Connecticut Drug Possession Law
Connecticut Drug Possession Defense
What you're facing under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-279(a), how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Connecticut (CT) law.
Offense Class
Class A Misdemeanor (first); Class D Felony (subsequent)
Maximum Penalty
1 year (first); 5 years (subsequent)
Maximum Fine
$2,000 (first); $5,000 (subsequent)
Penalty Range in Connecticut
Charge Enhancements
These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Connecticut:
- Subsequent offense (Class D Felony)
- Possession near a school (§ 21a-278a)
Connecticut-Specific Detail
First-offense simple possession is a Class A Misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses are Class D Felony. Diversionary programs available for first offenders.
Is your Connecticut drug case defense on track?
The free Defense Score checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to drug-possession cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.
Take the Free Defense ScoreDrug Possession Defense Playbook — $127
26 questions that change how the next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download, relevant to Connecticut defendants.
Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Connecticut drug possession law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.