R. v. A.M.N.

(Calgary, P.C.).  Client was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking approximately 7 grams of crack cocaine.  The starting point jail sentence for low level PPT crack cocaine is 3 years in a Federal jail.  From a review of the disclosure, though there was some evidence to support possession "for the purpose", it was not strong.  Factors to support "possession for the purpose of trafficking" include the quantity of drug(s) possessed, its packaging, surveillance observations by police, the presence of paraphernalia and the kind of paraphernalia.  In this case,  AMN pleaded to the lesser included offence of simple possession and successfully argued for a 6 month conditional discharge.  The Crown argued for probation, along with a permanent criminal record. The discharge was significant; for it meant that though the accused was found guilty, as long as she completed the terms or conditions of the discharge, the conviction would not permanently register and she would therefore not have a criminal record. In the end, the client avoided the risk of a substantial term of incarceration and then received the benefit of a second chance. David Chow is one of a few experienced Calgary drug lawyers who understands the many nuances of defending possession for the purpose of trafficking.  Looking to hire a Calgary drug lawyer?  Scanning the Internet for Calgary criminal lawyers with experience. Call David Chow for a free telephone consultation.