Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
This guide explains how drug-related matters are dealt with in Sintra, Portugal, and what people should know when they are facing police attention, administrative procedures or criminal charges. Portugal has a legal framework that treats possession of small amounts for personal use differently from trafficking, production and distribution. Enforcement in Sintra follows national law, applied by local police and courts, and is shaped by Portugal-s distinctive approach that combines public-health measures and criminal law.
In practice, this means that many simple possession cases are handled through administrative procedures aimed at dissuasion and treatment, while more serious conduct - such as trafficking, organized dealing, repeat unlawful dealing or possession with aggravating circumstances - is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Local authorities in Sintra - police, prosecutors and the courts - handle these matters according to national statutes and established procedures.
Drug-related incidents can range from minor administrative matters to serious criminal prosecutions with long prison sentences and heavy fines. You may need a lawyer if any of the following apply to you:
- You were stopped, searched or arrested and police have seized drugs, money or other items.
- You are suspected of trafficking, supplying, producing or importing controlled substances.
- You face administrative proceedings before a Dissuasion Commission (Comissão de Dissuasão da Toxicodependência) after being caught with drugs for personal use.
- You risk criminal charges that could lead to a conviction, a criminal record, deportation or loss of professional licences.
- You want advice on how to respond to police questioning, how to exercise your rights during detention, or how to challenge evidence seized by police.
- You need representation in court, wish to negotiate a plea or diversion to treatment, or you intend to appeal a judicial decision.
A specialised criminal lawyer provides immediate advice at the police station, explains your rights, examines the evidence, assesses legal defences, works to reduce or avoid criminal charges and represents you in administrative and judicial proceedings.
National law governs drug offences throughout Portugal, and Sintra applies the same legal framework. Important aspects to understand include:
- Distinction between personal use and trafficking. Possession of small amounts intended for personal consumption is generally treated as an administrative offence and is handled by the Dissuasion Commissions. Importing, producing, selling or distributing drugs - or possessing drugs with the intention to sell - are criminal offences and can lead to prosecution.
- Dissuasion Commissions. These administrative bodies evaluate cases of possession for personal use and may impose sanctions that focus on education, treatment, fines or warnings rather than imprisonment. Their purpose is dissuasion and public-health oriented responses.
- Criminal prosecution. Trafficking and serious drug crimes are investigated and prosecuted by the police and the Public Prosecutor-s Office (Ministério Público). Serious investigations may involve the Polícia Judiciária and, in urban areas like Sintra, the Polícia de Segurança Pública for initial intervention.
- Court system. Drug crime cases are heard in the local judicial courts - for Sintra, matters go before the Tribunal Judicial da Comarca de Sintra for criminal proceedings. Judges decide on pre-trial detention, convictions and sentences based on the law and the facts.
- Rights during detention and investigation. People stopped or arrested in Portugal have rights - the right to be informed of the reason for detention, the right to legal counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to an interpreter if needed, and the right to be brought promptly before a judicial authority.
- Administrative and criminal consequences. Administrative measures do not necessarily result in a criminal record, while criminal convictions do. Criminal convictions can also trigger collateral consequences - loss of licences, employment issues, deportation for non-citizens and social stigma.
No. Under Portugal-s system, possession of small quantities for personal use is often treated as an administrative offence handled by a Dissuasion Commission. However, circumstances such as intent to sell, possession of large amounts, involvement in organised activity, or possession in restricted places (near schools, in vehicles, etc.) can lead to criminal charges.
Authorities look at multiple factors - the quantity and type of substance, how it was packaged, presence of scales or large sums of cash, communications suggesting trade, and other contextual evidence. There is no single automatic quantity threshold that applies in all cases; assessment is fact-specific. A lawyer can help challenge presumptions and present evidence of personal use.
Police will generally seize the substance and may arrest or detain the person involved. You should be informed of the reason for detention and have the right to contact a lawyer. For suspected personal use, you may be referred to a Dissuasion Commission; for suspected trafficking, the case will be investigated and may be passed to the Public Prosecutor-s Office for prosecution.
