Drug Possession and Sale Charges are Harsh in Connecticut

 Posted on November 13, 2024 in Drug Charges

In Connecticut, the law cracks down hard on the possession and sale of hard drugs, with the possibility of tens of thousands of dollars in fines and years behind bars. The charges can vary wildly depending on what you were selling, where you were selling, and how much you were carrying. If you have been accused of drug charges in Connecticut, the skilled criminal defense lawyer at Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can represent you in court and make sure your best interests are protected.

Unlawful Marijuana Possession and Sale in Connecticut

Marijuana is legal for recreational usage in Connecticut. However, there are still laws that could land you into hot water if you are found violating them. A person can only have up to five ounces of marijuana at his or her home. The first offense is only a civil infraction, but a second violation is charged as a misdemeanor that will leave you with a criminal record. Additionally, carrying more than one and a half ounces in public is a misdemeanor with the possibility of a year in jail and a fine no greater than $2,000.

You could face felony charges for the unauthorized distribution or cultivation of less than one kilogram of marijuana, with a $25,000 fine and up to seven years in prison. It goes without saying that this is a life-disrupting conviction, and if you face this charge, you should consult with an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

Possession and Sale of Narcotics in Connecticut

The penalties for drug charges become more harsh when "hard drugs" are involved, such as cocaine, crack, and heroin. If you possess any quantity of these illegal substances, you could be saddled with a felony charge with the possibility of seven years in prison and a $50,000 fine. On a second offense, the penalties are doubled, with a maximum 15-year prison sentence and a fine no greater than $100,000.

While the penalties for possession are serious already, the sale of drugs in Connecticut is prosecuted even more harshly. Selling half an ounce of crack or cocaine, or one ounce of heroin or methadone, can be punished by five to 20 years in prison. At a judge’s discretion, you could also receive a life sentence. Furthermore, if the sale took place within 1500 feet of a school, your sentence could be extended by an additional three years. The same penalty applies if you coerce a minor into selling drugs on your behalf.

There are mitigating circumstances where a judge might choose to impose less than the minimum prison sentence. If nobody was hurt or threatened in the crime, you could be granted leniency, but only once on these charges.

Contact a Stamford, CT Drug Defense Lawyer Today

The law is not kind to people who unlawfully possess or sell drugs in Connecticut. When you know that an investigation has been launched against you, whether you have been arrested or not, the best thing you can do is to speak with a lawyer. The Fairfield County, CT criminal defense lawyer at Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner has over four decades of experience, putting up an aggressive defense on behalf of clients charged with serious crimes. To get a free consultation, call 203-348-5846.