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Waterbury Drug Crimes Lawyer

Fighting Drug Charges in New Haven, Hartford & Litchfield Counties

Being charged with a drug crime can be a terrifying experience. When faced with the possibility of excessive fines and years in prison, choosing a reliable criminal defense attorney may be the most important decision of your life. When your future is on the line, our Waterbury drug crimes lawyer can provide the strategic representation that you need.

When you turn to the Law Offices of Michael T. Barrett, your phone calls will be returned and your concerns will be addressed within hours, not days. No matter what type of case we are handling, we always deliver the same personalized service to each client—you deserve it.


Are you facing a drug charge? Call The Law Offices of Michael T. Barrett, LLC today at (203) 448-4431 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Waterbury drug crimes attorney.


Drug Crimes We Defend Against

Each year, thousands of individuals in Connecticut face charges for drug-related offenses. Even the most minor drug conviction can have a long-lasting impact on someone’s future.

Our law firm provides effective defense against many drug charges, including:

  • Possession of marijuana
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Possession of cocaine
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Drug trafficking
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Prescription drug charges
  • Possession with intent to sell

Regardless of your specific drug charges, several different defense tactics may be employed. Our experienced Waterbury criminal defense lawyer can help you establish a solid defense plan that fits your particular circumstances.

What Is a Drug Court?

Sometimes you may in a position where it is best not to challenge the charges and instead look for a deal. One of the deals that is common for drug offenders is called Drug Court.

It is a program where you can enter a rehabilitation program at the end of which your charges will be dropped or lowered. Connecticut has created this program to incentivize substance abusers into rehabilitating and by dropping the charges at the end it helps them reintegrate into society. This program has been found to help prevent the recidivism that is common among drug offenders.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Drug Court?

To get into the program the offender has to agree that if they fail or do not complete the program, a guilty plea will automatically be entered, and they will again be facing the full original charges. The program is only available to non-violent drug offenders.

The program has several different parts that must be completed:

  • 12-15-month probation with regular court appearances
  • Drug testing
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Stay employed or be attending regular school/vocational training

What Are the Potential Collateral Consequences of a Drug Crimes Conviction?

Typically, when people think about the consequences of a drug-related conviction, they think about paying hefty fines and spending time in jail. What most individuals fail to realize is the life-long impact that a criminal conviction can have on various rights and privileges.

A drug charge can affect:

  • Your criminal record
  • Your reputation
  • Employment opportunities
  • Your ability to obtain apartments or housing
  • Applications for federal or state funding
  • Certain professional licenses
  • Your ability to receive government assistance
  • Your right to vote or possess a firearm

Is Marijuana Legal in Connecticut?

Connecticut has tried and failed to pass legal marijuana, so unless you have an official medical recommendation it is illegal for you to possess, transport or sell it.

Penalties for Possession of Marijuana:

  • Up to a half ounce is considered possession for personal use. You can't be arrested for it and it is a civil penalty of a $150 fine the first time and $500 subsequent times.
  • More than a half ounce is a misdemeanor with a $2,000 fine and up to a year incarcerated.

Penalties for Distribution & Cultivation of Marijuana:

  • Less than a Kilogram can get you up to 7 years incarcerated and a fine of up to $25,000 the first time and up to 15 years and $100,000 subsequent times.
  • More than a Kilogram can get you anywhere from 5-20 years and a fine of $25,000 the first time and 10-25 years and $100,000 subsequent times.

What Is a Felony Drug Conviction?

A conviction for a drug crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.

The circumstances that could cause a drug conviction to be charged as a felony include:

  • The amount and type of drug
  • Possessing a drug with the intent to sell it
  • Other aggravating circumstances such as prior convictions or in specific locations such as a school

Is Gabapentin a Controlled Substance in Connecticut?

Gabapentin is not considered a controlled substance in Connecticut. Since Gabapentin is not considered a controlled substance, it is not subject to mandatory look-up before prescribing.

Let Us Help You Fight Your Drug Crime Charge

Just because you have been charged with a drug crime does not mean you are guilty. You have rights, and we can help you defend against false accusations, illegal searches, and unconstitutional arrests. Put your case in the capable hands of our Waterbury drug crimes attorney at the Law Offices of Michael T. Barrett.


Our drug crime lawyer in Waterbury, CT is here to fight for you. Contact The Law Offices of Michael T. Barrett today for a FREE consultation!


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