When You're Accused of a Drug Offence in Calgary

Drug offences [investigated by law enforcement] (http://www.calgary.ca/cps/Documents/statistical-reports/2013-annual-statistical-report.pdf) in Calgary and the surrounding area have been falling gradually for the past five years, however there were still over 1,000 cases involving simple drug possession in 2013 within Calgary's city limits. The number of more serious drug-related offences, including trafficking and "cultivation" (which includes growing plants like marijuana as well as manufacturing other drugs), has dropped more rapidly, yet though they occur more infrequently these offences can lead to much harsher consequences for the accused.

When you've been accused of a drug offence in the Calgary area, it's important that you remember your rights under Canadian law and understand the systems in place to help you overcome any drug-related problems you might be facing.

1. Your Right to Contact a Criminal Defence Lawyer

Whether you have been charged with drug possession or a more serious drug offence, you have the right to speak with a criminal defence lawyer at certain times during the investigation. According to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

10. Everyone has the right on arrest of detention

• (a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefor;
• (b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and
• (c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be released if the detention is not lawful.

An experienced criminal defence lawyer can help explain your rights and your options when you're charged with a drug offence. They can provide you with professional help when it comes to speaking with Calgary area law enforcement and dealing with the ins and outs of the court system.

2. Drug Offences Don't Have to Lead to Criminal Punishment

Convictions for some serious drug offences can mean you may face a lengthy jail sentence. However, the outcome of a drug offence case is impacted by how law enforcement and the prosecution proceeds. It is important to ensure that your rights are protected, and that the best defence is put forward on your behalf. This can mitigate the sentencing in some drug offence cases.

3. Your Drug Offence Case is Unique

Law enforcement and criminal defence lawyers in the Calgary area might be used to dealing with drug offence cases fairly regularly, but that doesn't mean each case is or should be treated the same. First, the presumption of innocence is taken very seriously in the criminal justice system no one should treat you as though you are guilty simply because you have been charged or arrested. Second, any experienced criminal defence lawyer will listen carefully to the circumstances surrounding your drug offence charge or arrest, and will help you plan a specific and personal response to any drug-related charges.

A Criminal Defence Lawyer Can Help Handle a Drug Offence Charge

If you or a family member has been charged or arrested for a drug-related offence, contacting an experienced Calgary criminal defence lawyer could be your best chance at the most favorable outcome. For a free consultation without any obligation, please contact Susan Karpa today.