Hartford Drug & Narcotic Crime Defense Attorneys
Representing Hartford & Manchester clients accused of state and federal drug crimes
A drug crime conviction in Connecticut comes with serious penalties. Further, as the opioid crisis in America rages on, many state and federal prosecutors are calling for murder and manslaughter charges against individuals who supply users with fatal amounts of drugs. If you find yourself facing drug or narcotics charges or an investigation, you need knowledgeable and smart legal support.
As drug laws continue to shift and change with legislation like decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana and the Connecticut Good Samaritan Law, you need Hartford criminal defense attorneys who understand every nuance. At Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC, we have decades of experience working within the local court systems and work nonstop to defend your freedom and your future. Talk to us today to find out how we can help you.
Drug and narcotic laws in Hartford, CT
Connecticut’s drug laws are much the same as federal drug laws, but in the state the courts have more flexibility in sentencing. Under Connecticut G.S. Chapter 420b, it’s illegal to:
- Possess drugs, like narcotics, hallucinogens, prescription drugs without a prescription, certain amounts of marijuana, and other controlled substances
- Sell or distribute drugs
- Participate in trafficking drugs
- Possess drugs with the intent to sell
- Possess drug paraphernalia like scales and needles
- Operate a drug factory or house
There are many different types of drugs out there and, therefore, several types of drug schedules.
Different types of drugs fall into different types of drug schedules.
Classification of drug schedules
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes drugs into five different schedules, depending on the drug’s medical use and its potential for dependency or abuse. Schedule I drugs carry the highest penalties. These categories are as follows:
- Schedule I. These drugs, substances and chemicals have no current medical use and a high potential for abuse. Examples of these drugs and narcotics include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone and peyote.
- Schedule II. Also considered dangerous with a high potential for abuse and dependence, these substances include combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin), cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall and Ritalin.
- Schedule III. These drugs are considered to have a moderate to low potential for dependence and include products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone.
- Schedule IV. Defined as drugs with a low potential for abuse or dependence, these include Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien and Tramadol.
- Schedule V. Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse and typically consist of medications with limited amounts of narcotics. Examples include cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters (Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica and Parepectolin.
Our drug crime defense attorneys can answer any questions you have about your specific situation. Just ask.
Possession of marijuana in CT
Although Connecticut’s laws on marijuana have recently loosened, pot is still an illegal drug. However, possession of less than a half-ounce is now a criminal violation rather than a misdemeanor. Possession of more than a half-ounce can result in a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstance.
Even with decriminalization, it’s still important to consult with a qualified attorney to avoid having marijuana charges on your record.
What are the penalties for drug and narcotic crimes in Hartford?
As we stated above, Schedule I drugs have the most serious penalties, followed by Schedule II and so on. Depending on the drug, the amount and the intent, the crime you’re accused of may carry heavy fines and significant jail time. Get an experienced defense attorney involved from the start building an effective defense.
Depending on your particular situation, the outcome of your case could vary from a weekend in jail to several years in prison. Having skilled representation makes all the difference – talk to our Hartford law firm to find out all the possible penalties and outcomes for your case, and we’ll do all we can to lessen those penalties and help you walk away with your freedom and rights intact.
If convicted of a drug crime, you may face some of the following penalties:
- Possession of a controlled substance may result in fines from $150 to $500, drug education and drivers’ license suspension
- Possession of narcotics (like cocaine or heroin) may lead to fines of $50,000 to $250,000 and from seven to 25 years in prison, depending on the offense
- Possession of illegal drugs within 1,500 feet of a school or daycare sentence is assigned mandatory jail time of two years
- Sale or intent to sell a controlled substance varies on the type and amount of drug, but typically involves mandatory minimums and fines of up to $50,000
How can our drug crime defense attorneys help?
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a drug crime – or if you’ve discovered you’re under investigation – it’s time to consult with a lawyer. Our in-depth knowledge of criminal law gives us a head start on your case, investigating the finer details about your case. We look for improperly handled evidence and any breach of authority in our efforts to have your charges minimized or dropped. More importantly, we work to clear your name.
We handle the following types of cases and more:
- Cultivation and manufacturing
- Driving under influence
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Drugs in a school zone
- Heroin/Fentanyl
- Intent to sell and distribute
- Marijuana possession
- Prescription drug fraud
Our lawyers aggressively fight these charges on your behalf, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and mounting a strong defense.
Tenacious Hartford drug crime defense attorneys
A drug crime conviction can put your freedom and your future on hold. Drug laws are changing constantly, and you need strong representation on your side. The criminal defense attorneys at Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC fight to protect your civil rights and secure a successful outcome for your case. Get in touch with us today. We’re located right off I-84 or I-384 in Manchester. To schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers in Hartford or Manchester, please call 860-649-4400 or fill out our contact form.