{"id":372102,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-heroin-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-24T15:48:46","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T20:48:46","slug":"connecticut-heroin-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-heroin-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Heroin Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Connecticut Heroin Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Connecticut drug laws make any possession of narcotics unlawful. Heroin and crack cocaine<\/a> are narcotics under Connecticut law. Connecticut General Statutes<\/a> for illegal drugs resembles the Controlled Substances Act<\/a> under federal law, but the state law is more detailed.<\/p>\r\n

Because of the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic in America, states treat the possession of drugs<\/a> like heroin with strict penalties. The state of Connecticut is unusual in that it has differing charges for distribution or sale. A non-drug-dependent person faces higher penalties for drug crimes than a drug-dependent person.<\/p>\r\n

Connecticut Heroin Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Connecticut has both treatment programs and strict penalties for the misuse of opiates and heroin. Information about pre-trial intervention programs is available at the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addition Services<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

First offense<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Second Offense<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Subsequent Offense<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-279<\/b><\/a> Simple Possession<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Class A misdemeanor<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Treatment program<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Persistent offender (53a-40<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-277<\/b><\/a> Possession for distribution or sale (drug-addicted person)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

15 years\/$50,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

30 years\/$100,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

30 years\/$250,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-278<\/b><\/a> Possession for distribution or sale, narcotics (not addicted)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

(a)(1) (A) (i) one ounce or more of heroin or methadone, or (ii) one-half ounce or more of cocaine or cocaine in a free-base form:<\/p>\r\n

Five years to life<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-278a<\/b><\/a> Possession for distribution or sale to minor (not addicted)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Two years<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Connecticut Heroin Laws Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Connecticut\u2019s drug laws have changed to reflect both the impact of fentanyl and the opioid epidemic. The state also recognizes that both drug education and rehabilitation are essential to address substance abuse.<\/p>\r\n

The first offense penalty for simple possession<\/a> is possible jail time of up to one year and a $2,500 fine. Courts may refer second-time offenders to a substance abuse treatment program. The previous penalty was up to 15 years.<\/p>\r\n

Unlike some states, Connecticut retained its mandatory minimum sentences for many drug charges. Judges cannot suspend the five-year minimum for sale by a non-addicted person regardless of any other possession charges or penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Possession for Sale or Distribution<\/b><\/p>\r\n

Connecticut has made updates to the sale<\/a> and possession statutes<\/a> The statute makes it illegal to possess heroin or any other type of drug for distribution or sale within 200 feet of:<\/p>\r\n