In Canada, drug offences are prosecuted under a separate federal law called the Controlled Drug and Substances Act, also known as the CDSA for short. The drugs that are captured under the CDSA are listed in schedules attached to the law. There are 100s of drugs categorized that are illegal. (In 2018, cannabis was repealed from schedule 2 of the CDSA, although there are still many offences that relate to cannabis, however, simple possession of cannabis is no longer a criminal offence). Commonly known illegal drugs such as Cocaine, Fentanyl and Opium for example are included in the schedule of illegal drugs. Under the CDSA there are different types of criminal activities that one can be charged with, such as possession of a drug, trafficking of a drug or cultivating and producing an illegal drug. One can even be charged with drug trafficking if one held out the substance to be a drug when in fact it was not (i.e., selling baking powder holding it out to be cocaine). Drug charges are very serious and can include prescription pharmaceuticals as well.
If one is found guilty of a drug-related offence under this law? The consequences range from absolute discharges (not a criminal record) to lengthy jail terms resulting in permanent criminal records. The nature of the drug, the amount of the drug and the activity (for example simple possession as opposed to trafficking large quantities) will determine what type of sentencing consequences will follow from a finding of guilt. When one is charged with drug possession, it is when you are found with an illegal substance. When one is charged with drug cultivation, it is referring to a grow-op or any building or place used to cultivate or create the drugs. Drug convictions can have life-lasting implications for the offender, including restrictions on travel to foreign countries, future employment opportunities and other serious consequences. If you find yourself arrested, or charged for using or selling or possessing illegal drugs, feel free to contact Baratz Law, drug lawyer in Toronto, Ontario for a confidential consultation.
Avi Baratz represents Accused Persons charged with drug related offences throughtout the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario. Call 416-937-3777 to schedule a confidential consultation.
The police require a search warrant in order to search your home, office, car, computer, mobile telephone, smartphone or other dwelling or area where you could expect privacy. Your home is your castle where you have an expectation of privacy and the Courts are serious about enforcing that right.
Criminal lawyers in Ontario handle a wide range of drug offenses, including possession, trafficking, cultivation, and distribution of illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Whether you're facing minor possession charges or serious trafficking allegations, a skilled lawyer can provide strategic defense tailored to your case.
See below for various articles related to Drug Charges and that provide answers to questions you may be having about this topic. You can always contact Mr. Baratz, an assault lawyer in Toronto to discuss your matter or schedule a confidential consultation.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and discuss your case with our experienced criminal defense team. You can reach us by phone at 416-937-3777 or through the contact form. We look forward to assisting you with your legal needs.