Drug Charges Lawyers in Edmonton

Our drug charge lawyers in Edmonton defend possession, possession for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking, importing and production charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act.

Drug charges we defend

• Simple possession
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking
• Trafficking
• Production / grow operations
• Importing & exporting
• Cannabis Act offences

Common drug charges

• Possession — having a controlled substance for personal use.
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (PPT) — possession with the intent to sell or distribute, often inferred from quantity, packaging, scales, cash or messages.
• Trafficking — selling, giving, transporting or offering a controlled substance.
• Production — cultivating or manufacturing a controlled substance.
• Cannabis offences — cannabis is legal for adults within limits, but the Cannabis Act still prohibits activities such as illegal selling, possession over the public limit and providing cannabis to minors.

The seriousness and potential penalty depend on the substance, the quantity, and the type of charge. Charges involving fentanyl, methamphetamine or cocaine are treated especially seriously.

Charter defences

Many drug prosecutions stand or fall on the search. We examine whether police had lawful grounds to stop and detain you, whether a search of your person, vehicle, home or phone was authorized by law or a valid warrant, and whether you were properly advised of your right to a lawyer. Evidence obtained in breach of the Charter can be excluded at trial.

Diversion for simple possession

Police and prosecutors are required to consider alternatives to charging and prosecution — such as warnings or referral to treatment — for simple possession. We advocate for these outcomes where they're available.

Proving possession and intent

The Crown must prove you knew about and had control over the drugs — which can be contested when drugs are found in a shared vehicle or residence. For PPT, the Crown must also prove an intent to traffic, and expert evidence on quantity and packaging can be challenged.