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Rhode Island Drug Defense Possession of even a small amount of a controlled substance in Rhode Island can have huge consequences. Rhode Island controlled substance possession charges carry severe penalties and can result in forfeiture, heavy fines, lengthy probation and jail time. When facing controlled substance possession charges, most people feel scared and unsure about their futures, and considering the severe penalties for this type of criminal offense, this is easy to understand. When you have been charged with a drug possession offense, you need strategic and aggressive defense. |
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In every case, Attorney Matthew Marin will thoroughly examine the facts surrounding your investigation and arrest. This not only assists us in building a strong defense case, but also in determining if your Constitutional rights were violated in the process. Rhode Island Drug Defense
Whether you were falsely accused, were in the wrong place at the wrong time or made a bad decision, Attorney Matthew Marin is here to help. Our clients come from a broad spectrum of life, many of them are students at local Rhode Island colleges and universities such as:
• University of Rhode Island
• Community College of Rhode Island
• Johnson & Wales University
• Rhode Island College
• Brown University
• Bryant University
• Providence College
• Roger Williams University
• Salve Regina University
• Rhode Island School of Design
Controlled substance charges have some of the toughest sentencing guidelines in the Rhode Island criminal justice system, especially since the charges could easily become a federal case. Convictions for controlled substance possession, sale or trafficking of controlled substances can result in long mandatory prison sentences. That is too much to risk by defending yourself in a complex criminal justice system.
Attorney Matthew Marin uses his experience to identify and exploit flaws in the prosecution's case, the arrest procedures or the handling of evidence to have charges dismissed or reduced before trial. He has specific experience with defense of drug crimes and will work tirelessly to achieve a successful outcome for you.
There is no need to live in fear with Rhode Island or federal drug possession charges hanging over your head: you are innocent until proven otherwise. We believe it and we will protect all of your other rights as well. We have a solid record of positive results in defending clients charged with controlled substance possession charges. Contact us today to arrange your free initial consultation. We will give you an honest and candid assessment of your case, presenting your options for a positive resolution.
SEE WHAT OUR DRUG POSSESSION CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Review Submitted on Avvo.com on August 12th, 2014
POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LAWYER
AVAILABLE 24/7 AT
401-228-8271
mm@matthewtmarin.com
CRIMINAL CHARGES:
(1) POSSESSION OF ADDERALL
(2) POSSESSION OF HYDROCODONE
(3) POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA
POLICE REPORT: The Client was driving home from class at a local Rhode Island university. Police observed the Client speeding and halted his vehicle. Upon speaking with the Client, the Police smelled a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The Defendant was asked to exit and the vehicle was searched. During the search, the Police identified a small quantity of marijuana and a pill bottle containing both adderall and hydrocodone. Based on the drugs located during the search, the Defendant was charged with possession of marijuana, adderall, and hydrocodone.
RESULT: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED after the Client successfully completed the Adult Diversion Program on 1/3/12
CRIMINAL CHARGES:
(1) POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER MARIJUANA
(2) DRIVING IN POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
POLICE REPORT: The Client was driving with his brother and a friend when he took a right hand turn through a green light without using a turn signal. A local police officer on patrol behind the Client’s vehicle activated his lights and sirens and halted the Client’s vehicle. Upon approaching the vehicle, the Officer detected an odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and asked the Client to exit the vehicle. Once outside, the Client explained to the Officer that the odor was his medicinal marijuana and showed the Officer his medical marijuana card. Inside the Client’s trunk the Officer noticed a glass jar containing marijuana, a digital scale, and a large stack of cash. The Officer then requested consent to search the Client’s vehicle which the Client provided. Upon searching the vehicle, the Officer discovered over seven ounces of marijuana, well above the two and one-half ounce limit provided by Rhode Island’s Medical Marijuana laws. Based on what the Officer discovered, the Client was charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana and driving in possession of a controlled substance.
RESULT: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED after prevailing on the Client's Motion to Suppress Evidence on 11/18/11
CRIMINAL CHARGES:
(1) SIMPLE POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA (FIRST OFFENSE)
(2) POSSESSION OF WEAPON OTHER THAN FIREARM
POLICE REPORT: The Police observed the Client operating his motor vehicle with a brake light out. The Police stopped the Client and upon speaking with the Client they detected the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The Police also observed a chain with two large metal rivets attached to each end which they immediately identified as a chained weapon. The Police questioned the Client regarding the odor of marijuana. The Client informed them that he was a medical marijuana card holder and had marijuana within the vehicle. The Police weighed the suspected marijuana within the vehicle and weighed nearly three and one half ounces. The Police arrested the Client and charged him with simple possession of marijuana (first offense) and possession of weapons other than firearm.
RESULTS: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED on 9/30/11
CRIMINAL CHARGE: FELONY POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA WITH INTENT TO DELIVER
POLICE REPORT: Campus security responded to a suite at a local college when a Resident Advisor reported the strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the suite. Upon arrival at the suite, campus security encountered the Client and began questioning him. After campus security threatened to search the room, the Client turned over 55 grams of marijuana, plastic baggies and a digital scale to campus security. The local police were called and charged the Client with felony possession with intent to deliver marijuana.
