RI & MA Drug Possession Defense Attorney

What is Drug Possession?

Drug Possession is the criminal act of unlawfully possessing either an illegal drug or controlled pharmaceutical drug without a valid prescription. Illegal drugs include marijuana, steroids, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and related substances. Possessing any controlled pharmaceutical, regardless of type, without a valid prescription, is considered a crime.  Penalties related to Drug Possession vary by drug type and quantity. Drug quantity is calculated by weight measures such as pounds (i.e. marijuana) or grams and related metric measurements (i.e. kilograms).  Illegally possessed pharmaceuticals are measured the number or volume of pills, or alternatively, by metric measurements, depending upon jurisdiction.   Certain drug types and quantities may be tied to mandatory minimum jail sentences. The location where one is alleged to have  possessed the drugs may also affect potential penalties. For example, possessing drugs in or near a school or park has more serious consequences than possession in the privacy of your home.

Being charged with Drug Possession may have serious collateral consequences. These may include denial of public housing, financial aid to attend school, the ability to serve in the military or armed forces, various employment opportunities and in some states, a license to operate a motor vehicle. If an offender has children, a Drug or Narcotics Offense charge may also implicate state agencies such as the Department of Child Services (DCS) or Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). These agencies may initiate independent investigations to consider the welfare of child or children who may have been exposed to a parent who is either abusing or dealing illegal drugs. This could lead to removal of a child or children from the household or limiting or restricting
parental rights. A Drug Possession charge is a serious matter. Therefore, if you have been charged with Drug Possession, it is important to seek legal representation immediately in order to protect your rights and minimize the impact that a charge of his nature may have on your life.

If you have been charged with drug possession and need expert legal representation, contact the RI/MA drug possession defense attorneys at the Law Office of John L. Calcagni III by email or call today at (401) 351-5100 to schedule a free consultation.