Trinity College Drug Possession Lawyer
It is important to ensure your rights are upheld when facing any sort of drug-related criminal allegation or student conduct violation, which in turn means it is also usually important to retain a top drug defense attorney. A seasoned Trinity College drug possession lawyer could explain the charges you or your child are facing, walk you through your defense options, and stand by your side through every step of your case.
How does Connecticut Treat Drug Possession Charges?
Prior to 2015, possession of any drug listed in the federal Controlled Substances Act was punishable as a felony in Connecticut, meaning people convicted of even a first offense could face steep fines and several years in prison. Now, though, the state enforces a more lenient standard—under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §21a-279, possession of any controlled substance other than half an ounce or less of marijuana is a class A misdemeanor, for which the maximum possible penalties would be one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
In addition, since recreational marijuana has been decriminalized in Connecticut, possessing less than a half-ounce is considered a civil infraction rather than a prosecutable crime, punishable by only a fine of $150 for a first offense and $500 for a second offense. However, possession of more than this amount qualifies as a class A misdemeanor.
What Happens If I Was Carrying Drugs Near a School?
While possessing any controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a child-care center or a public school is still a class A misdemeanor, CGS §21a-279(b) mandates at least some jail time—as well as a period of probation—for anyone convicted of this particular type of offense. A Trinity College drug possession attorney can offer clarification about how this or any other extenuating circumstances may impact the outcome of a case.
What If I Am Addicted to a Substance?
As part of an effort to treat drug-dependent people more compassionately, Connecticut state law allows courts to refrain from prosecuting people charged with drug possession under certain circumstances. Talking to a drug possession lawyer can help clarify whether these exceptions apply to a particular case involving a Trinity College student.
If someone is convicted of drug possession for a second time, or if they habitually ingest any controlled substance through inhalation or drinking, a court can require them to participate in substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation rather than levying criminal penalties. Furthermore, if someone seeks medical assistance for themselves or someone else based on a good-faith belief that an overdose is occurring, CGS §21a-279(d) grants them immunity from prosecution based on any evidence of drug possession acquired while medical assistance is being provided.
However, this immunity does not apply if someone seeks medical assistance for an overdose during a legitimate police investigation or the execution of a search warrant. In the same vein, people convicted of drug possession multiple times may be considered “persistent offenders” as per CGS §53a-40, allowing for courts to pursue much harsher penalties upon conviction.
Furthermore, there are separate school sanctioned consequences that need to be considered and planned for, and a Trinity College defense attorney lawyer can help.
How Can I Contest Student Conduct Violations?
According to Trinity College’s Student Handbook, the College reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any student charged with or convicted of a felonious drug offense in Connecticut. While a single possession charge may not always result in academic sanctions, students and parents should both be aware that it is a possibility.
While legal counsel cannot accompany a student into any disciplinary hearing overseen by Trinity College, they can help prepare for such a meeting and ensure that the student takes advantage of the rights guaranteed to them by the Student Handbook. Since academic sanctions may be levied against a student no matter what the outcome of their criminal case is, seeking professional legal help may be crucial to avoiding being censured, suspended, or even expelled.
Talk to a Trinity College Drug Possession Attorney About Legal Options
Retaining skilled legal counsel is often essential to achieving a positive resolution in this kind of situation. To find out what a knowledgeable Trinity College drug possession attorney lawyer could do for you, call Mark Sherman Law today.