Felony Drug Charges

Penalties for felony drug charges in Connecticut are severe. A conviction can mean a lengthy prison sentence and substantial fines. Allegations that you committed a drug crime are intimidating, and the stakes are high.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a drug crime in Connecticut, Stephen Lebedevitch can help. He will explore ways to challenge the drug crime charges and help you evaluate resolutions like a diversion program or drug treatment. If necessary, he will mount a full-fledged defense against false accusations that you committed a drug crime.

Connecticut Drug Crimes

Like most states, Connecticut classifies drugs according to the Federal Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes drugs according to their accepted medical use and the drug’s potential for abuse. A Schedule I drug has no accepted medical use and the highest likelihood of addiction, while a Schedule V drug has an accepted medical use and a relatively low likelihood of addiction.

• Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use, are unsafe, and hold a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD, marijuana, peyote, and ecstasy.
• Schedule II drugs include narcotics and stimulants with a high potential for abuse and cause severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include Dilaudid, methadone, Demerol, OxyContin, Percocet, morphine, opium, codeine, amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), and methamphetamine
• Schedule III substances have less potential for abuse but can still lead to moderate or low physical dependence and high psychological dependence. They include Vicodin, Tylenol/Codeine, Suboxone, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs and include Xanax, Soma, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, Versed, Restoril, and Halcion.
• Schedule V substances contain limited quantities of narcotics, like cough syrups that contain codeine.

Jail Time for a Felony Drug Charge

The penalties for a Connecticut drug crime will vary based on your age, the type and quantity of the drug in your possession when you were arrested, and your criminal history.

Felony Drug Possession

In Connecticut, it is illegal to possess or have under your control any narcotic, hallucinogenic, or other controlled substance. Penalties for first offense felony drug charges range from one year in prison and a fine of $1,000 for possession of an illegal drug to 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for a third offense for possession of narcotics.

Drug possession penalties are enhanced when the crime occurs within 1,500 feet of a school or licensed daycare center.

Felony Drug Sale

It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, sell, prescribe, dispense, compound, transport with intent to sell or dispense, possess with intent to sell or dispense, offer, give, or administer to another any controlled substance. The penalties for selling drugs range from seven years or a first-time offense to life in prison for causing someone’s death by selling heroin, cocaine, or methadone.

How to Beat a Felony Drug Charge

If you are facing felony drug charges in Connecticut, an experienced drug crime defense attorney can challenge the case against you to achieve a favorable result.

When you meet with attorney Lebedevitch, he will ask questions to learn more about your situation and develop your defense strategy. Some of the legal issues he will investigate include:

• Did the police have probable cause to investigate you?
• Were proper procedures followed, or was the arrest unlawful?
• Did you have a valid prescription for the drugs?
• Did the police follow proper procedures to test the drugs?
• Even though you were in possession of drugs, did you intend to sell them, or were they for personal use?
• If multiple people were present, were the drugs yours, and did you know they were there?
• Are you drug-dependent and qualify for a treatment program?
• Are you eligible for diversion?

A conviction for a Connecticut drug crime carries severe penalties and a permanent criminal record. Having a criminal record can make it hard to get a job, be accepted into school, or even rent an apartment. It can also impact your immigration status or your professional license.

In many cases, resolution of your case will involve having a felony drug charge reduced to a misdemeanor.

For a vigorous defense against Connecticut drug crime allegations, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today.

From our offices in Fairfield, Connecticut, The Lebedevitch Law Firm handles criminal cases throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties for a predictable flat fee.