Kaley Hepburn, an experienced criminal drug lawyer, offers comprehensive legal representation to clients facing drug charges in Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Oakville, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, and across southern Ontario. She has successfully defended both adults and youths against various drug offences for more than 10 years.

Types of Drug Charges 

Kaley Hepburn specializes in defending clients against the following drug charges:

1. Drug possession
2. Possession for the purpose of trafficking
3. Drug trafficking
4. Drug manufacturing
5. Marijuana grow operations
6. Proceeds of Crime

Consequences of Drug Convictions

A drug conviction can have a devastating impact on your future, including:

• Criminal record
• Serious jail or penitentiary time
• Restrictions on travel to the United States and other countries
• Loss of employment
• Benefiting from the proceeds of a crime

Drug offences are aggressively prosecuted by experienced Federal Crown Attorneys, and recent amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act have established mandatory minimum penalties for certain drug cases. Therefore, it is crucial to have strong representation from an effective criminal defence lawyer.

Hepburn Law’s Approach

Kaley Hepburn conducts a thorough examination of each case and presents the strongest possible defence on behalf of her clients. Her primary concern is protecting your rights and freedom. She thoroughly reviews the evidence in the Crown's case, searching for errors and shortcomings that can be used to your advantage. If possible, she aims to have the case withdrawn or addressed without a trial. If a trial is necessary, she analyzes the weaknesses in the Crown's case to determine if it's in your best interest. With her extensive experience, Kaley Hepburn develops a robust defence and explores all available options to avoid a conviction.

Drug Possession Defence

To be found guilty of drug possession, a person must have both knowledge and control over the drugs. For example, if someone places drugs in your jacket pocket without your knowledge, it can be argued that you had no awareness of the drugs despite having physical possession of them.

Circumstances surrounding the discovery of drugs are also essential. Police must have reasonable and probable grounds for conducting a warrantless search. Even with a warrant, the search can be deemed unreasonable if the warrant was issued improperly or if the police exceeded their authority. Maureen Currie carefully examines these factors to mount a strong defence.  

Drug Trafficking Defence

A conviction for drug trafficking can lead to severe penalties, including a lengthy jail sentence and restrictions on travel and employment opportunities. Recent changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act have introduced mandatory minimum penalties for certain aggravating factors. Crown prosecutors take these offences very seriously, necessitating experienced defence representation.

Depending on the circumstances, you might be charged with drug trafficking or possession for the purpose of trafficking. Drug trafficking charges apply when the accused has sold or offered to sell a prohibited substance.

Possession for the purpose of trafficking charges do not require the sale of drugs. Possession of a significant quantity of drugs is sufficient for this charge. Even possessing drugs to share with friends can result in this charge. Possession of over three kilos of a drug carries more severe consequences.

A conviction for trafficking or possession for the purpose of trafficking a Schedule I drug (e.g., cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy) results in a mandatory minimum jail sentence, depending on various factors such as criminal organization links, violence, involvement of weapons, or prior drug convictions within the past 10 years. If children were present or could have been, the mandatory minimum sentence increases to two years or more. To avoid a lengthy jail sentence, the best course of action is to avoid conviction.

Marijuana Grow Operations Defence

Unlicensed marijuana grow operations are considered serious offences in Canada. Crown prosecutors, police, and other agencies prioritize these cases. Recent changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act introduce mandatory minimum penalties that escalate based on the number of plants, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and other aggravating factors. If you are facing charges related to growing marijuana, it is crucial to seek the advice of a qualified defence lawyer immediately.

A conviction for marijuana production carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence that varies based on the number of plants and aggravating factors. For over 500 plants, the sentence is two years or more in a federal penitentiary. The only way to avoid the minimum sentence in these cases is to avoid conviction.

The Crown allocates significant resources to prosecute marijuana grow operation cases. Kaley Hepburn provides the aggressive defence needed to protect your rights and freedom.

Importance of an Experienced and Knowledgeable Advocate

In certain circumstances, the prosecutor may withdraw charges or address them without a criminal record. In some jurisdictions, there are designated Drug Courts that specifically assist addicts dealing with addiction-related issues.

If you have been arrested for any drug offences, contact Kaley Hepburn for experienced and effective defence. She aims to present the strongest possible defence to avoid a conviction and keep your record clean. By closely working with you and understanding the events leading up to your arrest, she can identify any illegal or unreasonable searches that could be challenged in court. If an illegal search led to the discovery of drugs, steps will be taken to exclude resulting evidence at trial.