It Is Possible to Fight Your Drug Possession Charges

Have you been charged with marijuana possession, cocaine possession, crack possession, heroine possession or illegal possession of another drug or controlled substance? Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to reduce your charges or dismiss them all together. Connecticut law is tough on drug crime defendants, but there are ways to defend against drug possession charges or negotiate for alternative sentencing options.

Contact an experienced Connecticut lawyer for drug possession defense. Attorney Donald Howard has years of experience, including experience defending students trying heroin for the first time and individuals who the criminal justice system calls "repeat offenders." Call 844-785-5336 to learn how he can help you.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Connecticut?

First-time drug possession penalties in Connecticut include:

• Possession of narcotics (heroin or cocaine) - up to seven years in jail and $50,000 in fines
• Possession of marijuana - more than one-half and up to four ounces: up to one year in jail/$1,000 in fines. More than four ounces: up to five years in jail/$2,000 in fines. Possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana is now an infraction punishable with a fine but no jail time and no criminal record.
• Possession of methamphetamine (meth) - up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines
• Possession of prescription drugs - varied penalties, depending on the drug's classification

If this is your second or subsequent offense, you face even greater penalties. For simple marijuana possession, for example, you can face up to five years in jail and $3,000 in fines.

What Are the Defenses to Drug Possession Charges?

Even if a police officer found pot on your body, it is still possible to defend against your marijuana possession charges, such as showing:

• You were legally authorized to possess a small amount of marijuana due to a debilitating medical condition (Connecticut's medical marijuana law)
• The police officers illegally searched for and seized the drugs (illegal search and seizure)
• Your traffic stop and search were unconstitutional
• The officers' search warrant lacked probable cause or was granted on false information
• The officers search went outside of the bounds of the search warrant
• You did not possess the drug

Attorney Donald Howard will thoroughly investigate your drug possession case to determine whether these or other defenses are available to you and whether your charges should be dismissed.

Even when the drug possession charges cannot be dismissed, Attorney Howard has extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors for a better solution, including suspension of prosecution due to addiction and diversionary programs such as the Drug Education and Community Service Program (DE&CSP). Through these programs, you may be able to clear your record of your charge and avoid time in jail.

Contact an Experienced Attorney for Drug Charges Defense

For a free consultation with the Howard Law Firm, LLC, call us toll free at 844-785-5336or send us an e-mail . From our law offices in Hartford, New Britain, and Rockville, we represent clients throughout Connecticut.