Ines Gavran
Toronto Drug Possession Trafficking Criminal Defence Lawyer
Considering drug trafficking is such a broad and complex area of criminal law, it is essential to have a criminal defence lawyer
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Toronto Criminal Defence Lawyer defending drug trafficking charges
Trafficking of drugs involves serious penalties leading from mandatory minimum sentences and up to imprisonment for life. In addition to lengthy jail sentences, a person convicted of trafficking of drugs will have a criminal record. As a result, this will affect their possibility of employment and ability to travel. Considering drug trafficking is such a broad and complex area of criminal law, it is essential to have a criminal defence lawyer’s assistance as early as when you suspect that you may be under police investigation.
Drug Trafficking
Criminal Code
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
If you are found in possession of illicit drugs, and a large quantity of drugs is seized, the next question investigating police officers will look for is whether these drugs were for trafficking. Other factors include drug paraphernalia (such as a scale), large amount of money, and name lists. Drugs are classified under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (“CDSA”) by how serious the government determines them to be and are labelled from Schedule 1 to 5. For example, Schedule 1 contains substances such as cocaine and heroin. Schedule 3 contains “designer drugs” such as LSD and ecstasy. Marijuana (or cannabis) used to be governed by the CDSA until the new Cannabis Act came into effect. The Cannabis Act sets out the new regime for regulating cannabis. The classifications under the CDSA are important as they determine the severity of punishment a person is liable for if convicted. Trafficking refers to selling, administering, giving, transferring, transporting, sending, delivering or offering to do any of these actions, of a controlled substance. The definition of trafficking is exceptionally broad and could include anything from a cocaine trafficking ring to sharing a marijuana joint with a friend. The charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking is dependent upon the likelihood that the drugs will be trafficked in the future – a person accused of drug trafficking does not have to actually sell the drug in order to be charged. As mentioned earlier, offering to sell suffices.
Punishment for Possession of Drugs for the Purpose of Trafficking
Cocaine, Heroin, Crystal Meth, MDMA, Fentanyl
The sale of drugs is one of Canada’s most harshly prosecuted criminal offences and a conviction can result in a significant prison sentence. Punishment for possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking vary depending on the type of the drug, quantity, and circumstances of the offence. Public Prosecution Service of Canada offers a list of Mandatory Minimum Penalties for Particular Drug Offences under the CDSA – to view this list, visit https://www.ppsc-sppc.gc.ca/eng/pub/fpsd-sfpg/fps-sfp/tpd/p6/ch02.html.
At Gavran Criminal Defence, our philosophy is that dedication, attention to detail, careful preparation and effective advocacy is what secures the best results.
If you are charged with possession or trafficking of drugs, call Gavran Criminal Defence immediately at (647) 624-6324 to schedule your initial consultation.
Call Toronto-based Criminal Defence Lawyer Ines Gavran today!
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