Head of criminal law practice
Expert in criminal and international law. He also specializes in crimes in the field of military activity and in the financial sector.
Drug lawyer
Drug-related criminal proceedings require an immediate response and professional legal defense from a drug crime lawyer. Mistakes made during detention, interrogation, or a search may significantly affect the outcome of the case. Therefore, an experienced criminal defense lawyer specializing in drug-related offenses should become involved from the very first hours after the issue arises.
The criminal defense lawyers at Prikhodko & Partners provide comprehensive legal support, verify the legality of law enforcement actions, develop an effective defense strategy, and protect the client’s rights at every stage of the criminal proceedings.
Drug Crime Lawyer: When Legal Assistance Is Needed
The assistance of a criminal defense lawyer is necessary at any stage of criminal proceedings involving narcotic drugs, including:
- after receiving a notice of suspicion for offenses related to the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or their analogues;
- during the seizure of substances or preparations;
- during searches or other investigative actions;
- in the event of detention by law enforcement officers;
- when summoned for an interrogation as a witness, suspect, or accused person;
- during the selection of a preventive measure;
- during court proceedings and appeals against court decisions.
The criminal defense lawyers at Prikhodko & Partners provide full legal support in such cases by analyzing the legality of law enforcement actions, developing an effective defense strategy, preparing procedural documents, and representing the client’s interests throughout every stage of the criminal proceedings. Our primary goal is to ensure the protection of human rights and minimize any potential negative consequences for the client.
Advantages of Working with Prikhodko & Partners
Criminal proceedings involving narcotic drugs require prompt and highly professional legal assistance. That is why it is essential to work with a legal team that has extensive practical experience in defending complex criminal cases and is ready to act immediately.
The criminal defense lawyers at Prikhodko & Partners provide:
- urgent lawyer dispatch in cases of detention, searches, or other emergency investigative actions;
- extensive practical experience in handling criminal cases involving the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their analogues;
- complete confidentiality and strict compliance with attorney-client privilege, ensuring the protection of all information received from the client;
- an individual defense strategy, as every criminal case has its own factual circumstances and procedural specifics;
- continuous communication with the client and prompt updates regarding the progress of the pre-trial investigation and court proceedings;
- transparent legal fees without hidden charges or additional costs;
- comprehensive legal representation at every stage of the criminal proceedings—from detention or notification of suspicion through trial and appeal.
Our team monitors the legality of law enforcement actions, prepares all necessary procedural documents, participates in interrogations, searches, and court hearings, and develops an effective legal position to protect the client’s interests.
We firmly believe that there is no universal solution in criminal proceedings. Therefore, every case is analyzed individually, and the defense strategy is developed based on all available evidence, procedural risks, and the client’s specific circumstances.
Liability Under Articles 307 and 309 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine
Ukrainian criminal law clearly distinguishes offenses involving the unlawful possession of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their analogues for personal use from offenses involving their sale or other forms of distribution. The key criterion is the purpose of possessing or handling the substances.
Whether there was an intent to distribute directly affects the legal classification of the offense, the severity of criminal liability, and the defense strategy. Below are the key differences between the provisions of the Criminal Code of Ukraine governing unlawful possession and drug trafficking.
Article 309 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Possession Without Intent to Sell covers the unlawful production, manufacture, acquisition, possession, transportation, or shipment of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or their analogues without the intent to distribute them (i.e., for personal use).
- Nature of the offense: The individual keeps the substance on their person, at home, in a vehicle, or elsewhere solely for personal consumption.
- Threshold for criminal liability: Criminal liability depends on the quantity of the substance. Ukrainian legislation defines a “small amount” by orders of the Ministry of Health. If the quantity is below this threshold, administrative liability applies (Article 44 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses). If the amount reaches or exceeds the threshold, criminal liability under Article 309 applies.
- Punishment (Part 1): Whether a prison sentence is imposed depends on the person’s criminal record and the circumstances of the case. Penalties include a fine, community correctional labor, restriction of liberty for up to five years, or, for larger quantities under Parts 2 and 3, imprisonment.
- Grounds for exemption: Part 4 of Article 309 provides an important exemption. A person who voluntarily seeks medical treatment and begins treatment for drug addiction is exempt from criminal liability.
Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Drug Trafficking establishes significantly harsher criminal liability for the unlawful production, manufacture, acquisition, possession, transportation, shipment with intent to distribute, as well as the actual illegal sale of narcotic drugs.
- Nature of the offense: Any action aimed at transferring a narcotic substance to another person, including sale, gift, sharing, leaving hidden “dead drops,” or exchange. Even if the transfer has not yet occurred, but the intent to sell or distribute is proven (for example, packaging the substance into numerous zip-lock bags), the offense may be classified under Article 307 in conjunction with Articles 14 or 15 of the Criminal Code (preparation or attempted commission of a crime).
