Drug crimes in Connecticut have serious consequences. Even good people who make simple mistakes, such as possessing marijuana, may suffer serious penalties without the right attorney for the drug crimes they have been charged with. At Lingenfelter Law, our drug possession defense attorneys have decades of experience helping clients charged with drug crimes maneuver through the system to come out substantially unscathed. If you need our help, please call our firm for a free consultation.
Drug crimes in Connecticut
In Connecticut, it is a crime to manufacture, distribute, possess, sell, or possess with the intent to sell a controlled substance. You may be charged with drug possession if you are in possession of narcotics, hallucinogens, marijuana, or any other illegal drug. Selling or possessing drugs with the intent to sell within 200 feet of an elementary or secondary school, a licensed child care center, or a public housing project can carry an enhanced, consecutive mandatory sentence under Connecticut law.
Penalties for drug crimes include fines and significant jail time up to life imprisonment, depending on the crime. You may also face probation, license suspension, required completion of a drug abuse treatment program, installation of an ignition interlock device, and mandatory community service. Because the penalties for drug crimes are severe, it is essential to seek representation from a drug possession lawyer in Hartford County, CT, immediately if you are being investigated or arrested for a drug crime. At Lingenfelter Law, we take an aggressive stance from the outset to protect your rights by meticulously examining all evidence and building a strong case for your defense.
Diversionary programs and alternatives to trial
Our firm knows how to present evidence and arguments that enable clients to avoid prosecution and have the charges against them dismissed through the successful completion of an alternative or diversionary program. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to help clients qualify for and seek admittance to many diversionary programs:
- Accelerated Pretrial Rehabilitation programs
- Supervised diversionary programs
- Pre-trial Alcohol Education programs
- Pre-trial Drug Education programs
- Community Service Labor programs
- Youthful Offender programs
- Treatment of drug- or alcohol-dependent offenders instead of prosecution
In addition to diversionary programs, there are alternative programs:
- Community service granted by the Community Court in Hartford instead of jail time in certain cases, including simple marijuana possession
- Drug Intervention Program enrollment for nonviolent, drug-dependent people, which may include regular court attendance, drug testing, daily supervision, and/or completion of recommended treatment and services, including detoxification, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and vocational and educational training.
Marijuana Charges
Connecticut has legalized adult-use recreational marijuana. Adults 21 and older may possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, and licensed retail sales began in January 2023. However, penalties still apply for offenses such as possession by those under 21, possession of amounts above the legal limit, sale without a license, and driving under the influence of cannabis.
Contact Our Connecticut Drug Possession Defense Attorneys
If you have been arrested on drug charges in Hartford County, Connecticut, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced legal team as soon as possible. For decades, Lingenfelter Law has proudly represented clients throughout Connecticut when they have been charged with a crime. Our firm has the skills needed to help you in your case. Contact our office today to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.