Possession

Ontario’s drug possession laws are continually evolving. Now regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, possession charges are common, and the penalties can be decreased. Possession penalties are determined by the drug you have been caught with, the quantity in your possession, and the provable intention of your possession at the time of your charge.

Possession charges can range from dropped charges and fines, to jail times of 6 months to 7 years depending on the drug classification and the Schedule it falls under. Drug trafficking continues to sit as the highest offence, but charges and convictions are not always the same thing. To be convicted of possession you must have both knowledge and control of the substance you were charged with. There are also laws on how the police can search you, which if not followed violate your personal rights.

If you have been charged with possession, don’t let the police intimidate you into accepting a guilty plea, or a lesser charge plea deal. Instead contact Steve Norton at Norton Law to help you understand the updated Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and your right to fight your criminal charges. If your case does progress to court Steve Norton will defend your possession charge and any coexisting charges through case law and your own personal history.