Skilled Lawyer and Legal Expertise for Drug Offences in Ontario
In Ontario, offences related to drugs are complex. If you've been involved, accused, or charged with a drug-related offence, a smart, savvy, and skillful defence lawyer is essential. At Karrass Law, our team of dedicated criminal defence lawyers is committed to providing comprehensive legal services to individuals accused of drug-related offences in Ontario.
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What Types of Activities Can Result in Criminal Drug Charges
Drug-related offences encompass a wide range of activities prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code of Canada.
These offences include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Possession: This is when a person is accused of knowingly and willingly holding a small amount of controlled substance or illicit substance without legal authorization, likely with the intent of using it personally.
- Penalties for drug possession depend on the type of substance and whether the charge is a summary conviction or an indictable offence. For a first-time offence under a summary conviction, the maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. If it’s a second offence, the penalty increases to a $2,000 fine and up to one year in jail. For more serious cases, an indictable offence can lead to much harsher sentences.
- Drug Trafficking: A person may be charged with drug trafficking if they are suspected to be selling, administering, giving, transferring, or delivering a controlled substance.
- In Ontario, drug trafficking penalties vary based on the type of substance involved. Trafficking drugs listed in Schedule I or II, such as cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl, carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment (25 years). Trafficking Schedule III substances, which include certain stimulants and hallucinogens, can result in a prison term ranging from 18 months to 10 years. For Schedule IV drugs, which typically include prescription medications with a lower risk of abuse, the penalty ranges from one to three years in prison. Given the severity of these penalties, securing strong legal representation is crucial when facing drug trafficking charges.
- Production or Manufacturing: Manufacturing, synthesizing, or cultivating controlled substances in Canada can result in criminal charges.
- If there is a conviction for the production of illicit substances in Ontario, the minimum penalty is 2 years. However, if there are health and safety factors involved with the production or manufacturing of the controlled or illegal substance, the minimum penalty can increase by 3 years. Health and safety factors can include using someone else's property, endangering minors, creating public safety hazards, or setting dangerous traps that can cause serious injury or death.
- Importation and Exportation: Bringing controlled substances into or out of Canada is considered a serious drug offence. In Canada, a charge for importing drugs into Canada may be issued even if the accused does not physically handle the substance but facilitates it being brought into the country.
- Penalties in Ontario for importing or exporting controlled substances depend on the drug itself, its quantities, and any other additional aggravating factors. For Schedule I drugs under 1 kg, the minimum sentence is 1 year in prison if the offence was committed for the purpose of trafficking, involved abuse of a position of trust or authority, or if the accused used restricted access to smuggle the substances. For Schedule I drugs over 1 kg, the minimum sentence increases to 2 years in prison.
Ultimately, when it comes to drug offences in Ontario, your criminal history, the quantity of the substance, and the type of the substance can all influence charges and sentencing. To protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests, contact the criminal defence lawyers at Karrass Law.
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Potential Consequences of a Conviction
Sentences for drug possession vary. Possession of hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin will most likely attract a harsher jail sentence, whereas soft drugs are less likely to attract a jail sentence.
The consequences of drug-related charges are threatening and have lasting effects. Beyond the possibility of facing serious jail time, being convicted will affect where you can travel and where you can or cannot apply for work.
- Incarceration: Sentences can range from short-term imprisonment to lengthy federal sentences, depending on the offence's gravity.
- Fines: Substantial financial penalties may be imposed.
- Criminal Record: A permanent mark on your record can affect employment, travel, and other aspects of life.
- Asset Forfeiture: Authorities may seize property believed to be connected to the offence.
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Protect your future and defend yourself with reputable legal advice and representation from experienced defence lawyers near you. At Karrass Law, we're committed to providing the highest level of legal representation and care to your clients without passing judgment.
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