Charged with Drug Possession?

Drug possession and drug trafficking are serious offences in Alberta. Common charges related to possession and trafficking can include:

• Possession of a prohibited or controlled substance
• Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to traffic
• Trafficking in a prohibited or controlled substance
• Producing, cultivating, or growing a controlled substance
• Use of a prohibited or controlled substance
• Importing, exporting, or possessing a controlled substance

The penalties for these offences can vary depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, as well as the individual's criminal history. If you are facing any of these charges, it is important to seek legal advice.

There are specific instances where drug charges can be dropped through certain legal processes, which can be navigated with the help of a defence lawyer.

Diversion programs are available through the Alberta court system if this is your first or second offence involving a minor drug charge. These programs may be able to help have your charges dropped depending on your charges and your personal circumstances. 

However, this process may not be viable for every individual. If you apply for a discharge or plead guilty, you may still be able to avoid a criminal record. Even still, this does not apply to individuals charged with trafficking, drug production or importing drugs.

In most cases, the drug charges remain on your criminal record for decades or for life unless you apply for a record suspension. This life long record can result in restrictions on employment and travel opportunities.

This is why working with an experienced and knowledgeable team of defence lawyers like Advocate Law is so important.

The selling, administering, giving, transferring, sending, or delivering of a controlled substance is considered drug trafficking. It is also regarded as trafficking when offering to sell, administer, give, transfer, send, or deliver a controlled substance.

These controlled substances are defined under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and listed in Schedule I, II, III, IV, or VI.

Schedule I substances include cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Synthetic weed drugs are listed under Schedule II and may be subject to the provisions of the Cannabis Act. Schedule III drugs include mushrooms, LSD, and other psychoactive. Schedule IV includes prescription drugs such as. Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and steroids.

As a first-time offender with a simple drug possession charge, the maximum penalty you can face is a $1,000 fine and/or six months in prison. The penalties for repeat drug possession offenders are doubled with a $2,000 fine and/or one year in prison.

The penalties related to drug trafficking are more complicated and severe. The maximum sentence for drug trafficking in Alberta is life in prison. The penalties associated with these charges are based on the type of drug trafficked and any prior convictions you carry. 

To help avoid the most serious penalties, it is best to work with an experienced defence lawyer.

If you are charged with drug possession or drug trafficking, you should contact an experienced defence lawyer who has extensive knowledge of the Alberta court system and defence strategies. The Advocate Law team is experienced and successful in defending against drug possession and drug trafficking charges. We will provide reliable legal advice on your next steps and how to best protect your rights.