Drug Possession Charges In Connecticut

Are you facing Drug Possession charges in Connecticut?

If so, you are likely feeling scared and unsure about what to do next. The first step is to understand the charges against you and the possible penalties you are facing.

What is considered Drug Possession in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, Drug Possession is defined as the act of knowingly possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription. The penalties for Drug Possession depend on the type and amount of drug involved.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree is considered a Class A felony and can result in up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree is considered a Class B felony and can result in up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree is considered a Class C felony and can result in up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree is considered a Class D felony and can result in up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree is considered a Class A misdemeanor and can result in up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

What are the possible defenses to Drug Possession charges?

There are several possible defenses to Drug Possession charges in Connecticut. Some common defenses include:

The drugs were not yours – If the drugs did not belong to you, then you cannot be charged with Drug Possession. This defense is often used when drugs are found in a shared space, such as a car or an apartment.
The drugs were for personal use – If the drugs were for your personal use and not for sale or distribution, then you may be able to avoid jail time and be placed on probation.
You had a valid prescription – If you had a valid prescription for the drugs, then you cannot be charged with Drug Possession.

If you have been charged with Drug Possession in Connecticut, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights.

More on possession of a controlled substance

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Connecticut is governed by CGS Chapter 420b. Under this law, it is illegal to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance unless it was obtained directly from or pursuant to a valid prescription or order of a practitioner.

The penalties for Drug Possession in Connecticut depend on the type and amount of drug involved. For example, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is a Class D misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $500. However, possession of more than four ounces of marijuana is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you have been charged with Drug Possession in Connecticut, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the possible defenses that may be available. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Drug Possession

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Christopher Llinas

J. Christopher Llinas is a Connecticut criminal defense and immigration attorney with over 25 years of legal experience. He is the founder of Iron Chris Criminal Defense & Immigration, based in Middletown, CT. Chris earned his J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law) in 1997 and holds a B.A., magna cum laude, in English from Salisbury University. During law school he served as a teaching assistant for Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law, and competed in moot court and trial advocacy programs. He began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender, defending clients in felony, misdemeanor, and traffic matters. He later served as an Assistant State's Attorney, prosecuting criminal and traffic cases — giving him a firsthand understanding of how the prosecution builds its case. He has also served as a law clerk, legal aid attorney, and in-house corporate counsel before dedicating his practice to criminal defense and immigration. Chris is admitted to practice in Connecticut, Maryland, the U.S. District Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD), and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). His practice covers DUI and OUI defense, drug charges, weapons charges, violent crimes, juvenile matters, probation violations, federal criminal defense, and immigration removal proceedings throughout Connecticut.