Drug possession and trafficking has risen consistently in Canada over the past decade. In fact, the situation has now reached the point where the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has made it a priority to crack down on such offences. If you find yourself in a situation where you are faced with these charges, the drug trafficking lawyers from MassTsang.com might be able to help you, both in terms of knowing your rights and helping you to fight the legal charges against you.
The Difference Between Possession and Trafficking
Before you start looking for a drug trafficking lawyer, you should first have a good understanding of the exact nature of charges you face. The difference between drug possession and drug trafficking often boils down to a matter of volume. If you are caught with a small amount of illegal substances on your person, you will probably face a possession charge, which itself can include administration fees and a criminal record.
Drug trafficking is a more serious charge that comes about when the police catch you with a large amount of illegal drugs or have evidence that you have a large store of them. In this situation, you could wind up spending the majority of your life in prison if you don’t have the right lawyer working for you.
How Bad Can the Charges Get?
If you get arrested for drug possession, you could wind up with jail time but are more likely to receive a fine or probation unless you either have an existing criminal record or neglect to get a good attorney in your corner. On the other hand, penalties for drug trafficking or possession with intent to traffic include mandatory jail time. If a court finds you guilty of possessing drugs with the intent to traffic or export them, you face a minimum of at least one to two years in prison.
This also gives you a criminal record that can lead to further troubles if you get caught possessing drugs in the future or even if you are charged with impaired driving. The only way to avoid jail time in this situation is to hope that your lawyer can reduce the charges.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A drug trafficking lawyer can examine all of the extenuating circumstances surrounding your case to make sure that you get the best possible defense. This might include presenting an argument in court that you should be tried for possession rather than trafficking. Because an experienced lawyer knows about the requirements and proper procedures that police officers need to follow during an arrest, the lawyer you choose can determine whether your civil rights were violated. With a charge as serious as drug trafficking, you need somebody who knows the ins and outs of the law.
A drug charge of any sort indicates a major mistake, but there is no reason why your mistake should result in years of jail time and a long-term criminal record. Finding a lawyer who can protect your rights may also help drastically improve your life.
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