RESULT: AMENDED TO SIMPLE POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA and Filed for 1 year on 9/20/11
CRIMINAL CHARGE: POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA (1ST OFFENSE)
POLICE REPORT: Client, a local college student, was with friends in his dorm room. The R.A. responded to the dorm room in response to an odor of marijuana coming from the room. Once inside, both the Client and his friend provided the R.A. with the marijuana and took responsibility for it as theirs. The local police department was called and the Client was charged with simple possession of marijuana, first offense.
RESULT: DISMISSED on 7/6/11
Rhode Island Uniform Controlled Substances Act: Schedule I Drugs
- Opiates
- Opium Derivates
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Hallucinogenic Substances
- Marihuana
- Peyote
- Tetrahydrocannabinols
- Depressants
- Stimulants
Rhode Island Uniform Controlled Substances Act: Schedule II Drugs
- Opium and Opiate
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Thebaine
- Coca Leaves and any Salt
- Opiates
- Methadone
- Stimulants
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Phenmetrazine
- Methylphenidate
- Depressants
Rhode Island Uniform Controlled Substances Act: Schedule III Drugs
- Barbituric Acids
- Ketamine
- Steroids and Hormones
- Chlorionic gonadotropin
- Clostebol
- Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone
- Stanozolol
- Testosterone Propionate
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Rhode Island Uniform Controlled Substances Act: Schedule IV Drugs
Rhode Island Uniform Controlled Substances Act: Schedule V Drugs
POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LAWYER
AVAILABLE 24/7 AT
401-228-8271
mm@matthewtmarin.com
RHODE ISLAND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE DEFENSE STRATEGIES
Depending upon the facts and circumstances of the individual case, a skilled Rhode Island Drug Lawyer can identify legal and factual defenses in the State's case which can be used to negotiate and possibly convince the State to dismiss the charges. Some of the legal areas in which many defenses arise in controlled substance possession cases include:
Automobile Search and Seizure Law
The Constitutionality of automobile search and seizure law under the United States Constitution was drastically changed in 2009 due to the United States Supreme Court’s decision rendered in Arizona v. Gant. Many in law enforcement personnel as well as lawyers who rarely practice in Rhode Island’s criminal courts remain unaware of the broad and sweeping protections that this decision provides those in automobiles.
Search Warrant Issuance and Execution
The issuance and execution of a search warrant may appear to be a daunting battle. However, there are many legal avenues whereby experienced defense lawyers can attack search warrants. The search warrant must be issued under the strict confines of Rhode Island Statutory and United States Constitutional Law. Second, the police must execute the search warrant in strictly in accordance to its terms.
Medical Marijuana Law and Defenses
Given the recent changes in the societal view of marijuana and its use for medicinal purposes, those with Licenses for Medical Marijuana and those that self-medicate for due to legitimate and serious medical problems can and should be treated differently. The Court’s are beginning to recognize that some individuals can be positively benefited by the medicinal use of marijuana and a skilled Rhode Island Marijuana lawyer can effectively advocate those reasons.
Illegal Pat Down / Frisk Searches
Oftentimes, police believe that they can search any person at any time for any reason. Oftentimes, because the police act so confident individuals mistakenly believe that the police have the authority to conduct the searches they initiate. Just because you have been found to have illegal drugs on your person does not mean that the evidence is admissible. If the illegal narcotics are not admissible, then they cannot be used against you in court and you cannot be convicted. Experienced criminal defense lawyers know the inside and outs of pat down and Terry-frisk searches and whether the police have overstepped their boundaries.
RHODE ISLAND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION PENALTIES
Controlled Substance Charge: Simple Possession of Marijuana - First Offense
Controlled Substance Charge: Simple Possession of Marijuana - Second Offense
Controlled Substance Charges: Simple Possession of Schedule I, II, III, IV and V Drugs - First Offense
Controlled Substance Charges: Simple Possession of Schedule I, II, III, IV and V Drugs - Second Offense
RHODE ISLAND POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LAWS
§ 21-28-4.01 Prohibited acts A-Penalties.
Read the Full Rhode Island Possession of a Controlled Substance Law here
POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LAWYER
AVAILABLE 24/7 AT
401-228-8271
mm@matthewtmarin.com
Rhode Island Drug Lawyer Matthew Marin defends those individuals who charged with simple possession of controlled substances found in Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V throughout Rhode Island, including the following cities and towns: Block Island, Bristol, Burrillville, Central Falls, Charlestown, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Exeter, Foster, Glocester, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Lincoln, Little Compton, Middletown, Narragansett, Newport, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Providence, Richmond, Scituate, Smithfield, South Kingstown, Tiverton, Warren, Warwick, Westerly, West Greenwich, West Warwick, Woonsocket. If you have been arrested in Rhode Island and charged with possession of controlled substance or other drug charges, call immediately for a free initial consultation and case evaluation with an experienced Rhode Island Drug Lawyer. Attorney Marin is available 24/7 at (401) 228-8271.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Also, the Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.
