Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys Providing Compassionate Yet Aggressive Representation

You are not alone if you or someone you know is facing charges of possession of narcotics, possession of a hallucinogen or possession with intent to sell. Many people accused of Connecticut drug offenses are not caught up in drugs for financial gain. Instead, they might be struggling with addiction and trying to support their habit out of desperation. If you face charges related to narcotics possession or possession with intent to sell, you must seek the guidance of a compassionate criminal defense lawyer who can help you better understand your charges and explore your options.

Our attorneys at The Maddox Law Firm, LLC, work closely with clients to develop a strong defense strategy to manage and resolve their drug charges. For some people arrested for narcotics and related offenses, diversion from prosecution and ultimate dismissal may be available through the Drug Education and Community Service Program.

Examples Of Offenses Involving Narcotics And Hallucinogens

Connecticut law distinguishes between simple possession of drugs and possession with intent to sell. Being accused of drug possession means controlling any narcotic substance, excluding marijuana. Substances may include:

• Prescription drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin and Adderall
• Street drugs like cocaine, heroin and Molly
• Methadone possessed outside of a clinic setting
• Hallucinogens like mushrooms, acid and LSD

The consequences can be severe, including potential mandatory minimum jail sentences and high fines. One Connecticut drug law even includes the possibility of a life sentence. Despite how far we have come to understand narcotics addiction as a medical, neurological and psychological problem, Connecticut narcotics laws and their severe potential penalties can be very intimidating.

Consequences For First And Second Offenses And Enhancements

If you are found guilty of narcotics possession (not marijuana) for the first time, it is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. Subsequent offenses can move the allegations into the felony range.

The consequences are even more severe if caught possessing narcotics near specific locations, such as schools or public housing projects. If you are caught possessing narcotics within 1500 feet of a school, licensed day care center, or public housing project, conviction could result in mandatory jail time, which cannot be reduced or suspended by a judge or prosecutor. An experienced, skilled legal team can defend these allegations and find the best way to remove you from mandatory jail time penalties.

Drug Crimes Defense Options And Mitigating Factors

There are defenses available in drug crimes cases, particularly where police allege “constructive possession.” This is when you do not physically hold or possess drugs, but police allege that you controlled them or had what the law calls dominion and control. How your legal team analyzes and defends constructive possession can be the difference between incarceration and freedom.

If you are charged with possession of drugs in Connecticut, the allegations may also be subject to mitigation. Mitigation is information that may explain why someone engaged in a specific alleged offense, even if that information is not an actual defense. When it comes to drugs, addiction would be mitigation.

Possession With Intent To Sell

Police and prosecutors try to prove intent to sell narcotics based upon one or more of the following.

1. The weight of drugs seized: The greater the weight, the less likely it may appear to be for personal use
2. Packaging: A large number of zip lock bags, for instance, or tied-off sandwich bag corners may also suggest an intent to sell instead of simple possession
3. The presence of large amounts of cash
4. The presence of cutting agents
5. Cellphone and computer records of texts or other communications offered to allege drug transactions
6. Possession of firearms and ammunition, which are offered to allege that drug selling is frequently associated with firearm possession

If you are prosecuted for selling drugs in Connecticut and cannot show proof of your dependence upon drugs at the time of the alleged offense, penalties are far harsher. A conviction for possession with intent to sell narcotics, hallucinogens or sale by a nondrug-dependent person carries a minimum mandatory jail sentence of five years.

Seek Skilled Legal Advocacy In Your Drug Crimes Case

You will only be able to evaluate the many evidentiary and technical issues involved in your defense with the assistance of a skilled, experienced, passionate defense lawyer. Our experienced narcotic and hallucinogen possession attorneys at The Maddox Law Firm have defended clients in some of Connecticut’s most prominent drug cases. Their combined criminal litigation experience is over 70 years.

We are dedicated to creating a solid and vigorous defense for cases involving possession or possession with intent to sell drugs. To discuss your legal options in an initial consultation, you can contact us online or call (203) 822-6610.

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