If you’re accused of a drug felony in Maryland, you might wonder how you will get out of it. The sanctions for drug offenses are severe. However, our drug crimes lawyers in Charles County, MD will take your case and support you through the legal processes.
We at Hennessy Law, LLC concentrate on defending clients who have been implicated in drug cases. We step in and offer our support during the uncertainty of whether you will be found guilty or not.
The manufacture, sale, or possession of drugs deemed to be regulated, dangerous substances with the intention of distributing them is prohibited in the state of Maryland. These include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, crack, and powder, painkillers, and over-the-counter versions of prescription medicines like Oxycontin and Oxycodone.
Our mission is simple. We present you legally before, during, and after the trial. Our attorneys have experience in fighting and winning tough legal battles. They take your case, work with you and ensure you get the best outcome out of the case.
Why do you need an attorney to represent you?
Maryland’s laws are strict and harsh on drug crimes. Your records will be tarnished if you get mixed up in drug convictions, have difficulties finding jobs, and lose assets and your freedom. Our attorneys are familiar with the drug offense laws in Maryland, which is to your advantage because they will work to restore your freedom.
Our attorneys can handle drug cases like drug sales, transportation, manufacturing, drug trafficking, cocaine offenses, cultivation, DUI of drugs, possession, prescription drug fraud, marijuana offenses, and Misdemeanors.
They always strive to help their clients understand “Maryland Drug Crime of Possession” and how it is classified. When our clients are equipped with information, they can make an informed decision to choose a drug crimes lawyer in Charles County, MD to represent them.
Schedule I – V Drugs
A misdemeanor is the simple possession of a prohibited substance; a felony is the possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. These are punishable by lengthy jail terms and hefty fines.
Certain drug-related offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences of imprisonment without the option of probation or early release.
The state of Maryland divides drugs into various categories known as “schedules.” According to this classification system, Schedule I drugs are the most addictive and risky, with the lowest medicinal benefits.
In contrast, Schedule V drugs often have more extensive medical applications and fewer risks.
According to Maryland’s criminal code, these classifications are also utilized to establish the appropriate sentence for crimes involving restricted substances.
Penalties for violations involving drugs on the Schedule I and II will often be harsher than those for drugs on Schedule III-IV. Below are examples of each sort of CDS;
- Schedule I: heroin, ecstasy, and LSD
- Schedule II: Cocaine, Vicodin, Oxycodone, Methamphetamine, and Morphine
- Anabolic steroids and ketamine are listed in Schedule III.
- Schedule IV: Ambien, Xanax, and Valium
- Cough suppressants with codeine are listed under Schedule V.
At our Hennessy Law, LLC our attorneys can defend you against drug crimes and ensure you get a fair judgment.
Simple Possession
Possession of drugs for personal use without a valid prescription and the use of CDS (other than marijuana) while possessing drug paraphernalia (such as syringes) can result in up to four years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both.
The penalty can also be used if there are attempts to get controlled substances or obtain CDS through fraud prescription.
But marijuana is handled differently from other illegal substances. A civil crime is committed when less than 10 grams of marijuana are in your possession. The punishment for a first violation involving this much marijuana is a fine of up to $100.
A civil penalty of up to $250 is imposed for second-time possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana. A $500 fine is possible for a third violation. Possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana or a fourth or subsequent violation is a criminal that carries a maximum one-year prison term, a maximum $1,000 fine, or both.
Possession with intent
Drug manufacture, drug distribution, and drug possession with the intent to distribute are all felonies. A conviction for any of these charges is a felony. It is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of no more than $15,000, or both.
If the defendant has previously been convicted of the same offense, two years of the sentence must be completed before parole is allowed. However, Schedule I or Schedule II medications are exempted from these fines.
Schedule I or II drug distribution, production, or intent to distribute convictions can result in a 20-year prison sentence, a fine of up to $25,000, or both. A minimum sentence of ten years in prison is imposed if the defendant has previously been convicted of the crime.
If the offender had two prior convictions for possession with the intent to distribute, the minimum sentence would be 25 years. The protection of society may not need such heavy sentences. However, Maryland law permits the sentencing judge to deviate from the required minimum penalties if the judge determines that the punishment would fall substantially unfairly to the prisoner.
Sometimes, the sentencing judge cannot deviate from the mandated minimum punishments. The required minimum penalty for possession, production, or distribution of various quantities of substances like cocaine, crack, heroin, and methamphetamines are five years, and the maximum punishment is $100,000. This sentence carries no possibility of parole or early release.
How Can We Help You?
Are you in need of an drug crimes lawyer in Charles County MD? Contact us and get to talk with our lawyers. We will listen and help you get the justice you deserve. We will take all the details, explore all the legal options available and assist you.