In Mississauga, Canada, drug possession charges carry significant consequences. A conviction could result in a criminal record and penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for up to six months if pursued through summary conviction by the crown. Opting for an indictable offence may lead to a maximum prison sentence of one year and a $2,000 fine upon conviction.
Engaging an adept Possession of Drugs Charges lawyer in Mississauga is crucial to mitigate the severe repercussions of a trafficking or “possession for the purpose” conviction. They can navigate the complexities of your case and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.
While our Possession of Drugs services are centered in Mississauga, Ontario, we extend our representation to clients across the Greater Toronto Region, encompassing areas such as Oakville, Mississauga, Milton, and Burlington.
Don’t face these charges alone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and our Mississauga Criminal Lawyer to safeguard your future.
What is a Possession of Drug Charge?
Being charged with drug possession occurs when an individual is discovered carrying prohibited substances, such as cocaine, mushrooms, ecstasy, heroin, GHB, hashish, or any other illicit drug.
Interestingly, the drugs don’t need to be personally owned to be implicated. Imagine a scenario where a friend entrusts you with their purse or backpack, unbeknownst to you, it contains illegal drugs. Suddenly, you find yourself accused of drug possession.
Countless people have found themselves in predicaments like this or in other similar scenarios. An adept lawyer skilled in navigating drug charge defences will hear your version of events and offer strategic legal advice tailored to your situation.
Drug Possession Laws
Most laws that work today were signed in the 1980s, and they focused on creating different sentences depending on various factors, for example, the type of drug you possess, the amount of it you have, and so on.
To be convicted of possession, the court must prove that you possess a drug and that you knew beyond a reasonable doubt that said drug was an illegal substance.
In some cases, for example, people accused of drug possession are unaware of the fact that they had the drug in question. Even though this is rare, it can occur, so hiring a lawyer is essential.
On most occasions, the court might charge you either with simple possession or with possession with the intent to distribute. The second case carries heavier sentences since it often involves the person having more drugs.
Crimes and Charges
If you face simple possession charges, it means that authorities found you with drugs intended for personal use.
Possession with intent to distribute, on the other hand, is often a much more serious issue, and in many cases. People often refer to this as ‘drug dealing.’ If you are convicted of this, it means authorities might have found multiple drug packages, scales, or other paraphernalia to facilitate drug selling.
Punishment and Sentencing Guidelines
The punishment you get for drug possession can vary widely depending on the amount of drug you were carrying, whether the authorities prove the intent of distribution or not, your criminal record, and more.
Although it varies by province, simple possession can represent fines that range from $30 to $20,000 and prison sentences can go from 15 days to 10 years.
Additionally, you should also keep in mind that the type of drug you carry also affects the punishment you get. Possessing marijuana beyond personal use, for example, often represents a lesser punishment than having narcotics, heroin, or cocaine.
Finally, to determine your sentence, authorities must abide by different guidelines, including your age, criminal records, any previous offences, the amount of drugs you have, and all contributing factors.
The Sentence For Possession Of A Schedule I Controlled Drug Or Substance in Mississauga, Canada
Subsection 4(3) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act provides as follows:
4(3) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) where the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule I
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable
(i) for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both, and
(ii) for a subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both.
Hire FMK Law Group For Drug Related Offences in Mississauga, Canada?
If you have been charged with possession of drugs in Mississauga and Surrounding Cities, it is essential to speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
The legal team at FMK Law Group in Mississauga is renowned for their exceptional defence strategies in drug-related cases, focusing on charges such as possession. They dedicate themselves to safeguarding your rights and securing the most favourable resolution possible.
Fadi Matthew stands out as a distinguished criminal lawyer in Mississauga, ON, with a specific focus on defending individuals accused of drug possession. Leveraging his comprehensive legal expertise and experience, he is committed to providing outstanding representation, aiming to deliver the best possible outcome for those facing drug possession charges in Mississauga, Ontario.