Maryland Drug Lawyer
A misdemeanor or felony drug conviction can have a lasting negative impact on your life. In Maryland, possession alone can lead to four (4) years in prison and $25,000 in fines. Legal consequences of distribution, manufacture, and trafficking are even more severe. If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Maryland, consult a Maryland drug lawyer as soon as possible to protect your constitutional rights. A skilled criminal defense attorney in Maryland can explain your legal options and begin building your defense.
How a Maryland Attorney Can Help with Controlled Substance Charges
An experienced local lawyer can represent clients facing drug charges in the Baltimore and Washington areas. Look for a drug defense attorney with the knowledge and resources to build a defense against drug offenses, including misdemeanors such as first offense marijuana possession and felony drug crimes such as possession with intent to distribute, distribution, and manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). Possible defenses to drug charges include illegal search and illegally obtained evidence, arranging a plea to a reduced charge, or negotiating sentencing options such as probation before judgment, which can allow the defendant to eventually have the charge expunged from their record.
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Maryland
The state of Maryland has extensive laws about possession and sale of drugs that vary greatly depending on the type of narcotic that is involved with the case. For example, the penalties related to marijuana possession will vary greatly from the penalties that would be assessed to somebody that is in possession of a prescription.
The penalties will also vary significantly depending on the amount of the prited item the person is in possession of, if they are considered to have intent to sell that item, or if there are some other related items found on the person of the accused.
There are also penalties associated with bringing prohibited items into the state of Maryland, which means that you could be facing serious penalties and fines even if you are only traveling through the State of Maryland and your final destination is elsewhere. With all of these various rules about what constitutes a drug related crime in Maryland, it is imperative that you contact a qualified and knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand the severity of the controlled substance charges that you face.
Updates in State Drug Laws
As of October 1, 2014, possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is considered a civil offense and results in a citation, or ticket, akin to those handed out for parking and minor moving violations. The fine can be no more than $100 for a first offense, though those cited for a second or third time may pay up to $500. There are several things to keep in mind, however, including the fact that the federal government still deems any possession of marijuana as a criminal offense. Additionally, anyone found in possession of drug paraphernalia used in the consumption of marijuana (i.e. rolling papers, bongs, and pipes) still faces a criminal charge. Those who are under the age of 20 and who are found with less than 10 grams of pot face the same civil penalties but may also be sentenced to court-ordered drug education or counseling programs. For more on the senate bill that changed the states stance on marijuana, please click here.
- Drug Offenses in Maryland
- Drug Case Investigations
- Defending Drug Cases in Maryland
- Federal vs. State Drug Cases
A seasoned lawyer in the area could help you understand the laws governing your drug charges.
A Maryland Drug Attorney Could Help You Understand Your Case
Because there are so many types of illegal narcotics, and the penalties associated with each one vary so greatly depending on the nature of the crime and a series of other factors, it can be difficult to understand the charge you are facing and just how serious the penalties will be if you are in fact convicted. The best way to get a strong understanding of your case and all of its unique complexities is to contact a drug attorney and schedule a free consultation. At that initial meeting, you will be able to ask them any questions you might have about your case, and they will do their best to make sure that you are as well informed as possible moving forward. They will also be able to advise you about possible defense strategies in your case and help you decide about the best way to move forward. If you are facing a drug charge, or if you feel like the prosecutors are gathering evidence against you in an effort to eventually bring a case to trial, don’t hesitate. Call us today to speak to a qualified Maryland drug lawyer who will be able to help you handle these charges, and any inconveniences they may create in your life.
