Baltimore Drug Lawyer

Drug charges are some of the most common criminal charges in the state of Maryland and especially in the Baltimore area, but just because they are commonplace, doesn’t mean they aren’t taken seriously by local police and prosecutors. Depending on the type of drug and the circumstances of your arrest, you may be facing significant punishment, including fines, lengthy probation, and serious jail time. If you have been caught in possession of a banned substance, it is vitally important that you seek representation from a qualified Baltimore drug lawyer as soon as possible. Call today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with a local criminal defense attorney.

Drug Possession in Baltimore

Maryland, like most states, classifies drugs as controlled dangerous substances, or CDS, which it then divides into five different classes of drugs, or “schedules.” Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous, with the highest rates of addiction, side effects, and abuse, and without any recognized medical benefits. The remaining schedules, as a Baltimore lawyer can explain, rate Schedule II drugs at the high end of the scale and Schedule V drugs at the low end.

Laws in Baltimore, and Maryland in general, have penalties for dealing with most street drugs, but also for the compounds used in the manufacturing of controlled dangerous substances. So you could be charged for possession of a drug even if you don’t have the drug in its final form but instead are found in possession of the ingredients to make that drug.

Depending on which substance or substances you were found to be in possession of, your sentence could be more or less severe. In addition to helping you understand what kind of penalties the drug you were in possession of carries, a lawyer in Baltimore can advise you on how best to mitigate the damage you might suffer and even help you avoid extended jail time.

A drug charge can also sometimes coincide with a DUI charge, as driving under the influence charges are applicable to drivers impaired by drugs.

What to Expect from a Drug Charge in Baltimore

In legal terms, the word ‘possession’ implies that you have control over something. But you don’t have to be holding the drugs or have them in your pocket to be charged with possession of a banned substance. If the drugs are found in your car or in your home, that is more than enough for you to be charged with drug possession.

In Maryland, there are different types of criminal charges associated with drug possession. Marijuana possession is treated differently than possession of other types of drugs, though these can still be very serious charges. Possession of certain drugs is treated more seriously than possession of marijuana — if you are found to be in possession of meth, LSD, crack cocaine, heroin, or other similar drugs, your sentence will be much more severe.

Marijuana possession, in contrast with other drugs, is treated as a misdemeanor and carries with it a potential fine of $1,000 or a sentence of up to one year in jail. “Possession” is a universal charge — it doesn’t matter if you are caught with four ounces or four pounds, the penalty is the same. Paraphernalia by itself does not carry with it any threat of jail time but may net you an additional charge of $500. If you have multiple accounts of possession of paraphernalia, however, you may be subject to additional fines and even jail time.

Unlike marijuana possession, there are no set sentences for possession of other drugs, which means that your sentence is entirely up to the presiding judge. The sentence for this can be much more severe, with possible fines of up to $25,000 and jail time of up to four years.

There are many extenuating circumstances and additional details that will affect your sentence. If you are suspected of being involved in drug distribution or drug trafficking, you will be charged with the appropriate felony. These charges carry with them extreme fines and jail time making it imperative that a Baltimore drug lawyer is contacted.

How Can a Baltimore Drug Defense Attorney Help?

If you are facing a drug charge, especially one that involves repeat offenses, intent to distribute, trafficking, or possession of a dangerous drug like cocaine or heroin, you could be facing very steep fines and potentially a lengthy stay in jail. You may not even be offered a chance at probation, even if you are normally a good citizen and have few or no previous criminal charges. In these cases, it is especially important that you seek the services of an experienced Baltimore drug lawyer.

Additionally, a drug possession charge is also a very serious offense and can be very costly to your finances and to your personal and professional future. If you want to avoid the maximum penalties and have a chance at beating the worst parts of the charge, make sure you seek out the services of an attorney as soon as possible. Call today and schedule a free consultation.