If you have been accused of a crime, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is here to fight for your legal rights. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a New Hampshire Criminal Defense lawyer. Initial consultations are completely free and confidential.
New Hampshire & Maine Drug Possession Attorney
New Hampshire & Maine Possession Laws
New Hampshire law prescribes strict penalties for drug crimes. Harsh sentences follow convictions from the possession or sale of drugs, including marijuana. The simple possession or transportation of marijuana may be treated as a misdemeanor, resulting in up to 12 months in the house of corrections and a fine of $2,000. However, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana may result in a prison sentence of up to three years alone, as well as a maximum fine of $25,000. Possession of less than an ounce of methamphetamines, heroin, or any Schedule I or II substance will result in up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If the amount in possession is 1 ounce or more, the sentence increases to a maximum of 20 years and $300,000. Possession of 5 ounces or more is punishable by up to 30 years and $500,000.
In order to be convicted of possession, the state must prove that you knowingly possessed the illegal substance. The prosecution bears the burden of establishing your knowledge and we regularly defend such cases, asserting that the State failed to meet this intent requirement. A person may also be arrested for possessing a drug with intent to sell it, which is also a serious crime. The state generally relies on the possession of cash, scales and baggies as well as other paraphernalia to establish the intent requirement for this offense. Hire a New Hampshire criminal defense lawyer today if you have been arrested for drug possession.
The best criminal defense attorneys enjoy positive working relationships with prosecutors and law enforcement, understand the legal and constitutional issues implicated in drug cases and work to create alternatives to criminal prosecution while effectively preparing cases for trial. Our criminal defense team regularly defends drug cases and will be happy to defend you.
Consult with a New Hampshire Drug Crime Attorney
With 30 years of service defending criminal cases, our criminal lawyers practice in district and circuit courts, superior courts and in the federal system throughout New Hampshire, southern Maine and Northern Massachusetts. Our firm has been recognized for its excellence and regularly delivers victories for our clients in matters large and small. Our lawyers understand the impact of a drug conviction on educational, employment and family obligations, we work with our clients to identify their goals and energetically defend our clients facing criminal charges.
