Windham County Drug Possession Attorney
Aggressive Defense Against Drug Possession Charges in Connecticut
Have you been charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, K2, MDMA (ecstasy), or another illegal or prescription drug or a controlled substance? Depending on you and the facts of your case, you may be eligible for a diversionary program that, if completed, would result in the drug possession charges against you being dismissed entirely! Thankfully, Connecticut drug possession laws have recently changed for the better. Mere illegal possession of any drug or controlled substance has been reclassified as a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. Still, you need an excellent criminal defense attorney to effectively defend against drug possession charges and get the best results.
Are you facing drug possession charges in Connecticut? Call The Law Office of Jerome Paun today at (860) 455-4202 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our drug possession lawyer in Windham County!
What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Connecticut?
First-time illegal possession of any drugs or controlled substances in Connecticut is now punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. This includes simple possession of:
- Narcotics: heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, morphine, etc.;
- Amphetamines: speed, Adderall, Benzedrine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine (meth), etc.;
- Barbiturates: sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, and other depressants;
- Prescription drugs;
- Hallucinogens: LSD, peyote, mescaline, etc.;
- Controlled substances: including 1/2 once up to four ounces of cannabis-type substances like marijuana or hashish.
Is Marijuana Illegal in Connecticut?
Yes, marijuana is currently illegal in Connecticut. Possession of less than half an ounce is considered a civil violation with a $150 fine, and possession of any amount over that is considered a criminal offense with anywhere from 1 to 20 years in prison, depending on the amount. The sale of marijuana is also considered a criminal offense with up to seven years in prison. Medical cannabis is legal in the state, but recreational use remains prohibited.
You may face more significant penalties if this is your second or subsequent offense.
Are There Defenses to Drug Possession Charges?
Yes. Even if you were arrested and charged with illegal possession of drugs or controlled substances, it still might be possible to defend against such charges depending on answers to questions like:
- Were you legally authorized to possess small amounts of marijuana for medical reasons under Connecticut's medical marijuana law?
- Did the police illegally search for and seize the drugs?
- Was your traffic stop and resulting search and seizure unconstitutional?
- Did the search and seizure warrant lack probable cause or was it issued on false information?
- Did the police search and seizure remain within the boundaries of the search and seizure warrant?
- Were you actually in possession of drugs or controlled substances?
Attorney Jerome Paun will thoroughly investigate your drug possession case to determine if these or other defenses may be available to you and whether you are eligible for a diversionary program that, if completed, would result in the dismissal of the charges against you.
Even when the drug possession charges cannot be dismissed, Attorney Paun has extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors for better solutions, including diversionary programs such as the Drug Education and Community Service Program (DE&CSP) or a motion to suspend prosecution for substance dependence treatment. You can avoid a conviction and/or jail time through skillful advocacy and various defense strategies.
Contact Our Windham County Drug Possession Lawyer Today
Contact an experienced Windham County drug possession lawyer for the skilled defense you deserve. Attorney Jerome Paun has over 40 years of legal experience, including experience defending students trying heroin for the first time and individuals the criminal justice system calls "repeat offenders."
Contact The Law Office of Jerome Paun today to schedule a FREE consultation with our drug possession attorney in Windham County!
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Read What Sets Us Apart
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Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney: Recognized Excellence Since 2014The National Trial Lawyers and American Society of Legal Advocates have recognized Attorney Jerome Paun as a Top 100 criminal defense attorney since 2014.
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Your First Step to Justice: Free Initial Consultation for New Clients!All of our new clients are entitled to a free initial consultation. Call or email now!
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Decades of Expertise: Navigating Legal Challenges for Over 40 YearsAttorney Paun has over 40 years of experience helping people in trouble.
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Comprehensive Defense: Protecting Your Rights Against Serious Charges in Connecticut CourtsWe defend adults and juveniles against all serious felonies, misdemeanors, and OUI's in Connecticut courts.
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At The Law Office of Jerome Paun, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Excellent Lawyer says it all!"Covers all clients needs!- Past Client
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"I felt very comfortable relying on his expertise."Attorney Paun was so helpful, thorough, knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to all my many, MANY questions about the whole process.- Rebecca
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"Best in CT!"Attorney Paun was meticulous and detail-oriented in bringing a complex case to a mutually acceptable outcome.- Val
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"The best"He worked diligently, kept me informed without sugar-coating the process, and proved to be an invaluable ally. I can only imagine what would have happened if I didn't find him.- Bob