EXPERTISE

If you have been charged with a drug offence in Ontario, then you need the help of an experienced and highly skilled criminal defence lawyer at your side.  Posner, Craig, Stein (PCS) lawyers are among the most experienced and well-known criminal lawyers in the profession.   Being charged with a drug offence can be a frightening and life-altering experience.  Entrusting PCS with your case means that you will have an exceptional and trusted ally at your side throughout the criminal process, from the police investigation until verdict.  We understand the impact that a criminal record has on a person’s future and reputation.  We know that your freedom and livelihood depend on winning your case.  Our lawyers work tirelessly, creatively – and in a relentless manner – inside and outside the courtroom.

Drug offences in Canada are set out in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (“CDSA”). There are four main types of drug offences:

• • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Possession of a Drug of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Trafficking in a Controlled Substance
  • Importing a Controlled Substance

The charge of unlawfully possessing a controlled substance is an allegation that you have the drug for personal use. If you have been charged with possession of a drug for the purpose of trafficking, it means that you are alleged to have possession of a drug to sell it, share it, transport it, or give it to someone. This usually means the police have found a larger quantity of drugs. If you have been charged with trafficking a drug, you are alleged to have sold it or given it to another individual, including undercover police officers. Importing a drug occurs when you enter Canada with an illegal substance, and can include drugs that are not in your possession but have been sent or couriered to you.

Parliament has divided controlled substances into different schedules.  For example, cocaine, fentanyl, morphine and opium are Schedule 1 substances.  If a person is convicted of trafficking in a Schedule I substance, the punishment can be severe.  For example, trafficking or possessing fentanyl or cocaine for the purpose of trafficking can lead to long penitentiary sentences, and even life imprisonment.  Schedule III substances include LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and other hallucinogenic drugs.  Conviction for trafficking or possessing Schedule III substances can result in serious consequences, although the sentencing is generally lower than in cases involving Schedule I substances.

Drug charges often result from police search warrants at homes, apartments, condominiums, storage units, offices, and motor vehicles.  They can also result from the search of an individual incidental to being arrested on an unrelated charge.   The techniques of drug investigation also involve police wiretapping, cell phone/vehicle tracking, and obtaining production of certain documents and records (production orders).  The police need to meet strict legal requirements to obtain warrants and production orders.  Posner, Craig, Stein lawyers are trained and experienced in challenging the constitutional validity of search warrants, wiretap warrants, production orders and other judicial authorizations that result in intrusions into the privacy rights of our clients.   We have a deep understanding of the law of search and seizure and use our knowledge in this highly specialized area to the advantage of our clients

Carefully crafted and skilled cross-examination of police officers is a vital part of Posner, Craig, Stein’s arsenal when it comes to defending drug charges.  The lawyers at our firm have a long history of defending the most difficult drug cases throughout Ontario.

Posner Craig Stein is the right firm to handle your drug or narcotic offence because:

• • We achieve the best possible results for our clients
  • We are experienced at the cross-examination of police officers and the law of police search powers
  • Our fees are highly competitive

Being convicted of a drug offence will have a serious impact on your life. You may incur jail time, be placed on probation, and have difficulty travelling to other countries. If you have been charged with a drug or narcotics offence, you should hire a criminal defence lawyer who has experience defending drug cases. The lawyers at Posner Craig Stein have defended countless drug prosecutions. We are dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible result. We know that you have a lot at stake, and a lot to lose if you are convicted. The prevalence of fentanyl has increasingly resulted in longer sentences in Ontario. It is more important than ever to ensure you are defended by a capable and experienced lawyer.

Posner, Craig, Stein handles drug and narcotic charges across Ontario.

Come meet with us, in confidence, at our office, by phone or a virtual meeting to discuss your options today. Put your trust in the Posner, Craig, Stein criminal defence team of highly skilled and experienced lawyers in drug and narcotic cases.