Best Drug Crime Lawyers in Arta

About Drug Crime Law in Arta, Greece

Drug crime law in Arta operates under national Greek legislation that applies across the country. The primary statute is Law 4139-2013 on addictive substances, as amended, together with relevant provisions of the Greek Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. Offenses range from possession for personal use to trafficking, cultivation, manufacture, import-export, and financing or facilitating drug distribution. While the law offers more lenient treatment for dependent users and small-scale personal possession, trafficking and organized distribution are prosecuted as serious felonies with severe penalties.

Arta has local police and prosecutors who investigate and bring cases to court. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the local misdemeanor courts, while the most serious felonies are tried in higher felony courts within the judicial district that covers Arta. From the first contact with police through trial and appeal, strict legal procedures govern searches, seizures, interviews, detention, bail, and evidence.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are under investigation, have been detained or arrested, or have received a summons related to any drug offense. Early legal guidance protects your rights during searches, interviews, and identification procedures, and helps prevent statements or actions that could harm your case. A lawyer can challenge unlawful searches, seek release from custody, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present mitigating evidence such as proof of treatment or lack of intent to supply.

Legal help is important if your home, vehicle, phone, or bank accounts have been searched or seized, or if you face confiscation of assets alleged to be the proceeds of crime. If you are a foreign national, legal advice is essential to understand residency and deportation risks. If you are a student or professional, counsel can address collateral consequences like disciplinary action or loss of professional licensing. If a minor is involved, specialized representation is crucial because juvenile procedures are different and aim at rehabilitation.

If you struggle with dependency, a lawyer can help you access recognized treatment programs and present certificates and reports that may reduce penalties. If you plan to plead guilty, counsel ensures the plea is informed and can seek a more favorable outcome. If you intend to fight the charges, your lawyer will prepare the defense, examine lab results, file motions, and represent you at trial and on appeal.

Local Laws Overview

Greek drug law applies in Arta and includes several key features. Possession for personal use is a misdemeanor with substantially lower penalties than supply or trafficking. Courts evaluate factors such as the type and quantity of drugs, packaging, scales or other paraphernalia, communications, and behavior to infer personal use versus intent to distribute. Dependency and genuine efforts at rehabilitation can influence both charging decisions and sentencing.

Trafficking offenses, including sale, distribution, transport, import-export, and cultivation with intent to supply, are felonies. Penalties can include multi-year imprisonment and significant fines, with possible life imprisonment in aggravated cases such as large-scale operations, use of weapons, involvement of minors, operation near schools or prisons, or participation in a criminal organization. Confiscation of drugs, instrumentalities, vehicles, and proceeds is common in serious cases.

Medical cannabis products are regulated for specific therapeutic uses under strict licensing. Recreational use remains illegal. Industrial hemp is permitted under regulated conditions. Driving under the influence of drugs is a separate offense under traffic law and can lead to license suspension and criminal penalties.

Procedurally, police must respect rights during stops, searches, and arrests. Warrants are generally required for home searches unless an exception applies. After arrest, you are brought to the public prosecutor promptly, typically within 24 hours, and if charged with a felony you will appear before an investigating magistrate. You have the right to remain silent, to an interpreter, and to consult a lawyer. Pre-trial detention may be ordered in serious cases based on risks such as flight or reoffending, but release on conditions or bail is possible. Misdemeanors generally have a 5-year limitation period, and most felonies have longer limitation periods.

Courts in the Arta judicial district handle the early stages of a case. Serious felonies are tried in the competent felony court for the region, and appeals are heard by the Court of Appeal that has jurisdiction over Arta. Legal aid may be available for low-income defendants under Greek law upon application to the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between possession for personal use and intent to supply

Personal use typically involves small quantities without indicators of distribution. Intent to supply is suggested by larger quantities, packaging in multiple doses, scales, customer lists, incriminating messages, or significant cash. The court assesses the totality of evidence, including statements and expert reports.

