Drug Possession in Connecticut

Norwalk Criminal Defense Law Firm Defends Those Charged with Drug Possession

Connecticut Drug Possession Defense Attorney Will Fight for Your Rights

In Stamford, Greenwich, Westport, or elsewhere in Connecticut, drug possession means either actual physical possession or constructive possession, which means having the drugs in a place under one's dominion and control. Possession does not mean that one must have the illegal substance on their person, but as long as the substance was in a place where the defendant could go and get it if they wanted to, that possession is illegal — as long as they knew the substance was illegal.

To be convicted of drug possession in Connecticut, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly possessed the drugs or knew of their presence. But the mere presence of the defendant where the illegal substance is may not be sufficient to support a finding of constructive possession. An experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney will review the charges and mount an appropriate defense against a drug possession charge.

How Connecticut Classifies Controlled Substances

All states regulate the possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) differently. In Connecticut, common drugs such as marijuana, heroin, and cocaine (as well as the materials used to manufacture them) are classified as controlled dangerous substances. Some CDS, such as pain medications, are legal as long as the holder has a valid prescription.

Connecticut divides CDS into five schedules:

• Schedule I examples: opiates, heroin, and Ecstasy
• Schedule II examples: cocaine, oxycodone, and amphetamines
• Schedule III examples: barbiturates and ketamine
• Schedule IV examples: diazepam and zolpidem
• Schedule V examples: substances that contain a specific amount of CDS and non-controlled medicinal ingredients

Contact a Norwalk Drug Possession Defense Lawyer Today

Are you facing drug possession charges in Stamford, Greenwich, or Westport, Connecticut? Criminal defense attorney Mark Kratter will review your case and utilize over two decades of experience to effectively defend the charges against you. Contact our firm online or call 203-678-8135 to schedule your free initial consultation today.