Charles County Drug Lawyer
Although marijuana has been legalized in certain states, such as Colorado and California, it is still strictly illegal to use or possess any type of marijuana or illegal drug in Maryland. A drug conviction could leave a lasting mark on the reputation and record of a person, making it difficult for them to find employment or housing.
If you were charged with a drug crime, you must act quickly. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed completely. In other words, it may still be possible for you to retain your freedom and avoid jail.
Contact a Charles County drug lawyer immediately. Let a dedicated criminal defense attorney fight for you.
Marijuana Possession
It is illegal to possess marijuana in the state of Maryland, but in comparison to other drug possession charges like the possession of heroin or fentanyl, marijuana possession is the least serious. The severity of a charge, however, depends on the amount of marijuana a person possesses; individuals with more marijuana could face stricter penalties.
If a person is caught carrying less than ten grams, they may have to pay a civil fine of $100 to $500. However, if a person is caught carrying ten or more grams, they could face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail. Those who obtain marijuana by fraud would also face the same penalties.
Prisons are overflowing with petty drug offenders in Maryland, and even if a person is guilty, their Charles County drug attorney may be able to help them get their charges reduced or dismissed completely.
Drug Trafficking and Distribution
Marijuana possession is treated as a serious offense, but not in comparison to other drugs. The maximum penalty for all possession charges cannot exceed more than four years and a fine of $25,000. However, anyone who attempts to bring large quantities of drugs into the state, even if those drugs were not intended for distribution, can face up to 25 years in jail and a fine of up to $50,000 for trafficking drugs across state lines.
Those in possession of the following amounts of drugs face the harshest penalties:
- 45 or more kilograms of marijuana
- 1,000 dosage units of LSD
- 28 grams of cocaine or a cocaine mixture
- 4 grams of morphine or any opium derivative
- 28 grams of methamphetamine or a mixture
If a person possesses the drugs in the amounts listed above or greater, they could spend up to 25 years behind bars.
Law enforcement agents look for any evidence that a person is attempting to traffic large quantities of drugs, including drugs themselves. In other words, if a person possesses 30 grams of cocaine, they could be charged with distribution even if they did not intend to distribute the drug. Most drug convictions in Maryland are misdemeanors, but felony convictions can have a lasting impact on the life of a convicted person.
Additional Drug Charges
Drug possession and distribution are not the only drug charges a person might face in Maryland. The state may charge a person with the following drug crimes as well:
- Drug trafficking
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug paraphernalia possession
A person arrested for any drug charge may face harsher penalties if they are caught near certain locations, such as schools or government buildings or if they are caught with a firearm. A person facing these penalties should reach out to an accomplished lawyer right away.
Get in Touch with a Charles County Drug Attorney
Drug charges are some of the most serious charges a person could face. If you are convicted, you could spend time in jail or have to pay a large sum of money. You do not want to face such penalties, so you should speak with a legal professional about your situation at your earliest convenience.
Get in touch with a Charles County drug lawyer before it is too late.
