Drug Offences
Hopkins Law is a law firm that exclusively practices criminal defence. We are based in Edmonton, but will travel to anywhere in Alberta. We are experienced trial lawyers who put the needs of our clients first.
Hopkins Law has extensive experience with drug offences. We have defended everything from simple marijuana possession to serious fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking charges. We do not shy away from complicated litigation, and have successfully challenged large-scale police operations. It takes careful planning and solid strategy to defend drug charges. Hopkins Law will make sure that every aspect of your defence is covered.
Drug Lawyers – Edmonton & surrounding area
587-414-6851 *available 24/7
Hopkins Law – Criminal Lawyers
Edmonton: 11051 97 Street #101
You have been arrested on a drug charge—what can you expect?
Drug offences have stricter bail rules than other offences. For most offences, the onus is on the Crown Prosecutor to show why you should not get bail. For many drug offences, the onus is reversed—the defence needs to show why you should get bail. Because of this added complexity, it is important for you to consult with a lawyer before speaking to bail on a drug charge.
Sentences for drug charges can range from small fines to years of incarceration. Simple possession charges usually attract fines, and first offenders are often eligible for the Alternative Measures program. Offences like Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (PPT) are much more serious. Depending on the type and amount of drugs involved, PPT sentences often range from two to ten years in jail.
Drug trafficking offences are the most serious type of drug charge—selling even a small amount of drugs can result in federal jail time of two or more years. Police frequently conduct undercover “buy and bust” operations that target large areas of the city. If you were caught up in one of these operations, you may have been the victim of entrapment.
Defences to drug charges usually centre around the accused’s right to be safe from unreasonable search and seizure. Complicated constitutional law is at the heart of most drug trials, making it all the more important for you to retain an experienced drug lawyer. Common issues at trial include challenges to search warrants and to the grounds police have for stopping and searching vehicles. If your rights are breached because of an improper search, any evidence that is found may be excluded.
Common Questions:
The police want to search me, my house or my vehicle—what are my rights?
There is no simple answer to this question. Police are only allowed to search when the search is reasonable and authorized by law. However, what counts as “reasonable” and “lawful” will depend on the facts. You may have a defence if your charter rights were breached during a search, but your lawyer will need to argue for why the evidence should be excluded.
The police seized my car and my phone after arresting me—how do I get them back?
Seized property is usually only returned after your charges have been dealt with. This is because items like cell phones can be used as evidence and are filed as police exhibits. It is possible to have larger items like vehicles returned before trial, but only if they are not part of the Crown’s evidence. Your lawyer can assist you with having items returned.
I sold drugs to an undercover cop—can I argue entrapment?
Entrapment is a highly complicated and context-specific area of law. Police are not allowed to engage in “random virtue testing”—that means they can’t provide you with an opportunity to commit a crime unless they reasonably suspect that you are already committing that crime. However, if police have a reasonable suspicion that a crime is happening in a particular area, they can provide anyone with the opportunity to commit it. Consult with your lawyer to determine if entrapment is an issue in your case.
If you need an experienced drug lawyer, Hopkins Law can help. We have extensive knowledge of search and seizure law, search warrants, entrapment law and drug sentencing. We can help you put together a solid release plan before speaking to bail on your drug charges. We will explore all avenues of your defence, including potential Charter challenges. You can count on us to develop a sound strategy, and we will explain it to you at every step of your defence.
Drug Lawyers – Edmonton & surrounding area
587-414-6851 *available 24/7
Hopkins Law – Criminal Lawyers
Edmonton: 11051 97 Street #101
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