Drug Offences

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Drug Offences

Being charged with a drug offence in Canada should not be taken lightly. From fines to jail time, to restrictions on your travel, drug offence convictions and punishments can be severe. It’s important that you take these charges seriously and understand all your rights and options.

5 Main Types of Drug Offences

1. Possession of a drug/controlled substance

If you are found to have any Schedule I, II, or III substance, you may be charged with possession. In other words, simply the act of having the substance in your home, car, pocket, etc. can be a crime, whether you have used it or not. This most commonly refers to cocaine, LSD, morphine, heroine, oxycodone, and “magic mushrooms”.

2. Possessing a drug/controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

If you own or are in possession of a drug or controlled substance and your intention is to sell it, then you may be charged with the more serious crime of ‘possession with the purpose of trafficking.’ There must be substantial and clear evidence to support the claim that you were planning to sell or traffic the drugs.

3. Trafficking a drug/controlled substance

‘Trafficking’ a drug or controlled substance can mean selling, delivering, sending, giving, or transporting a Scheduled substance. You do not have to make a profit in order to be charged with trafficking.

4. Producing a drug/controlled substance

‘Producing’ a controlled substance means to harvest, grow, cultivate, manufacture, synthesize, formulate, or cook any Schedule I, II, or III controlled substance. Chemically altering a substance may also be considered ‘producing’.

5. Importing a drug/controlled substance

One of the most severe drug offences is to import or export any controlled substance across the Canadian border. This includes Schedules I – VI, unlike some of the lesser drug charges. You do not have to personally import/export the substance; only cause the substance to be moved across the border.

Fighting Drug Charges

Drug offences can be very difficult for individuals to defend against because the laws are technical, and the Crown’s prosecution is often aggressive and harsh.

Fortunately, the right defence lawyer can change all that.

With years of experience defending against drug charges, we know all the technicalities of a drug offence, whether it’s a severe importing charge or a simple case of possession. We’ve helped 100’s of clients to reduce their sentences, appeal their charges, and even have their charges dropped entirely.

Don't Delay. Call Today!

The criminal justice system does not wait! If you have been charged with a drug offense, you must speak to a criminal defence lawyer immediately. We need adequate time to review the charges against you, perform a thorough investigation, and develop a solid case on your behalf.

You do have rights and options. Call us today for your free consultation.