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Heroin arrests and convictions under the Criminal Code can result in serious legal penalties, including incarceration. It will also likely result in notable personal and professional consequences for your own life, as well as in your relationships with friends, employers, and loved ones.

The penalties imposed after being convicted of a heroin charge depend upon a variety of factors, including the nature of the crime (e.g., possession versus distribution) and the amount of heroin you are found to be in possession of. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime that involves heroin, you need an experienced lawyer who regularly defends drugs charges and who has a history of obtaining good results for clients. When it comes to defending individuals in drug cases, you should look no further than Bourdon Defence for skilled, experienced legal representation. Our knowledgeable legal team will make sure that you understand all of your legal options, and we will present them in a clear and concise way. We can help you make an informed decision about how best to move forward with your case.

Factors That Determine Heroin Penalties

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime that involves heroin, the penalty that a sentencing judge imposes against you can depend upon a variety of different factors. These factors typically include the amount of heroin you are found to possess and the specific nature of the charge. Heroin charges may include any of the following:

  • Simple possession of heroin
  • Drug trafficking crimes that involve heroin
  • Possessing a certain amount of heroin for the purpose of drug trafficking
  • Importing or exporting heroin

Generally speaking, heroin charges that involve simple possession incur lesser penalties than those which involve heroin trafficking or distribution. Also, when judges pass sentence, they will typically consider the number of prior drug charges or convictions on your criminal record.

Types of Penalties Incurred

The penalties for a heroin conviction may include anything from fines to incarceration. Many crimes that involve trafficking or distribution have minimum incarceration sentences associated with them. The sentencing judge has the discretion to increase these penalties if the accused is a repeat offender with a significant number of prior arrests or convictions. Depending upon the circumstances, as an alternative to incarceration, a sentencing judge may impose a period of probation. In order for the offender to remain compliant with the terms of his or her probation, the offender must usually meet with a probation officer at regular intervals and complete other requirements, such as community service.

Contact a Calgary Drug Defence Lawyer

If you have been arrested and charged with a drug offence that involves heroin, you need an experienced lawyer to represent you and protect your legal rights. At Bourdon Defence, our compassionate lawyers can provide you with the best representation possible and ensure that your Charter rights are safeguarded throughout the entire process. To set up your legal consultation and evaluation with a drug defence lawyer in Calgary, please call us today at (403) 474-4143, or contact us online.