Drug Possession Defense Attorneys in Bloomfield & Hartford, CT
Drug crimes in Connecticut have serious consequences. Even good people who make simple mistakes, such as possessing marijuana, may suffer serious penalties without the right attorney for the drug crimes they have been charged with. At the Law Offices of Marc N. Needelman, we have more than 35 years of experience helping clients charged with drug crimes maneuver through the system to come out substantially unscathed. If you need our help, please call our firm for a free consultation.
Drug crimes in Connecticut
In Connecticut, it is a crime to manufacture, distribute, possess, sell or possess with the intent to sell a controlled substance. You may be charged with drug possession if you are in possession of narcotics, hallucinogens, marijuana or any other illegal drug. Possession of illegal drugs within 1,500 feet of an elementary or secondary school or licensed daycare center is a crime with a mandatory two-year jail sentence, which is imposed consecutively with other drug sentences.
Penalties for drug crimes include fines and significant jail time up to life imprisonment, depending on the crime. You may also face probation, license suspension, required completion of a drug abuse treatment program, installation of an ignition interlock device and mandatory community service. Because the penalties for drug crimes are severe, it is essential to seek representation from a drug possession lawyer in Hartford County, CT immediately if you are being investigated or arrested for a drug crime. At the Law Offices of Marc N. Needelman, we take an aggressive stance from the outset to protect your rights by meticulously examining all evidence and building a strong case for your defense.
Diversionary programs and alternatives to trial
As a former prosecutor, Marc Needelman understands prosecutors and judges. He knows how to present evidence and arguments that enable clients to avoid prosecution and have the charges against them dismissed through successful completion of an alternative or diversionary program. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to help clients qualify for and seek admittance to many diversionary programs:
- Accelerated Pretrial Rehabilitation programs
- Supervised diversionary programs
- Pre-trial Alcohol Education programs
- Pre-trial Drug Education programs
- Community Service Labor programs
- Youthful Offender programs
- Treatment of drug- or alcohol-dependent offenders instead of prosecution
In addition to diversionary programs, there are alternative programs:
- Community service granted by the Community Court in Hartford instead of jail time in certain cases, including simple marijuana possession
- Drug Intervention Program enrollment for nonviolent, drug-dependent people, which may include regular court attendance, drug testing, daily supervision and/or completion of recommended treatment and services, including detoxification, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and vocational and educational training.
Marijuana Charges
Legalization of marijuana is a highly contested topic throughout the country. When a person in Connecticut is arrested on a marijuana charge, they face serious consequences including the potential for jail time and hefty fines. Marijuana laws in Connecticut recently changed to allow the dispensation of medical marijuana to patients who are currently receiving medical treatment for a debilitating medical condition, as listed by statute.
Contact a Hartford County Drug Possession Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested on drug charges in Hartford County, Connecticut, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced legal team as soon as possible. For over 35 years, The Law Offices of Marc N. Needelman has proudly represented clients throughout Connecticut when they have been charged with a crime. Our firm has the skill it takes to help you in your case. Contact our office today to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.