You have the right to legal counsel. If you are detained, you should request a lawyer as soon as possible and can exercise your right to remain silent until your lawyer arrives. Police may still ask questions, but you should avoid answering substantive questions without legal advice.
Dissuasion Commissions aim to dissuade drug use and promote treatment. Sanctions can include warnings, referral to education or treatment programmes, temporary restrictions, and fines. The Commissions may also suspend sanctions if you engage with treatment. Their measures are administrative and not equivalent to criminal convictions.
Trafficking, producing, importing or distributing illegal drugs are criminal offences that can lead to significant penalties - including prison sentences, fines and seizure of assets. Penalties increase with the seriousness of the offence, involvement in organised crime, use of weapons or exploitation of minors.
It depends. If your case is handled administratively by a Dissuasion Commission and no criminal charge is brought, you may not receive a criminal record. If you are prosecuted and convicted in criminal court, a conviction will result in a criminal record with potential long-term consequences.
Yes. Criminal convictions for drug offences can trigger immigration consequences, including deportation or removal orders and restrictions on re-entry. Even administrative decisions can affect residency status in some cases. Non-citizens should seek legal advice urgently when facing drug-related matters.
A lawyer can examine how the search, seizure and arrest were conducted. Evidence obtained in violation of legal procedures - such as illegal searches, lack of proper warrants, or denial of the right to counsel - may be challenged and potentially excluded from court. Prompt legal advice helps preserve rights and identify grounds for challenge.
Look for criminal lawyers experienced in drug law and local criminal procedure. Check credentials with the Ordem dos Advogados, ask about courtroom experience in Sintra, inquire about fees and whether they provide immediate representation at police stations. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, ask about legal aid - Assistência Judiciária - which may be available based on financial criteria.
Below are organisations and bodies that can provide information, support or formal procedures in Portugal - including Sintra. Contacting a lawyer is essential, but these institutions can also be helpful.
- Dissuasion Commissions (Comissões de Dissuasão da Toxicodependência) - administrative bodies that handle possession-for-use cases.
- Serviço de Intervenção nos Comportamentos Aditivos e nas Dependências (SICAD) - national public service for drug policy, prevention and treatment.
- Ministério Público - the Public Prosecutor-s Office responsible for criminal prosecutions.
- Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) and Polícia Judiciária (PJ) - law enforcement agencies involved in investigations and arrests.
- Tribunal Judicial da Comarca de Sintra - the local court that hears criminal cases arising in Sintra.
- Ordem dos Advogados - Portuguese Bar Association, which oversees lawyers and the legal aid system (Assistência Judiciária).
- Local health services and addiction support centres - for treatment options and medical assistance if drug use is an issue.
- Local non-governmental organisations and social services - many organisations offer counselling, harm-reduction services and reintegration programmes.
If you or someone you care about is facing a drug-related matter in Sintra, take the following practical steps to protect legal rights and improve outcomes:
- Stay calm and do not resist law enforcement. Use your right to remain silent and clearly request a lawyer before answering substantive questions.
- Contact a criminal lawyer experienced in drug cases in Sintra as soon as possible. If you cannot afford one, ask about legal aid (Assistência Judiciária) through the Ordem dos Advogados.
- Preserve evidence and record facts - write down names, badge numbers, times, locations, witness contact details and any documents you receive.
- If detained, insist on being informed of your rights and request medical care if needed. Ask to be brought promptly before a judicial authority.
- Consider available diversion or treatment options if the case appears to be for personal use - cooperating with treatment or education programmes can affect administrative outcomes favourably.
- Do not destroy or dispose of evidence on your own - speak to your lawyer about the best legal strategy. Avoid discussing case details on social media or with people who are not your legal counsel.
- Prepare for consultations with a lawyer - bring identification, any notices you received, and a clear account of events. Be honest so your lawyer can build the best defence or negotiate the most favourable outcome.
Facing a drug-related matter can be stressful, but prompt legal advice, an informed approach and use of the available administrative and health-oriented programmes can help protect your rights and achieve better outcomes. If you need immediate help at a police station or court in Sintra, contact an experienced criminal lawyer right away.
