DO YOU NEED A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER FOR DRUG ABUSE?

The majority of the public treatment centers for substance abuse in Canada are limited by budgets restraints. Most will struggle to meet the demand for help from the community. Like most services offered by our healthcare system, waiting is also the norm for the substance abuse treatment centers. Some waiting lists are more than 2 months long.

There is another option; the private residential treatment centers servicing Mississauga. To find the  private rehab center that fits your budget our professional referral counselor  can help. If you or someone you know needs help finding a private detox or drug treatment center call our referral addiction counselors for a free and confidential service.

Drug Addiction

In Mississauga or elsewhere, people with an addiction to street drugs, alcohol or prescription medications are doing so as a solution. There is some unwanted physical or emotional pain or discomfort. Mind altering substances bring temporary relief by masking the pain. When the drug wears off more drugs are needed to get the same high. The body becomes dependent and soon the person needs the substance just to get by.

The real underlying problem is a lack of a solution to deal with life’s problems. It has now been buried under months or years of substance abuse. The only way out of this situation for anyone in Mississauga or elsewhere in Ontario is to contact someone for help. We have worked with substance abuse for more than twenty years and know what drug rehabilitation is about. So you can stop your search for a Mississauga drug rehab program and give us a call today.

Which Drugs Are Considered Addictive?

Some drugs may be considered more addictive than others. Drugs that are commonly involved in heavy drug addiction include:

  • Heroin
  • Cocaine and crack cocaine
  • Methamphetamines and other stimulants
  • Various types of prescription drugs, which may lead to unique criminal activity such as prescription fraud
  • Synthetic drugs
  • Alcohol

Various other substances may be considered addictive drugs. State laws may vary regarding the way that drugs are classified

Is Drug Addiction a Defense to Some Crimes?

Generally speaking, being addicted to drugs or drug substances is not a defense to crimes. However, being under the influence of drugs can sometimes serve as a defense. This is often the case if the person is unable to form the requisite mental state for a crime due to their being under the influence of drugs. A common example of this is where a person is unable to control their volitions due to being under the influence of drugs.

Defenses involving drugs also work more in the defendant’s favor if they were consumed a drug substance without their knowledge (i.e., involuntary intoxication). This can happen for instance if the drugs were inserted into their food or drink without them being aware of it. In some crime cases, the judge may offer alternative sentencing options if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crime (such as diversion programs or rehabilitation programs). Another drug defense available to addicts is drug overdose immunity.

The presence of employees with substance use disorders in the workplace is a serious issue. Over 77% of illicit drug users are employed and the loss of productivity resulting from drug and alcohol abuse is significant. Alcoholism alone is responsible for 500 million lost work days each year. Alcohol and drugs know no social, economic or educational barriers, and legal professionals face unique stress. In fact, lawyers are almost twice as likely to struggle with alcohol abuse when compared to the general population!

It is evident from these statistics that people in the legal profession are at an elevated risk of experiencing substance use disorders. Consequently, they need to be proactive in reaching out and leaning on their support system before they feel overwhelmed and trapped.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Drug addiction is a major community concern. Drug use and distribution is often related to other crimes and legal issues such as theft or violent crime. You may need to hire a criminal lawyer in your area if you have any legal issues, questions, or concerns regarding drug addiction. Drug addiction in itself is a serious issue, but it can also compound certain types of criminal and legal issues. Your attorney can inform you of your legal options, and can also provide you with representation if you need to attend trial in court.