Drug-related charges

There's no such thing as a minor drug conviction.

Drug charges are serious. If you've been charged with any drug offence, you should talk to a criminal defence lawyer immediately. A conviction on a drug charge can ruin your life and lead to stiff fines and long jail sentences.

Drug possession charges.

Drug possession is the most commonly laid drug charge. Some people believe that the courts will treat simple possession of a small amount of a drug, such as marijuana, cocaine or ecstasy, lightly. This is not always the case. While you are not likely to face a jail term (unless you have a prior related criminal record or some other aggravating factor), the consequences could extend far beyond a fine or probation.

Are you professionally employed and charged with possession?

If you're a professional facing a simple possession charge, you have a lot to lose. You may be required to disclose to your professional regulator even a minor possession of drugs (like marijuana). This could impact your ability to remain licensed to practice. A drug conviction can also affect your ability to travel for both business and pleasure. A conviction for "simple" possession could cost you your livelihood and inconvenience you in ways you haven't thought of.

You may avoid conviction if you are eligible for a diversion program.

Fortunately, the government has created diversion programs and there might be one available to you. If you're accepted into a diversion program, you may avoid conviction. A criminal defence lawyer can tell you if you qualify for a program and can arrange to get you into it.

Drug treatment programs may also be available to you.

If a drug problem has led to your charges, you may be eligible to participate in a drug treatment program. If you successfully complete the program, you might be able to deal with your charges outside of the criminal justice system (for example, through diversion). A criminal defence lawyer will know if this is possible. They will lobby on your behalf and prepare the necessary paperwork and applications to ensure access to these unique programs.

Marijuana "grow ops"

A grow op charge (for the cultivation of marijuana) is more serious than simple possession. Gone are the days of soft sentencing for this crime. Canadian police are using new powers and search techniques, in combination with stricter sentencing terms and proceeds of crime legislation, to attack residential marijuana cultivation. Beyond your criminal charges, you need to be concerned about the seizure of your home due to the discovery of the grow op.

If you've been charged with having a marijuana grow op, contact a criminal lawyer immediately.

Other drug charges

Criminal defence lawyers represent all types of drug charges, including:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (PPT)
• Cross-border importation of drugs, including cocaine
• Possession of precursors, the components used to manufacture drugs
• Trafficking of prescription medications
• Drug cultivation, production or manufacture, from marijuana grow ops to meth labs
• Conspiracy and criminal organization (gang) offences

The above charges attract significantly higher jail terms and fines. You have a lot to lose, so make sure you call a criminal defence lawyer immediately.

What can a criminal defence lawyer do for you in these cases?

Drug crime trials are complex. Many cases involve informants, wiretaps and search warrants. Your lawyer will work at dismantling the case against you.

Your lawyer will question whether the evidence against you was obtained lawfully. Did the police perform an illegal search? Was the seizure of evidence lawful? Is there an argument that the seized evidence cannot be used against you. Was a search warrant issued? Were the terms of the warrant executed properly? Was there probable cause to issue a search warrant or allow a wiretap? What is the quality of the evidence against you? Does it point to you, or is there another reasonable explanation?

The bottom line in drug charges.

If you've been charged with any drug crime, you're facing some serious consequences. Talk to a criminal defence lawyer and get the advice you need before you make any decisions.