Connecticut Drug Crimes Lawyer
Drug arrests in Connecticut can carry extremely stiff and mandatory jail penalties. Even a minor drug conviction can leave you with a permanent criminal record, while more serious offenses can carry hefty fines and jail time.
If you are facing drug charges in CT—whether for illegal possession of marijuana, prescription drugs, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, or for selling or delivering drugs—you need a top Connecticut drug lawyer by your side.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Drug Arrest?
Absolutely. Any of the best Connecticut drug defense attorneys can protect your rights from the very beginning of your drug case. They can explain your defense strategy options so that you can make informed decisions, and fight tirelessly to reduce your penalties or even have your charges dismissed entirely. Talk with a top attorney today to learn more about your rights, and for help navigating Connecticut’s complex drug laws and legal system.
Understanding the Drug Laws in Connecticut
Under Connecticut law, it is illegal to:
- Possess drugs, including narcotics, prescription drugs without a proper prescription, hallucinogens, and some other controlled substances
- Possess drug paraphernalia, such as, scales, and miniature spoons
- Sell or distribute drugs illegally
- Possess drugs with the intent to sell them illegally
- Participate in drug trafficking
- Operate a drug factory
What are the Jail Penalties in CT for Drug Possession with Intent to Sell?
Penalties for drug possession arrests in Connecticut depend on where the offense took place, the types and amounts of drugs involved, whether it is a first offense, and the circumstances of the crime.
For example, if you are 21 or over and in possession of more than an ounce and a half of marijuana, this is not considered a crime, but it is instead punishable by a $100 fine for the first offense and up to a $250 fine for a second offense. A person over 18 but under 21 will face stiffer fines and potentially criminal charges for larger amounts of marijuana possessed.
Having a hallucinogenic drug such as LSD can carry penalties ranging from five years in jail and a $2,000 fine to a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Additionally, possessing heroin or cocaine can carry maximum penalties of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Further, possessing illegal drugs within 200 feet of a school or day care center carries a mandatory jail sentence, in addition to the fines and jail time for possessing the drug.
Connecticut Arrests for Drug Paraphernalia Possession & Jail Penalties
Possessing drug paraphernalia including equipment, products, or accessories used to make, conceal, or use illegal drugs is a Class C misdemeanor and can lead to a maximum of three months in jail. Selling this paraphernalia is a more serious Class A misdemeanor with a maximum prison sentence of one year.
Contact a Connecticut Drug Attorney Today
A drug conviction in Connecticut does not just come with potential fines and jail time—it also results in a permanent criminal record, negatively impacting your offline and online reputations, and even jeopardizing your job, scholarship, immigration status, or professional license.
Fortunately, any of the best Connecticut drug lawyers can help you with your case and do everything possible to protect your rights and help you get the best outcome possible. Contact our team today to find out how they can assist you.