- Punishment: Drug trafficking is classified as a serious criminal offense. Even under Part 1 (without aggravating circumstances), the only possible punishment is imprisonment for a term of four to eight years. If aggravating circumstances are present (repeat offense, conspiracy by a group, trafficking in large quantities, involvement of minors, etc.), the sentence may increase to as much as twelve years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
- Proof of intent: To qualify an offense under this Article, law enforcement authorities seek evidence specifically proving the intent to distribute, such as distinctive packaging, possession of scales, messages in instant messengers concerning sales or dead drops, testimony from buyers, and the results of controlled purchases.
Emergency Legal Assistance During Detention or a Search
A drug crime lawyer is urgently needed immediately after detention or the commencement of a search. Timely involvement of legal counsel makes it possible to:
- participate in investigative actions;
- review procedural documents;
- document possible procedural violations and monitor compliance with legal requirements by law enforcement authorities;
- challenge unlawful decisions;
- ensure that the rights of the detained person are respected;
- prepare objections and procedural motions.
Practice shows that effective legal defense at the initial stage of criminal proceedings often determines the future prospects of a case and can significantly influence its outcome.
Legal Services in Drug-Related Criminal Cases
Prikhodko & Partners Law Firm provides a full range of legal services in cases involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Our services include:
- confidential legal consultation;
- analysis of criminal case materials;
- development of a legal defense strategy;
- representation during interrogations, searches, and investigative experiments;
- preparation and submission of motions and procedural applications;
- challenging unlawful investigative actions;
- legal representation during the selection of preventive measures;
- representation of the client’s interests in court;
- preparation of appellate and cassation appeals.
The primary objective of our lawyers is to ensure the legality of criminal proceedings, prevent violations of the client’s rights, and build the most effective defense strategy based on all circumstances of the particular case.
Stages of Cooperation with a Lawyer
Legal representation in criminal proceedings is carried out in stages and involves comprehensive legal support throughout every phase of the case:
- Initial client consultation.
- Legal consultation and document review.
- Development of a defense strategy.
- Participation in investigative actions.
- Preparation of procedural documents.
- Representation during court proceedings.
- Representation during appeals against court decisions.
At every stage, our lawyers monitor the protection of the client’s rights, analyze the legality of law enforcement actions, and respond promptly to any procedural violations. This approach allows us to build an effective defense strategy and minimize the potential negative consequences of criminal prosecution.
Cost of Legal Services in Drug-Related Criminal Cases
Many clients ask how much a drug crime lawyer costs. The final legal fee is determined after reviewing the case materials and depends on several factors.
| Factor | Impact on Cost | Estimated Fee From |
| Urgency of the Request | Immediate lawyer dispatch requires urgent response | UAH 20,000 |
| Stage of Criminal Proceedings | Pre-trial investigation | UAH 15,000 per individual procedural action |
| Court proceedings | UAH 20,000 | |
| Volume of Case Materials | Need to analyze a substantial volume of documents | UAH 20,000 |
| Procedural Actions | Interrogations, searches, motions, appeals | UAH 15,000 per procedural action |
We adhere to the principle of transparent pricing and agree on all terms of cooperation with the client in advance.
Cases involving narcotic drugs are among the most complex categories of criminal proceedings, where timely legal assistance is crucial. Prompt legal protection helps minimize risks and build an effective defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of the case.
If your home or premises are being searched, you have received a notice of suspicion, have been detained, or have been summoned by an investigator, do not delay contacting a lawyer. Submit a request using the form below to receive a preliminary assessment of your situation and an individual estimate of the legal fees applicable to your case.
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How much is the penalty for drug possession under Article 309 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine?
Article 309 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for different types of punishment depending on the circumstances of the case, the amount of substance, the presence of repetition, and other factors. The final decision is made by the court.
What is the term for drug trafficking under Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine?
Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine establishes stricter liability, since it concerns the sale of narcotic drugs or actions aimed at their sale. The specific term is determined by the court after assessing all the evidence.
Can they give a suspended sentence for drug trafficking?
The possibility of applying a suspended sentence depends on the qualification of the act, the identity of the accused, mitigating circumstances and the provisions of applicable law. Each case requires an individual analysis.
When should you contact a drug lawyer urgently?
Immediate legal assistance is necessary during detention, search, serving of a suspect, interrogation or other investigative actions.
How much does a drug lawyer cost?
The price is formed individually and depends on the complexity of the criminal proceedings, the stage of the process, the urgency of involving a defense attorney, the number of procedural actions, and the scope of work.
What is the responsibility for drug use in Ukraine?
Liability is determined depending on the specific circumstances. The legislation distinguishes between administrative offenses and criminal acts related to the possession, acquisition, or sale of narcotic drugs.
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