Waterbury Drug Crimes Lawyer

Understanding Drug Court Programs in Connecticut

Sometimes you may in a position where it is best not to challenge the charges and instead look for a deal. One of the deals that is common for drug offenders is called Drug Court.

It is a program where you can enter a rehabilitation program at the end of which your charges will be dropped or lowered. Connecticut has created this program to incentivize substance abusers into rehabilitating and by dropping the charges at the end it helps them reintegrate into society. This program has been found to help prevent the recidivism that is common among drug offenders.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Drug Court?

To get into the program the offender has to agree that if they fail or do not complete the program, a guilty plea will automatically be entered, and they will again be facing the full original charges. The program is only available to non-violent drug offenders.

The program has several different parts that must be completed:

• 12-15-month probation with regular court appearances
• Drug testing
• Substance abuse treatment
• Stay employed or be attending regular school/vocational training

Long-Term Impact of Drug Convictions

Typically, when people think about the consequences of a drug-related conviction, they think about paying hefty fines and spending time in jail. What most individuals fail to realize is the life-long impact that a criminal conviction can have on various rights and privileges.

A drug charge can affect:

• Your criminal record
• Your reputation
• Employment opportunities
• Your ability to obtain apartments or housing
• Applications for federal or state funding
• Certain professional licenses
• Your ability to receive government assistance
• Your right to vote or possess a firearm

Connecticut's Stance on Marijuana

Connecticut has tried and failed to pass legal marijuana, so unless you have an official medical recommendation it is illegal for you to possess, transport or sell it.

Penalties for Possession of Marijuana:

• Up to a half ounce is considered possession for personal use. You can't be arrested for it and it is a civil penalty of a $150 fine the first time and $500 subsequent times.
• More than a half ounce is a misdemeanor with a $2,000 fine and up to a year incarcerated.

Penalties for Distribution & Cultivation of Marijuana:

• Less than a Kilogram can get you up to 7 years incarcerated and a fine of up to $25,000 the first time and up to 15 years and $100,000 subsequent times.
• More than a Kilogram can get you anywhere from 5-20 years and a fine of $25,000 the first time and 10-25 years and $100,000 subsequent times.

Felony Drug Convictions in Connecticut

A conviction for a drug crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.

The circumstances that could cause a drug conviction to be charged as a felony include:

• The amount and type of drug
• Possessing a drug with the intent to sell it
• Other aggravating circumstances such as prior convictions or in specific locations such as a school

Is Gabapentin Classified as a Controlled Substance?

Gabapentin is not considered a controlled substance in Connecticut. Since Gabapentin is not considered a controlled substance, it is not subject to mandatory look-up before prescribing.

Contact Our Waterbury Drug Crimes Attorney Today

Just because you have been charged with a drug crime does not mean you are guilty. You have rights, and we can help you defend against false accusations, illegal searches, and unconstitutional arrests. Put your case in the capable hands of our Waterbury drug crimes attorney at the Law Offices of Michael T. Barrett.

Our drug crime lawyer in Waterbury, CT is here to fight for you. Contact The Law Offices of Michael T. Barrett today for a FREE consultation!