Norwalk Drug Lawyer

You should speak with a Norwalk drug lawyer immediately if you have been charged with possessing or distributing a controlled substance, or another type of drug-related charge. With the help of a top criminal attorney, it may be possible to minimize the prosecution’s charges against you or possibly get them dropped.

What Are Some Defenses Against Drug Charges?

There may be several defenses that an attorney in Norwalk could use to fight back against your drug charges. For example, if the drugs were located due to an illegal search and seizure or the controlled substance(s) belonged to another person, these could be viable defenses to mitigate your charges.

Likewise, if the individual felt forced to engage in the alleged drug violation, entrapment could be a defense option. The attorney from the prosecutor’s office has the burden of proof to establish a drug charge beyond a reasonable doubt. A lawyer would employ all defenses applicable to the accused’s charges that could shed doubt on these allegations.

How Does Connecticut Treat Common Drug Offenses?

Connecticut law recognizes and punishes an array of different drug crimes. These offenses include possessing a drug to sell it, possession of an illegal substance, drug paraphernalia charges, and drug trafficking.

The following are among the most common drug crimes charged in the state of Connecticut, along with their associated penalties. Speak with a Norwalk drug attorney to learn more about the penalties associated with a particular charge.

Is Marijuana Heavily Penalized?

The penalties for marijuana possession are based on the amount of the drug the individual has with them when arrested. For example, someone charged with possessing four ounces or less of marijuana would face a maximum fine amount of $1,000 and/or 12 months in prison. Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 21a-279a.

For any additional convictions, however, the fine amount would be raised up to $3,000, and the individual can be incarcerated for as long as five years. Fines and prison terms increased based on the quantity of marijuana possessed.

The penalties for possessing marijuana with intent to sell depend on the amount of the substance in question. For instance, possessing one kilo or marijuana or more with intent to sell would be met with a term of incarceration not exceeding 20 years. Fines would also apply. C.G.S. §21a-278 and §21a-278a.

How Are Narcotics Treated?

Possession of narcotics, like heroin or crack, is more serious and penalized more severely. For a first conviction, fines range as high as $50,000, and you can face a maximum period of imprisonment of seven years.

For narcotics possession with intent to sell, a first conviction would mean fines as high as $50,000, and a jail term of no more than 15 years. For a second conviction, a maximum jail term of 30 years would apply, and the individual could be fined up to $100,000 (see Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 21a-277).

How Are Hallucinogenic Crimes Defined?

Hallucinogenic substances are another standard class of drugs, including PCP and LSD. The maximum period of imprisonment for possession of a hallucinogenic range from five to 10 years. Fines could be as high as $5,000 for repeat offenses.

What Are the Penalties for Amphetamine-Related Offenses?

Possessing an amphetamine kind of drug or methamphetamine is punishable by no more than $1,000 in fines and/or 12 months in jail for the first offense. A second conviction would be followed by fines not to exceed $3,000 and/or no more than five years in prison.

Speak with a Norwalk Drug Attorney Today

Regardless of the drug charge you are facing, you need a Norwalk drug lawyer on your side from day one.

Contact Mark Sherman Law today for your confidential case consultation.