recreational use of marijuana and other cannabis products is legal in Connecticut, individual residents can only possess a maximum of one-and-a-half ounces of cannabis plant material or derivative substances at a time. Possession of more than this amount may result in monetary fines being assessed under C.G.S. § 21-279a or, for repeat offenders, they could face criminal charges, such as Class D or Class C Misdemeanors.
Enhanced Penalties for Drug Distribution and Manufacturing
Conversely, someone accused of manufacturing, distributing, selling, unlawfully prescribing, or otherwise dispensing controlled substances other than marijuana may face extremely harsh punishments commensurate with high-level felonies upon conviction. More specifically, C.G.S. § 21a-277 allows courts to impose maximum penalties of $25,000 in fines and up to 7 years in prison on anyone convicted of doing any of those things with a controlled substance other than narcotics, hallucinogens, or cannabis.
The maximum penalties for distribution, manufacture, or sale of narcotics or hallucinogens, increases to $50,000 in fines and up to 15 years in prison. C.G.S. § 21a-278 allows for life sentences to be imposed against non-drug-dependent people convicted of selling or distributing certain amounts of specific substances. Finally, as a drug defense lawyer in Bridgeport can affirm, all these penalties mentioned here apply only to first-time offenders, as harsher punishments may be imposed on people with one or more previous convictions for drug offenses on their record.
Work With a Bridgeport Drug Attorney for a Strong Defense
No two criminal cases are exactly alike, and that is especially true for cases involving controlled substances. Depending on the circumstances, a drug-related criminal charge can be prosecuted as anywhere from a non-criminal offense punishable by only a small fine to a life-altering felony carrying decades of prison time.
If you want to get the best possible case result under circumstances like this, it will be all but essential to have help from a qualified Bridgeport drug lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases. Call Mark Sherman Law today to learn more, and click here to read certified reviews left by satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile.