Drug Crimes Lawyer in Surrey

In Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code outline a wide range of drug and controlled substance-related offences. Whether you’ve been arrested for minor drug possession or trafficking, or you’re suspected of a larger-scale offence like heroin importation, it’s in your best interests to seek legal help. At Basra Law Group, our Surrey criminal defence lawyers have years of experience handling drug crime cases.

What Is a Drug Crime?

Section 1996, c.19 of the CDSA defines drug crimes as the possession, trafficking, production and importation of illegal and controlled substances. Under this act, soft and hard drugs are categorized under various schedules, from the most addictive and dangerous to the least. Schedule Ⅰ drugs include opium, fentanyl, codeine and morphine; schedule ⅠⅠ drugs include cannabis and its derivatives; and schedule ⅠⅠⅠ covers drugs such as LSD, PCPr and magic mushrooms.

Drug Crimes Lawyer Surrey | Drug Charges & Possession | Basra Law

Types of Drug Crimes

There are several categories of drug crimes, each with different defining parameters and associated penalties. They include:

Possession

The Criminal Code defines possession as when:

  • a person has an illegal substance in his personal possession or knowingly
    • has it in the actual possession or custody of another person, or
    • has it in any place, whether or not that place belongs to or is occupied by him, for the use or benefit of himself or of another person; and
  • where one of two or more persons, with the knowledge and consent of the rest, has anything in his custody or possession, it shall be deemed to be in the custody and possession of each and all of them

Possession is considered a hybrid offence, meaning that the Crown prosecutor decides whether to treat your situation as a serious case or a summary conviction. Their decision depends on the type of drug, the quantity and whether it’s the first time you’ve been charged with possession.

For first-time offenders possessing small quantities of ‘soft drugs,’ the court often awards penalties such as fines from $250 to $500 and probation, while sentences of up to 5 years in prison are common for possession of larger quantities. Offenders may serve up to seven years in jail for possessing ‘hard drugs’ like cocaine and heroin.

Trafficking

The CDSA defines trafficking as when a person intends to:

  • sell, give, administer, transport, transfer, deliver or send an illegal substance, or
  • sell an authorization to obtain the substance

Drug trafficking penalties vary depending on the circumstances and the type of drugs involved. Sentences for drug trafficking can range from 18 months or a $2,000 fine to life imprisonment.

Drug production

The CDSA defines production as when a person is involved in the:

  • manufacturing, synthesizing, or using any means of altering the physical or chemical properties of the substance, or
  • cultivating, harvesting, or propagating the substance or any living thing from which the substance may be extracted or obtained, and includes an offer to produce

The production of illegal substances is a serious offence. Penalties for drug cultivation can range from a prison sentence of three years to life imprisonment, depending on the substance and its quantity.

Drug Crime Defence Lawyers in Surrey

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug felony, contact the Surrey drug crime defence lawyers at Basra Law Group. Our Surrey criminal lawyers will thoroughly examine your case for errors and infractions, possibly resulting in your charges being withdrawn or reduced. We will also contest and cross-examine evidence and question the prosecution’s statements to achieve a favourable income.

Call us at +1-604-560-0016 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.