Can I go to jail for possessing a small amount for personal use

Yes, personal possession is still a criminal offense, although penalties are significantly lower than for supply. Courts may consider dependency and treatment efforts, which can lead to reduced penalties or alternative measures. Outcomes depend on the facts and any prior record.

Do police need a warrant to search my home or phone

Home searches generally require a warrant or a lawful exception such as urgent necessity. Phones and digital devices also typically require judicial authorization, although police may seize devices during arrest pending authorization. Your lawyer can challenge evidence obtained unlawfully.

What should I do if I am arrested or asked to come in for questioning

Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately, assert your right to remain silent until counsel is present, and request an interpreter if needed. Provide identification but avoid making detailed statements without legal advice. Keep calm and respectful, and do not consent to searches you do not understand.

How is drug dependency treated in the legal process

Greek law recognizes drug dependency. If you are engaged in recognized treatment and can document it, the prosecutor and court may take it into account for charging, release decisions, and sentencing. Completion of therapy through recognized programs can be a significant mitigating factor.

What happens to my car, money, or phone if they are seized

Items suspected to be instruments or proceeds of drug crime may be seized and later confiscated by court order. Your lawyer can seek the return of property not connected to the alleged offense and challenge the basis for confiscation.

I am a foreign national. Will a drug conviction affect my immigration status

Convictions can lead to entry bans, residence permit issues, or deportation orders, depending on the offense and your status. Seek immediate legal advice from both criminal defense and immigration counsel to protect your rights.

Can I get bail in a drug case

Bail or conditional release is possible, especially for less serious allegations or where there is strong community and family support, stable residence, employment, and no prior record. For serious trafficking cases, pre-trial detention is more likely. A lawyer can prepare a strong release package.

Is medical cannabis legal in Greece

Medical cannabis products are legal under strict regulation for specific medical indications. Possession without proper medical authorization remains illegal. Recreational cannabis is illegal throughout Greece, including Arta.

Will a drug conviction stay on my criminal record forever

Convictions are recorded and can affect employment, travel, and licensing. Greek law provides for time-based record retention and potential rehabilitation measures. Eligibility and timelines depend on the offense and sentence. A lawyer can advise on future relief options.

Additional Resources

Local legal support can start with the Bar Association of Arta, which can help you locate defense lawyers experienced in drug cases. For individuals seeking treatment or documentation of dependency, national organizations such as the Organization Against Drugs and KETHEA operate recognized programs and counseling services in Epirus and nearby regions.

For immediate police assistance, the national emergency numbers are 100 and 112. For court-related inquiries, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Court of First Instance in Arta can provide procedural information at their public service desks. Low-income defendants can inquire about legal aid under Greek Law 3226-2004 by applying through the competent court.

If your case involves minors or schools, local juvenile services and educational authorities may be engaged. For driving under the influence of drugs, consult the local Traffic Police Directorate in Arta for administrative procedures concerning license suspension.

Next Steps

If you or a loved one is facing a drug-related investigation or charge in Arta, act quickly. Contact a criminal defense lawyer before speaking in detail to police. Share all documents, summonses, search records, and any receipts or medical prescriptions related to your case. Provide the lawyer with names of potential witnesses, treatment records, and verification of employment or studies to support release and mitigation.

Avoid discussing the case on the phone, social media, or messaging apps, and do not consent to additional searches or tests without understanding your rights. If you have a dependency issue, consider enrolling in a recognized treatment program and obtain documentation of attendance and progress, as this may influence the outcome.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about legal aid at the earliest opportunity. Keep track of deadlines, especially for court appearances and for filing appeals or motions. A local lawyer familiar with Arta’s courts and procedures can guide you through each step, from the first appearance and potential bail application to negotiations, trial, and any appeal.

This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. Laws and procedures can change, and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. For tailored guidance, consult a qualified defense lawyer in Arta.