Fairfield University Drug Lawyer

In order to secure a positive outcome in your case, it may be necessary to speak with and retain a Fairfield University drug lawyer attorney. With assistance from a top criminal defense attorney, you or your child could be better prepared for the arguments that may be made against you and what consequences you may face as a result.

Possession of Scheduled Drugs and Marijuana

“Controlled substances” in Connecticut are categorized based on the schedules established by the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970—Schedule 1 drugs are considered the most dangerous, while lower-scheduled have fewer addictive properties and may even have legitimate medical uses. Under Connecticut General Statutes §21a-279, possession of any controlled substance—with the exception of one half-ounce or less of marijuana—is a class A misdemeanor offense, punishable upon conviction by no more than a $1,000 fine and one year in jail.

Can I Be Charged for Possessing Paraphernalia?

Possession of any paraphernalia used to inhale or ingest a controlled substance is also a misdemeanor—specifically, a class C offense. If law enforcement suspects that a person intended to or actually did deliver drug paraphernalia to another person, the offenses rises to the level of a class A misdemeanor. A Fairfield University drug attorney could work with an individual plaintiff to contest either type of allegation.

Marijuana is legal to use for medical purposes with a valid prescription and decriminalized to use recreationally. As a result, possession of less than half an ounce of marijuana without a prescription is a civil infraction punishable by a $150 or $500 fine for a first or second offense, respectively. However, possession of more than this amount is treated as a class A misdemeanor, just like possession of other controlled substances.

How Is the Distribution, Sale, and Production of Controlled Substances Treated?

According to CGS §21a-277, making, dispensing, selling, or transporting any narcotic or hallucinogenic controlled substance is a felony offense. If convicted for this offense, a person may face as much as fifteen years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 for a first offense, and up to 30 years and $250,000 for subsequent ones. For other controlled substances, these offenses are punishable by a maximum of seven years in prison and a $25,000 fine, raised to 15 years and $100,000 if convicted again.

That being said, this statute is often reserved for defendants who are considered dependent on the drugs they were caught with. Under CGS §21a-278, a non-drug-dependent person convicted of selling, manufacturing, or distributing controlled substances may face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years to life in prison, depending on the specific substance(s) involved.

Furthermore, CGS §21a-278a allows for anyone convicted of distributing drugs to a minor to have three years added onto whatever sentence they receive in accordance with the provisions of CGS §§21a-277 and 21a-278. Representation from a seasoned drug defense lawyer is especially crucial for anyone at Fairfield University accused of this offense.

How Can I Address Academic Sanctions for Drugs?

Students at Fairfield University are expected to refrain from using, possessing, or selling controlled substances or drug paraphernalia on campus, or in school-owned buildings. Depending on the specific offense alleged, students found to have violated this section of the Student Handbook may be required to attend drug counseling, be subject to random drug testing, and may face other sanctions up to and including suspension and expulsion.

While disciplinary hearings at the school level proceed differently and separately from criminal cases, a drug lawyer can still be able to help an accused Fairfield University student or their parents work to mitigate potential academic consequences.

Speak with a Fairfield University Drug Attorney as Soon as Possible

A dedicated Fairfield University drug attorney lawyer could work tirelessly on your or your child’s behalf to pursue a beneficial resolution to both a criminal case and any related academic sanctions. To learn more, call and schedule a consultation with Mark Sherman Law today in which to discuss your case.