Rhode Island Drug Possession Lawyer

Drug possession is a common charge in Rhode Island courts and nationwide. At Biafore Law, we have defended countless individuals facing possession of drugs ranging from marijuana to cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and more, including unauthorized prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Xanax, Adderall, Vicodin, and others. Our highly-experienced Rhode Island drug possession attorney has assisted many individuals in avoiding convictions and jail time and even ended up without a criminal record. We have been successful in providing proven defense strategies that can be effective in helping you reach an optimum outcome.

Being charged with a drug possession offense means that you will have to navigate the criminal justice system. Doing so without the benefit of an experienced and proven attorney is not recommended. You may face substantial penalties and a permanent criminal record that can hamper future employment, housing, educational opportunities, professional licenses in your career of choice, and more. Dedicated legal support can substantially increase your chances of a successful outcome that will preserve your freedom and future.

What is Drug Possession?

Drug possession can include “simple” possession or other more serious offenses such as possession with intent to deliver. Simple possession means the drugs were for your own use and were not meant to sell or distribute to others. Possession with intent to sell is much more serious and generally charged as a felony.

What are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Rhode Island?

Until recently, all Schedule I through V controlled substance possessions were charged as felonies in Rhode Island except for marijuana. However, recently the Governor of the state signed into legislation a bill that reclassifies certain drug possession crimes of 10 grams or less as misdemeanors instead of felonies. These include possession of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and more. Possession of these drugs are punishable by up to two years rather than up to three years as a felony.

Generally, in any drug charge, how you are charged will depend on the type of drug found, its quantity, your previous criminal history, if any, and other facts of the case. Aside from jail or prison time, other penalties can include fines ranging from $500 up to $5,000, community service hours, and potential mandatory drug treatment.

Drug possession cases may also lead to other options, such as Adult Drug Treatment Court, which offers counseling and monitoring to help individuals overcome addiction and a Superior Court diversion program for nonviolent offenders that provides court supervision and services in lieu of jail time. This program keeps you out of the criminal court system and helps you work toward a case dismissal.

Why Choose Biafore Law for Your Defense

At Biafore Law, our Rhode Island drug possession attorney will explore all possibilities in helping you avoid a conviction and its penalties based on the facts and circumstances of your particular case.