Hartford Drug Crimes Attorneys

Lawyers for Drug Possession and Trafficking Charges in Connecticut

Drug-related offenses are prosecuted aggressively in Connecticut, and a conviction can lead to severe penalties, including a lengthy jail sentence, large fines, and a criminal record that will affect your future opportunities. In some cases, drug charges may also result in federal prosecution, which carries even harsher sentences. Whether you are facing charges for drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, or drug trafficking, it is essential to have strong legal representation to protect your rights.

As with domestic violence cases, you could also be charged with risk of injury to a minor if drugs are found in your possession. Child endangerment is a serious felony offense in Connecticut.

At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC in East Hartford, Connecticut, we defend clients against state and federal drug charges. Our firm has extensive experience handling drug-related offenses, including cases involving:

• Heroin
• Cocaine/Crack
• Marijuana/Cannabis
• Ecstasy/MDMA/Molly
• Crystal meth (methamphetamine)
• PCP
• Prescription drugs, including OxyContin, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines

We are committed to providing you with a strong legal defense and exploring all possible options to fight the charges against you. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to participate in diversionary programs, which can result in the dismissal of charges upon successful completion.

When Can a Person Be Charged With Drug Possession?

In general, drug possession charges may apply if you are found with a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Drug possession charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on factors such as the type and quantity of the drug, your criminal history, and where you were arrested, such as near a school or daycare center.

In most cases, a first offense for drug possession will result in Class A misdemeanor charges. If convicted, you could face a jail sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of $2,000. If you are charged with a second or subsequent, you may be classified as a persistent offender, and you could be charged with a Class E felony. If convicted, you could face up to three years in prison, and you could be fined up to $3,500.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

You could be charged with a more serious drug offense if you possessed drugs that police officers or law enforcement officials believed were intended to be sold or distributed to others rather than for your own personal use. Factors that may lead to this charge include:

• Large quantities of drugs
• Packaging materials, such as baggies or vials
• Scales or measuring tools
• Large sums of cash
• Frequent visitors or unusual traffic at a residence

In general, drug distribution charges may apply if you are accused of possessing narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, or at least one kilogram of marijuana with the intent to sell or distribute these drugs. For a first offense, a conviction may lead to a sentence of between five years and 20 years in prison. A second offense may lead to a sentence of between 10 and 25 years.

Drug Manufacturing and Distribution

Charges involving the production, cultivation, or sale of illegal drugs will often carry increased penalties. These charges may apply if you are accused of being involved in:

• Growing or processing marijuana without a state license
• Operating a meth lab or producing synthetic drugs
• Mixing, cutting, or altering drugs for resale
• Selling or distributing drugs to others

In general, the same penalties will apply for drug manufacturing and distribution as for possession with intent to distribute. However, increased penalties may apply if you are accused of selling drugs near a school, public housing, or daycare center.

Drug Trafficking Charges

Some of the most serious drug-related offenses involve the transportation or large-scale distribution of controlled substances. These cases often involve federal authorities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

You could be charged with drug trafficking if you are found with large quantities of drugs, especially if there is evidence of:

• Cross-state transportation of drugs
• Operation of a drug ring or distribution network
• Involvement in organized crime or cartel activity
• Possession of weapons or large amounts of cash

Drug trafficking accusations will often lead to federal charges, and mandatory minimum sentences may apply depending on the types of drugs involved and their quantities. Federal drug cases are often accompanied by asset forfeiture, and the government may seize money, property, or vehicles suspected of being linked to drug activity. To defend against these charges and take steps to recover assets that have been seized, it is important to work with an attorney who has experience representing clients in federal drug crime cases.

Contact Our Hartford, CT Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Our firm is dedicated to providing aggressive representation for clients who are facing drug charges. If you have been arrested for drug possession, manufacture, sale, or trafficking, we can help. Set up your free consultation today by contacting our Hartford drug offenses attorneys at Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC or calling 860-290-8690.

Our flat fees and hourly rates are reasonable. We take credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Our attorneys can meet with you during the evening or on the weekend to ensure that you will receive legal help whenever you need it.