Facing a drug charge is frightening, and with good reason. In Connecticut, many drug offenses are felonies, which means that if you are convicted you could spend years -even decades- in a state or federal prison. If you are arrested or believe that you are about to be, contact a Connecticut criminal defense attorney who will build a solid case for you and defend your rights.

What are Connecticut’s Drug Laws?

Under state law, it is illegal for you to:

• Distribute or sell drugs
• Be involved in drug trafficking
• Manufacture drugs
• Possess drugs with the intent to sell
• Possess or sell controlled substances
• Possess or sell drug paraphernalia
  

Penalties for a drug crime conviction will depend on the circumstances of the alleged crime, including the type of drug involved, the amount, and whether it is your first offense. Below is an overview of more common drug crimes and the consequences of a conviction:

• Sale or possession with intent to sell a narcotic or hallucinogen: A first offense can send you to prison for up to 15 years and require you to pay a $50,000 fine. The penalties intensify if it is not your first conviction. For other controlled substances, the first-time penalty is up to seven years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
• Illegal distribution of a controlled substance to a minor: Adults selling controlled substances to minors who are at least two years younger face a minimum of two years in jail, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia: Possessing a bong, cocaine spoon, or other item of drug paraphernalia is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by three months in jail. If you sell these items, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor.
• Possession of a controlled substance near a prohibited place: In this instance, a prohibited place refers to a public or private elementary or secondary school, a public housing project, or a licensed daycare center. If you are found guilty of selling or possessing with the intent to sell any controlled substance in or on, or within 1500 feet of such a place, you face a mandatory minimum of three years in jail.
  

With some drug offenses, there is always the risk that federal charges will be brought against you as well. The United States Attorney’s Office in Connecticut could decide to exercise jurisdiction over your case, especially if large amounts of drugs and interstate sales are allegedly involved. Federal penalties and mandatory minimum prison sentences are notoriously tougher than state ones.

No drug charges should be faced without first obtaining skilled and experienced legal representation. If you are a drug dependent person (defined as having a psychoactive substance dependence on drugs), it can be treated as a mitigating circumstance and result in a less severe punishment. Your attorney can help you get into a pretrial diversionary program that seals your file and results in the dismissal of the charges upon completion. If you don’t fall into this category, there are different ways to challenge the evidence against you and get the charges reduced or dropped.

At The Sills Law Firm, we have successfully defended numerous clients facing serious drug crime charges. We will ensure that your future is not jeopardized by unfair charges or manipulative prosecution tactics, so that you have the best chance of a positive case resolution. For a free initial consultation and case review, contact us.

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