Worcester Drug Crime Attorneys for Heroin Charges

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Middlesex & Hampden Counties 

Charges involving the possession, intent to distribute, or trafficking of heroin hold harsh felony penalties in the state of Massachusetts. At Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP, our Worcester criminal defense attorneys have defended many clients facing narcotics charges related to heroin.

Call our firm today at (508) 570-3037 for a free consultation.

Understanding the Seriousness of Heroin Addiction

Due to the highly addictive nature of heroin, those that try the drug often find themselves addicted after even one use. Like cocaine, heroin may be snorted, smoked, or injected, making it difficult to tell if someone has been using the drug based on physical appearance alone. Those who use the drug intravenously often have injection marks on their arms or other parts of their bodies, and authorities may look for paraphernalia in the person’s residence, vehicle, or personal property.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Muscle spasms

Heroin addiction is often fatal if a person does not receive help, and detoxing from the drug without the supervision of a medical professional can lead to death. Withdrawal symptoms from this drug can be extreme, and medications are often prescribed to lessen these symptoms and give addicts an easier and safer way to detox and wean themselves off the drug. Because of the extreme danger of heroin, Massachusetts law regards it as a class A drug, which has some of the highest penalties.

Call today at (508) 570-3037to learn more about our criminal defense services.

Dedicated Representation for Heroin Charges

A trafficking conviction where a person is charged with transporting 18 grams or more of heroin will lead to a 3.5 to 20-year jail sentence as well as $5,000 to $50,000 fines. These penalties will rise with larger amounts of the drug, and for those charged with trafficking 200 grams or more, the penalty is 12 to 20 years in prison and fines of $50,000 to $500,000. Heroin drug convictions are often considered felony convictions and they will often remain on someone’s criminal record for many years.

For distribution charges involving heroin, past convictions matter a great deal. Those convicted of a heroin related crime in Worcester County may be offered assistance in getting off the drug if they are addicted. Because these addictions are so serious, the state tries to help heroin addicts get clean and stay clean through programs and rehabilitations. Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP provides passionate representation from Worcester criminal defense attorneys to help clients seek a beneficial outcome.

Call today at (508) 570-3037to learn more about our criminal defense services.