Drug Offences in Ontario – Criminal Defence Lawyers
CHARGED WITH DRUG POSSESSION OR TRAFFICKING?
WE FIGHT TO PROTECT YOUR RECORD, FREEDOM AND FUTURE.
Drug-related charges in Ontario can lead to jail, a criminal record, and life-altering consequences — even for first-time offenders. At Law Booth, we represent clients across Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, and surrounding areas. Whether you're charged with possession, trafficking, or production, we provide aggressive and strategic legal defence.
Drug charges fall under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code of Canada. Charges can vary depending on:
The type of substance
The quantity
Whether there was intent to sell, traffic, or export
What Is Drug Charges?
Common charges include:
Possession of a controlled substance (e.g., cocaine, fentanyl, MDMA, heroin, etc.)
Possession for the purpose of trafficking
Drug trafficking
Drug importation/exportation
Production or cultivation of drugs (e.g., grow-ops, synthetic drugs)
Prescription fraud or misuse
Controlled Substances & Drug Schedules
Drugs are classified into Schedules I–IV, with Schedule I drugs (like fentanyl, cocaine, heroin) carrying the harshest penalties.
✅ Schedule I: Cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, meth, MDMA
✅ Schedule II: Synthetic cannabinoids, some cannabis derivatives
✅ Schedule III: LSD, psilocybin
✅ Schedule IV: Benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids
PENALTIES IF CONVICTED
Penalties vary based on the drug, quantity, prior record, and circumstances.
Possession:
Fine or jail (up to 7 years for Schedule I drugs)
Probation, mandatory rehab
Criminal record
Trafficking or Possession for Purpose of Trafficking:
Indictable offence (maximum sentence: life imprisonment)
Mandatory minimums in some cases
Large fines
Immigration and travel consequences
Production / Grow Ops / Labs:
Seizure of property or homes
Federal prison time
Firearm and parole bans
Even minor possession charges can result in long-term consequences — especially for students, professionals, and non-citizens.
HOW WE DEFEND YOUR DRUG CHARGES
We analyze every detail to build your strongest defence.
Common strategies include:
✅ Charter applications – Unlawful search, arrest, or seizure
✅ No intent to traffic – Quantity doesn't prove purpose
✅ No knowledge or control of the substance
✅ Entrapment or improper police conduct
✅ No evidence of possession (constructive possession)
✅ Violation of procedural rights – delay, overreach, evidence handling errors
We push for:
Withdrawals
Diversion programs
Peace bonds
Acquittals at trial
Plea agreements that avoid jail or criminal records
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DRUG CHARGES
Q1: Can I be charged with drug possession if the drugs weren’t on me?
Yes. That’s called constructive possession — if drugs were in your backpack, car, or home and you had knowledge/control, you can be charged.
Q2: What’s the difference between possession and trafficking?
Possession means having illegal drugs on your person or within your control.
Trafficking involves selling, offering to sell, transporting, or distributing drugs. Even sharing with a friend can be considered trafficking under the law.
Q3: What happens to my property if I’m charged?
Police can seize cash, vehicles, phones, or real estate if they suspect it's linked to drug crime. We challenge seizures through forfeiture hearings and Charter motions.
Q4: Is there a way to avoid a criminal record for drug charges?
Yes — especially for first-time possession cases. We pursue diversion, conditional discharges, or withdrawals whenever possible.
Q5: Can a drug charge affect my immigration status?
Absolutely. Drug charges — especially trafficking or possession for the purpose — can result in inadmissibility, refused work permits, or removal orders for non-citizens.
Q6: Are cannabis offences still prosecuted?
Yes — while cannabis is legal, it's still illegal to:
Sell or distribute without a license
Possess large quantities
Grow more than 4 plants
Import/export cannabis
Q7: What if I was set up by the police?
We look for entrapment, coercion, and illegal investigation methods. If the police induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise commit, we can seek to exclude the evidence.