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This guide explains the basics of drug crime law as it applies to residents and visitors in Nea Smyrni - a suburb of Athens. Drug offenses in Greece are governed by national legislation and prosecuted by local prosecuting authorities and courts in the Athens judicial district. Common cases include possession, use, cultivation, production, trafficking, and distribution of controlled substances. Penalties and procedures depend on the type of substance, the quantity, the context of the offense, and whether aggravating factors are present - for example involvement of minors, organized criminal activity, or crimes committed near schools.
Facing a drug-related investigation or charge raises legal, personal, and sometimes immigration consequences. A lawyer can:
- Explain the charges and likely consequences under Greek law.
- Advise on rights during police contact, detention, and questioning.
- Challenge unlawful searches, seizures, or arrests and seek remedies.
- Negotiate with prosecutors where possible - for example to reduce charges or obtain alternative measures such as treatment programs when appropriate.
- Represent you in court at hearings, trials, and appeal proceedings.
- Coordinate with medical or social services if addiction or treatment needs are relevant to the case.
You should consult a lawyer as early as possible - at the time of arrest or first contact with police - to protect your rights and preserve evidence that may help your case.
Key legal points relevant to drug offenses in Nea Smyrni and the wider Athens area include:
- National framework - Greece applies national drug laws across the country. Law 4139/2013 is a major legal framework that regulates narcotic substances, criminal offenses related to drugs, and measures for prevention and treatment. Amendments and related provisions have refined penalties and procedures over time.
- Types of offenses - Common categories include possession for personal use, possession with intent to supply, production and cultivation, trafficking and distribution, and facilitating drug use. The classification affects whether a case is treated as a minor offense or a serious felony.
- Personal use versus trafficking - Courts and prosecutors consider quantity, type of substance, packaging, presence of scales or large amounts of money, communications suggesting sales, and other circumstances to determine whether an act was for personal use or intent to distribute.
- Aggravating factors - Offenses committed near schools or playgrounds, involving minors, tied to organized crime, or involving large quantities often carry higher penalties.
- Procedural protections - Suspects have rights under Greek criminal procedure - including the right to legal counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to medical attention. Arrest in flagrante delicto may occur without a warrant; other arrests generally follow procedural safeguards and judicial oversight.
- Pretrial measures - Judges can order detention, judicial control, bail, or other restrictive measures during criminal proceedings depending on flight risk, danger to public order, or risk of tampering with evidence.
- Alternatives and treatment - Where addiction is relevant, Greek law and public policy increasingly recognize treatment and rehabilitation as important. In specific cases prosecutors or courts may consider diversionary measures, suspended sentences, or treatment programs instead of custodial penalties.
- Immigration consequences - Non-Greek nationals may face immigration consequences following a conviction, including visa difficulties, deportation, or entry bans.
Drug crimes include possession of controlled substances, use, purchase with intent to sell, trafficking, cultivation, production, distribution, and facilitating the use of drugs. The same national laws apply in Nea Smyrni as in the rest of Greece - the legal characterization depends on substance type, quantity, intent, and surrounding circumstances.
Yes. Police can arrest someone found in possession of drugs, including small amounts. Whether the case is prosecuted as personal use or as an intent-to-supply offense depends on the facts - amount, packaging, presence of scales or large cash, and other indicators. Early legal advice is important to address charges and to explore possible diversion to treatment if appropriate.
You have rights under Greek criminal procedure - including the right to be informed of the reason for arrest, the right to contact a lawyer, the right to remain silent, and the right to an interpreter if you do not understand Greek. You also have the right to medical treatment if needed. Ask for a lawyer immediately and avoid making statements without advice.
Police may perform searches without a warrant in specific circumstances - for example when they catch someone in flagrante delicto, or when there is an immediate need to prevent the destruction of evidence. In other situations, a judicial warrant is required. If you believe a search was unlawful, a lawyer can challenge the legality of the search and any evidence obtained.
Penalties vary widely depending on the offense, the quantity and type of substance, and aggravating circumstances. Serious trafficking offenses can result in lengthy imprisonment, significant fines, and other consequences. Lesser offenses may lead to shorter custodial sentences, fines, or alternative measures. Only a lawyer who reviews the full facts can give a reliable estimate of potential penalties.
Yes. A criminal conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, and background checks. Foreign nationals may face visa issues, deportation, or re-entry bans after a conviction. Discuss potential collateral consequences with your lawyer so you can plan accordingly.
Minors are treated differently from adults. Juvenile procedure focuses more on rehabilitation and protection. Courts and social services may prioritize treatment, education, and supervision rather than detention. Specialized juvenile courts and measures apply depending on the minor's age and the severity of the offense.
Possibly. If addiction or health problems are central to the case, prosecutors or judges may recommend or approve treatment and rehabilitation programs as part of sentencing or diversion. The availability and suitability of such measures depend on the individual case, the court, and the legal framework at the time.
Contact the Athens Bar Association to find qualified criminal defense lawyers who handle drug cases. Look for lawyers with experience in criminal law and drug-related matters. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about court-appointed counsel or state legal aid - local courts and bar associations can explain eligibility and procedures.
- Stay calm and do not resist the police.
- Ask for a lawyer immediately and avoid answering questions without legal advice.
- Request medical attention if necessary and an interpreter if you do not understand Greek.
- Write down or record details about the arrest - names, badge numbers, times, and any witnesses.
- Contact family or someone you trust to help find legal representation and to preserve evidence or alibis.
A lawyer can advise you on the next procedural steps and begin building a defense.
The following agencies and organizations can provide help, information, or support related to drug offenses and treatment in Greece:
- Hellenic Police - local precincts handle initial investigations and arrests. Nea Smyrni falls within the Athens police district.
- Public Prosecutor's Office and Courts in the Athens judicial district - handle prosecution and hearings for drug cases arising in Nea Smyrni.
- Athens Bar Association - resource for finding criminal defense lawyers and information on legal aid and court-appointed counsel.
- OKANA - Organization Against Drugs - provides treatment, counseling, and harm reduction services across Greece.
- KETHEA - Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals - offers rehabilitation and support services for people with substance dependence.
- Ministry of Justice and national authorities responsible for criminal procedure and legal aid - for information about court procedures and state-sponsored legal assistance.
- Local social services and health clinics - can be important partners if health, addiction, or social support are relevant to your case.
If you or someone close to you faces a drug-related investigation or charge in Nea Smyrni, consider the following steps:
- Do not speak to police without a lawyer - ask for legal representation immediately.
- Preserve evidence and details - write down what happened, collect witness names, and keep any relevant documents.
- Contact a local criminal defense lawyer experienced with drug cases in the Athens area. If cost is a concern, ask about court-appointed counsel or legal aid options.
- If addiction or health problems are involved, seek medical or counseling support from organizations such as OKANA or KETHEA - treatment options can be relevant to legal strategy and recovery.
- Attend all court dates and follow bail or judicial control conditions strictly to avoid additional charges.
- Discuss long-term consequences with your lawyer - including immigration effects, employment implications, and sealing or expungement options if available.
Remember - this guide provides general information and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. Consulting a qualified lawyer promptly is the best way to protect your rights and to understand the options available in your specific situation.
