Drug Charges

Drug charges in Ontario are serious crimes and are vigorously prosecuted by the Federal Crown. A conviction for a drug offence can have far-reaching consequences, including fines or jail time, irreparable damage to your personal and professional reputation, and your ability to pursue future employment opportunities. A conviction can also severely limit your ability to travel, especially to the United States. If you are under investigation for, or have been charged with a drug-related crime, you need to secure the services of a qualified and competent criminal lawyer who is experienced in dealing with drug crimes. At Eisen Dyer LLP, our skilled criminal defence lawyers are familiar with the most up-to-date legal developments in this complex and evolving area of law, and will work tirelessly to formulate and present the best possible defence on your behalf.

Understanding Drug Charges

There are many different drug offences in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including simple possession, possession for the purpose of trafficking, unlawful possession of prescription medications, trafficking of drugs, production of drugs or drug paraphernalia, export or import of drugs, and conspiracy to commit any of these offences. Each of these criminal charges comes with its own set of legal elements, which the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Canadian drug laws deal with many different types of controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, methamphetamine, prescription medications, and many other drugs. Eisen Dyer LLP’s criminal defence lawyers are knowledgeable in all areas of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act, and will be able to assess how the law applies to your unique case.

At Eisen Dyer LLP we can help you navigate every step of the process, from initial police investigations and questioning all the way through to your trial, and everything in between. If you are arrested on drug charges, you may be released from the scene or from the police station, or you may be held in custody pending a bail hearing, where you must show the court why you should be released on bail. We can assist in securing your release on bail while you await your trial.

Often these cases involve challenges to the Crown’s evidence by way of Charter of Rights arguments involving unreasonable search or seizure. As your case progresses, we will review the Crown evidence in detail to prepare for trial. In appropriate cases, we can explore the possibility of a plea bargain (which may reduce the charges or penalties you face). At every phase of the case, your lawyer at Eisen Dyer LLP will keep you abreast of your options and will make sure that your legal rights are protected in order to achieve the best possible outcome for you.