New Haven Drug Lawyer

Over the past few years, Connecticut has made significant changes to its criminal laws concerning the possession of controlled substances for personal use. Despite these reforms, law enforcement and criminal courts continue to take a stringent approach to many drug-related offenses, particularly those involving the sale or distribution of controlled substances.

If you are facing criminal allegations related to illegal drugs, contacting an experienced New Haven drug lawyer should be your top priority. Throughout your legal proceedings, a skilled defense attorney from Mark Sherman Law will work diligently to protect your rights and advocate vigorously to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

What Factors Affect the Severity of a Drug Charge?

Connecticut state law treats the possession of illicit substances as a less severe offense compared to manufacturing, distributing, or possessing drugs with the intent to distribute. For example, possession of a controlled substance for personal use is classified as a Class A misdemeanor under Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) §21a-279. In contrast, individuals involved in manufacturing, distributing, transporting, or possessing controlled substances with the intent to sell are prosecuted under C.G.S. §21a-277and may face substantial prison sentences if convicted.

It is important to note that Connecticut law imposes increasingly severe penalties for individuals convicted of multiple drug offenses. Repeat offenders could face felony-level sanctions rather than misdemeanor penalties. Additionally, C.G.S. §21a-279 allows courts the discretion to suspend prosecution for drug possession offenses in favor of mandatory substance abuse treatment for defendants deemed “drug-dependent.” A New Haven drug defense attorney can provide further details on how these provisions might apply to your case.

Constructing Strong Defense Strategies Against Drug Penalties

In addition to negotiating for alternative sentencing arrangements, such as mandatory substance abuse treatment, skilled legal counsel can also mount a strong defense against drug charges through more traditional legal strategies. For example, if a drug possession charge arose from evidence obtained through an illegal search of your residence or vehicle, our team may be able to challenge the admissibility of that evidence in court, potentially leading to its exclusion from the proceedings.

Similarly, charges of possession with intent to distribute are often based on circumstantial and subjective evidence. This might include items like “baggies” found in a private home, which are purportedly indicative of an intent to sell the substances in question. In such cases, the expertise of a knowledgeable drug defense lawyer in New Haven is crucial for effectively addressing these allegations and challenging the evidence against you.

Get Legal Help From a New Haven Drug Attorney

No two criminal cases are exactly alike, particularly when it comes to drug-related offenses. Even a slight difference in the quantity of drugs can significantly impact the severity of the charges and the potential penalties. Factors such as your criminal history and whether the court views you as an addict versus someone who uses drugs occasionally or for personal gain also play a crucial role in determining the charges and penalties you might face.

Fortunately, you can rely on the expertise of a New Haven drug lawyer with a proven track record in handling a wide range of drug-related cases. At Mark Sherman Law, we have successfully represented numerous clients facing drug charges and are dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome for each case. To find out how we can assist you, call us today or visit Avvo.com to read reviews from past clients about their experiences working with us by clicking here.