New Canaan Drug Lawyer
If the police suspect you of committing a drug crime, it can be very helpful to talk to a New Canaan drug lawyer for advice before speaking with the cops. A top criminal defense lawyer can help you understand how to avoid forfeiting your rights and defend against the charges.
How Can an Attorney Build a Defense?
The prosecution in a drug case must prove each and every element of the crime or crimes charged, beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a very high burden to meet. Very often, the most effective defense strategy involves presenting evidence or asking questions that cast doubt on one or more elements of a crime. Alternatively, a defense could also be mounted on procedural grounds by showing that the police obtained evidence through an illegal search. A lawyer who understands what is and is not constitutionally acceptable can help you successfully push one of these defenses.
How Can Someone Receive a Drug Charge?
Police may charge many different offenses in a drug case. It is vital to pay attention to each crime and defend against each charge accordingly.
A drug lawyer in New Canaan can defend you if you were accused of offenses such as:
- Conspiracy to manufacture drugs
- Possession with intent to distribute drugs
- Manufacture, sale or distribution of drugs
- Possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia
- Selling fake drugs
- Forging drug prescriptions
- Illegal possession of marijuana
Is Marijuana Legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Marijuana possession is now legal in Connecticut for those users 21 years of age and older. However, if you possess too much marijuana (over an ounce and a half in most circumstances) you will be issued a ticket if caught. Anyone under the age of 21 cannot possess marijuana at all and will be issued a ticket if found to be in possession of even a small amount. Those found guilty of illegally possessing marijuana in violation of Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §21a-279a will have a violation on their record if they pay the fine.
Are the Consequences of a Conviction Straight Forward?
Penalties for drug offenses can vary tremendously. In part, the variations are due to the nature of the offense. An individual will be subject to a heavier fine for manufacturing drugs than for simply possessing a minuscule quantity for personal use.
The other critical factors in determining the penalty for drug offenses often have to do with the type of substance involved and the quantity at issue in a case. If someone is found to be in possession of a large amount of drugs, there is often an assumption that the person is involved in manufacturing or distributing the substances. When the quantity is exceptional, the government may also assume that more people are involved, and the penalties increase accordingly.
Further, depending on the facts of the case, a drug charge can involve both the state and federal government. Because of these complexities, hiring an attorney can be very helpful to understanding your charges and to building a strong defense.
Contact a New Canaan Drug Attorney
It is a good idea to contact a New Canaan drug lawyer as soon as possible regardless of whether your charge is a minor possession violation or a serious felony. Representation by an attorney is tremendously helpful at the beginning of a case when you may otherwise be tricked into saying something that can be used against you. To learn more about how a defense lawyer can fight to help you reach a positive outcome, call Mark Sherman Law now.