Charges Of Selling Or Dealing Drugs
While all drug crimes are treated harshly under Connecticut law, those involving sales or distribution may carry some of the longest sentences other than those involving drug trafficking. Drug dealing or sales are more limited in scope than are crimes involving trafficking.
Drug dealing is a felony in Connecticut. Drugs are classed into different penalty groups under the state’s laws. Drug crimes charges may range in severity level according to the type and amount of drugs that the defendants had in their possession or sold.
Some states have mandatory minimum sentences for people who are convicted of drug crimes. In 2015, Connecticut relaxed its drug laws and got rid of some of the mandatory minimums. Some simple possession offenses of hard drugs that used to be felonies are now misdemeanors, but sales offenses are still punished harshly. People may still face mandatory minimum sentences under federal law, however. If they are charged with selling drugs, they may also face decades in prison if they are convicted as they are charged.
Drug charges may have serious and long-lasting repercussions. If people are convicted of drug crimes, they may face long periods of incarceration, substantial fines, mandatory treatment, probation and other consequences. They may also face the civil forfeiture of their property. Even after their sentences are completed, people who have drug convictions may face numerous collateral consequences. They may have a harder time finding work and housing, and they may be ineligible for educational financial aid. People may want to get help from criminal defense attorneys who are experienced in defending people who are accused of drug crimes. They may advocate for their clients’ rights in an effort to protect their freedom.