One wrong move. One moment you wish you could take back. Suddenly, you’re facing a drug charge, and everything changes. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, confused, or even scared. But what you do next matters more than ever.
In British Columbia, drug offences come with serious, long-lasting consequences. It isn’t something you should try to handle on your own. A skilled Surrey criminal lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you work toward the best possible outcome.
What Are the Different Types of Drug Offences?
Drug offences can be broadly categorized into three main types: possession, trafficking and production.
Here’s a brief overview of each:
- Possession: This occurs when a person is found to have illegal drugs on their person or their property. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the penalties for possession can range from a small fine to imprisonment.
- Trafficking: This refers to the sale, distribution, or transportation of illegal drugs. The severity of the penalties for trafficking depends on the type and quantity of drugs involved and whether it is a first or subsequent offence.
- Production: This refers to the cultivation, manufacturing or synthesis of illegal drugs. Production charges can carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, particularly if the drugs involved are considered to be more dangerous or harmful.
What Are the Consequences of a Drug Offence Conviction?
A conviction for a drug offence can have a significant impact on your future in several ways, including:
- Criminal Record: A drug offence conviction will result in a criminal record, affecting your ability to travel, find employment and obtain certain licenses or certifications.
- Employment Opportunities: Many employers conduct criminal background checks on potential employees. A drug offence conviction can make it challenging to secure employment, especially in certain industries.
- Education: A drug offence conviction can prevent you from enrolling in specific educational programs, particularly those that require a criminal background check.
- Professional Licenses: Certain professions, such as healthcare or law enforcement, require individuals to have a clean criminal record. A drug offence conviction can prevent you from obtaining or maintaining these licenses.
- Immigration: A drug offence conviction can have severe consequences for people who are not Canadian citizens, including deportation and inadmissibility to Canada.
How Can a Surrey Drug Offences Lawyer Help You?
A Surrey drug offences lawyer provides the legal guidance and support you need to protect your future. Here’s how:
- Legal Advice: Surrey criminal lawyers explain the charges against you, the potential consequences and your options for defending yourself.
- Building a Strong Defence: A skilled lawyer gathers evidence, interviews witnesses and builds a strong defence to help you fight the charges against you.
- Protecting Your Rights: Your Surrey drug offences lawyer will advise you on what to say and do when interacting with law enforcement and ensure that any evidence obtained against you was gathered legally.
- Mitigating Penalties: If you are convicted of a drug offence, a lawyer advocates for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing options, such as probation or rehabilitation programs.
- Expungement: If you have a conviction on your record, a Surrey drug offences lawyer can help you explore options for having it expunged or sealed, depending on the circumstances of your case. This can help minimize the impact of the conviction on your future.
Barsa Law Group Offers the Strongest Defence for Drug Crimes in South Surrey and White Rock
If you or someone close to you is facing drug-related charges, time matters. The sooner you get legal support, the better your chances of protecting your future.
At Basra Law Group, our experienced Surrey criminal lawyers challenge the evidence, question the prosecution and do everything possible to have your charges reduced or withdrawn entirely.
Call +1-604-560-0016 or complete our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.