In Ontario and the rest of Canada, crimes involving drugs are taken seriously. A drug conviction can result in severe penalties or prison sentences. In addition, the criminal record you gain from a drug conviction can affect your ability to travel to foreign countries or your future employability.
Stastny Law has experienced Toronto drug offence lawyers who understand the intricacies of drug-related criminal charges and are committed to protecting your rights. Our skilled team brings years of experience in crafting effective defence strategies for clients accused of drug offences
If you’re facing a drug-related charge and need to hire an experienced criminal lawyer, contact Stastny Law for a legal consultation today. You can call us at 416-303-5164 or email us at info@stastnylaw.com.
Understanding Drug Charges in Ontario
Drug offences are governed by Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). It outlines strict regulations on the possession, trafficking, and distribution of controlled substances. A drug charge can vary significantly depending on the type of drug involved, the quantity, and the offence you have been charged with. Drug crimes may lead to long-lasting repercussions, including prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
The types of drug offences you can be charged with in Canada include, but are not limited to:
- Importing
- Exporting
- Trafficking
- Production
- And more
Types of Drug Offences Stastny Law Can Assist With
In Ontario, drug offences are classified under several categories. Each has a unique legal definition and different consequences. Below are some of the most common drug charges that our Toronto drug offence lawyers assist clients with:
Possession of Controlled Substances
Possession charges apply when an individual knowingly has a controlled substance in their possession. This includes situations where they possess the substance physically or have control over the substance in some respect. Substances commonly associated with possession charges include:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- MDMA
- Methamphetamine
- Cannabis (if it exceeds legal limits)
- And more
Penalties for possession depend on the type of substance and the quantity of it the individual possesses. Convictions can range from simple fines and probation for minor offences to extended prison sentences for possession of large quantities of illegal drugs.
If you are facing a possession charge, our lawyers can defend you in a number of ways. We can analyze whether the police who arrested you had lawful grounds to search and seize the alleged drugs. By doing so, we can challenge the validity of the search that took place, arguing for the exclusion of evidence due to unlawful obtainment. We can also defend you by demonstrating that your possession was unintentional.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking involves the selling, giving, transferring, or transportation of a controlled substance. Unlike possession, trafficking charges are based on the intent to distribute drugs and can apply even if no money or transaction took place.
Drug trafficking is a serious offence with penalties that include lengthy prison sentences. This is especially true in cases that involve Schedule I substances, like cocaine and fentanyl. A trafficking conviction might result in lifelong implications that affect your employment or freedom.
When we assist clients with trafficking charges, we evaluate whether the prosecution can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. We analyze the investigation process, picking out procedural errors to challenge and examining whether there’s sufficient evidence to support trafficking rather than simple possession.
Drug Production and Manufacturing
Drug production or manufacturing refers to the growing, synthesis, or preparation of illegal or controlled substances. These charges might encompass actions like running drug labs or growing illegal cannabis plants beyond permissible limits.
Sentences for drug production can range from significant fines to long-term prison sentences. This is especially true when the production of the drugs is connected to organized crime or involves particularly toxic substances.
Defending against production or manufacturing charges requires challenging evidence and questioning alleged links to the production of the drug. Our Toronto drug offence lawyers analyze whether our client was directly involved in the production or if they had sufficient knowledge of illegal activities being committed.
Drug Importing and Exporting
Importing or exporting drugs refers to the illegal movement of controlled substances across borders. In Canada, this is a federal offence normally handled by federal prosecutors. As a result, it can often result in severe penalties for individuals convicted.
Drug importing and exporting convictions often lead to prison sentences, given the large-scale and often organized nature of the operations. Mandatory minimum sentences for drug importing and exporting can range anywhere from 1-2 years.
For complex cases, our Toronto drug offence lawyers work to establish whether our client was aware of the drugs being transported or had control over their transportation. We can also challenge any procedural violations that may have occurred during the criminal investigation, like police misconduct.
How Our Drug Offence Lawyers in Toronto Can Help You
Stastny Law’s drug offence lawyers provide a strategic defence for individuals facing drug charges in Toronto. Our approach normally includes the following key phases:
1. Thorough Case Evaluation
Our team will conduct a detailed analysis of all the evidence and documents we can gather related to your case, from police reports to witness statements. We aim to assess whether your rights were violated in some way during the investigation.
2. Challenging Search and Seizure Procedures
Many drug offence cases hinge on evidence obtained through police search and seizures. We will investigate whether law enforcement had a valid warrant or lawful reason to conduct the search where they obtained the evidence in question. If we find that they did not, the evidence they present in court can be challenged. In these cases, we can file motions to suppress evidence, which may result in reduced charges or case dismissal.
3. Negotiating Reduced Charges or Sentencing
If the evidence presented against our client is strong, we may need to negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges. For example, we can attempt to change your trafficking charge to simple possession. We can also explore alternative sentencing options, like rehabilitation programs, to help keep our clients out of jail if they are convicted.
4. Court Representation and Reliable Advocacy
Our team of criminal lawyers are experienced litigators who are ready and willing to represent you at every stage of your case. We will use compelling arguments and cross-examination to create doubt in the prosecution’s case. By doing so, we aim to secure acquittals or reduce charges whenever possible.
5. Appeal Support
Even after conviction, our lawyers continue to represent clients. We can assist with filing appeals or negotiating changes to your sentence. Our goal is to pursue every legal option available to lessen the long-term impact a charge has on our clients’ lives.
Contact Stastny Drug Offence Lawyers for a Consultation on Your Case
It’s essential to have experienced legal representation on your side if you’re facing drug charges in Ontario. The drug offence lawyers at Stastny Law are here to provide a detailed, confidential consultation to discuss your case and outline your defence options.
Contact us to learn how we can help protect your rights. You can schedule your consultation by calling 416-303-5164 or emailing info@stastnylaw.com. Get a head start on your defence and speak with our drug offence lawyers today.
