Drug Convictions ▸

Drug convictions involve jail time, fines, probation or perhaps a mixture of all of these penalties.

You are always presumed innocent until proven guilty. You need a criminal lawyer to secure your rights. An experienced criminal defence lawyer will ensure the best outcome possible for their clients. There are several types of charges which can be filed against someone facing charges relating to possession or trafficking drugs and controlled substances. Anyone facing drug charges demands the help of a good lawyer.

Possession

The law in Canada prohibits possession and trafficking of drugs. Illegal drugs can be found in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c. 19). If someone has another person’s prescription medications, they could be charged with a violation. Often people confuse forging of a prescription or falsifying prescription information as drug charges, however, these offences relate to uttering a forced document which is a Provincial offence and not a drug offence.

In most cases, individuals charged with possession of a controlled substance ‘drug’ will face jail or a fine. It is trafficking of a controlled substance or having possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of selling which will surely attract a higher jail sentence.

The scope in penalties varies depending in the type of controlled substance ‘drug’ that is in possession for personal use or for the purpose of trafficking or selling. Drug cases carry significant custodial sentences, therefore, it is very important to choose a lawyer who defends against drug charges.

Manufacture of Illegal Substances

In the opinion of regulators, there’s a substantial gap in merely possessing controlled substances and those who manufacture them. For instance, somebody with a methamphetamine laboratory set up within their garage will face longer jail time than some one with possesses controlled drugs for personal use.

If you’re facing conspiracy, possession or drug trafficking charges, you will need to contact a private criminal defence lawyer personally for representation, especially due to significant jail sentences some offences carry. For example, some trafficking offences carry a jail sentence between 2 year and 10 years.

Given the incredibly lengthy jail sentences, defendants charged with drug offences require a knowledgeable and competent criminal defence lawyer to inform and advise them. During the whole process, make sure to be helpful and available to your legal team, as both of you are working for your liberty.

Condition Regulations

Drug offences could include minor crimes like possession, to trafficking. Each has its particular set of qualifications for conviction. Court procedures vary from Court Jurisdiction to Jurisdiction, it’s almost always a good idea to retain a competent criminal defence lawyer who is local to the Court in which you find yourself answering to the charge(s). Local lawyers have experience dealing with the key figures in the Jurisdiction i.e. Prosecutors, Police Force etc.

Choosing An Attorney

After searching your area to get an available lawyer for drug charges, begin narrowing down the options. Remember you may not have much time and you also want the opportunity to prepare as much as you possibly can. You can narrow down the search by seeking out someone with experienced in the defending against he offence you are charged with. It is not always the lawyer with the best advertisement or online listing that is the best fit for you. Consider contacting a few lawyers and ask questions relating to your case and once you are satisfied with a competent criminal lawyer, retain them. Your lawyer will be very important to you for the entirety of your criminal case, therefore make sure that you find a good lawyer that you believe you can trust and rely upon.

Initial Consultation

Across the way, prepare yourself to answer questions that might arise.

Don’t rush and try to be as thorough as possible; the further information you provide, the better willing your lawyer is likely to soon be. It is in the very best interest to prepare a session whenever possible. Frequently great criminal lawyers do not bill with this first trip as they are hoping to gauge the situation and circumstance. In this setting honesty is the best policy, therefore offer any and all information which may be pertinent to a trial.

After discussing your case, you may want to devote some more time to make your final decision, however, before you leave, arrange for another meeting if need be and confirm any such thing you should be doing for the time being.