Drug Offences Charges in Burlington
If you have been charged with simple possession, possession for the purpose of trafficking, drug trafficking, production of a controlled substance, and importing in Burlington, the consequences are serious. Penalties vary by substance and quantity. Simple possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine, heroin, fentanyl) carries a maximum of 7 years by indictment. Trafficking carries a maximum of life imprisonment for Schedule I substances. Production carries up to life imprisonment. Mandatory minimums apply to trafficking and production near schools or involving youth.
Burlington residents charged with criminal offences will typically have their cases heard at the Milton courthouse, which serves all of Halton Region. For some matters, cases may also be directed to the John Sopinka Courthouse in Hamilton. Halton Regional Police patrols Burlington, and common charges include impaired driving, domestic assault, and fraud. An experienced defence lawyer familiar with both the Milton and Hamilton courts can advise on the best approach for your case.
How We Defend Drug Offences Charges
Every drug offences case is different, but experienced defence lawyers look for weaknesses in the Crown’s case at every stage. Common defence strategies include:
- Unlawful search and seizure — the police had no legal authority to search
- Charter s. 8 violations leading to exclusion of evidence
- Lack of knowledge — the accused did not know the drugs were present
- Lack of possession or control over the substance
- Entrapment by police or undercover officers
- Challenging the continuity of exhibits or forensic analysis
The Court Process in Milton
Criminal charges laid in Burlington are heard at the Milton Courthouse in Milton. Your first appearance will typically be scheduled within a few weeks of being charged. At that appearance, your lawyer will receive disclosure (the Crown’s evidence against you) and begin assessing the strength of the case.