State law harshly punishes offenses related to illegal drugs, regardless of a person’s intent. It is also against the law to possess prescription medications without a doctor’s note. However, the idea of possession can be complicated under the law. In addition, allegations involving the supposed distribution of these substances often rely on flimsy evidence.

If you are facing substance-related charges, let a Hartford drug lawyer represent you. An attorney at our firm could help dispute your supposed possession or distribution of these substances or argue that your presence in a drug treatment program is a better option than time spent in jail.

State Laws for Drug Charges in Hartford

Although the State has legalized small amounts of marijuana for personal use, the alleged possession of other drugs can still be the basis for an arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Possession of Illegal Substances

Under Connecticut General Statute § 21a-279, it is illegal to possess any street drug or controlled substance without a doctor’s prescription. This includes amounts of marijuana in excess of the amount labeled for personal use under the new laws. Possessing any amount of cocaine, heroin, or another street drug, or even a single dose of prescription medication is also illegal. Convictions under this statute are class A misdemeanors, meaning that a court may sentence up to one year in jail.

Drug Distribution Charges

Even more concerning are allegations that a person has distributed illegal drugs in the community. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-277, these cases are always felonies, and even a first conviction can result in a prison sentence as long as 15 years. A local attorney could provide more information about the state’s drug laws and what a prosecutor must prove in court to obtain a conviction.

Fighting Back Against Allegations Involving Illegal Drugs

All people facing criminal charges related to illegal drugs can and should contest the allegations at trial. The prosecutor always bears the burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt. A Hartford drug lawyer could help debate the legality of police work that led to the collection of evidence and call the recollection of witnesses into question. This could be crucial in defeating the prosecutor’s case at trial or achieving a reduction in the severity of charges.

Drug Treatment Programs

State law also offers an alternative to criminal penalties for some individuals facing simple possession charges. The courts can order that a defendant enter a drug treatment program instead of jail time. However, this is only an option if a defendant can show that they have a dependency on the drugs in question and the charges allege simple possession rather than distribution. A lawyer could provide more information about drug programs and help Hartford defendants pursue this option.

Speak with a Hartford Drug Attorney Today

Drug cases are serious matters under state law. A case involving the simple possession of an illegal substance is a criminal matter where a conviction will create a criminal record and could result in jail time. Any case alleging the distribution of these substances is a felony that can bring a multiple-year prison sentence.

A Hartford drug lawyer could work tirelessly to help you avoid these outcomes. At Ruane Attorneys, our team could evaluate the police work that led to an arrest, discover holes in the prosecutor’s case, and present arguments in court that raise reasonable doubt in the jurors’ minds. We could also help determine if enrollment in a drug treatment plan is a viable alternative to a criminal trial. Reach out to our firm now to evaluate your choices.