Drug Offences Charges in Richmond Hill
If you have been charged with simple possession, possession for the purpose of trafficking, drug trafficking, production of a controlled substance, and importing in Richmond Hill, 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.
Richmond Hill falls within York Region, and all criminal charges from Richmond Hill are heard at the Newmarket courthouse at 50 Eagle Street West. York Regional Police patrols Richmond Hill and the surrounding area. Richmond Hill has a large and diverse immigrant community, making the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction — including inadmissibility, loss of permanent resident status, or deportation — a particularly important consideration in defence strategy for many clients.
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 Newmarket
Criminal charges laid in Richmond Hill are heard at the Newmarket Courthouse in Newmarket. 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.