Baltimore, Maryland Drug Defense Lawyers

Challenge Charges That Could Ruin Your Livelihood

Police and prosecutors in Baltimore harshly enforce drug laws and vigorously prosecute anyone who is accused of violating drug laws. A conviction for a drug-related crime can result in a lifelong criminal record, loss of employment, steep fines, and lengthy incarceration. With a single decision from a judge, your entire livelihood could be ruined.

A strong legal defense by a Baltimore, Maryland drug defense attorney is often the only thing standing between the accused and these harsh legal consequences. Our lawyers at Portner & Shure, P.A. are ready and able to protect your rights and defend you against the charges being brought by the State of Maryland. We have spent 30 years defending people from all of Maryland’s neighborhoods and communities, including Maryland’s Hispanic, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, and Korean communities.

For a free consultation, call one of our criminal defense attorneys today at (410) 995-1515 or contact us online.

Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance Charges

Under Maryland State law, simple possession of a controlled dangerous substance is illegal.

Potential penalties are:

• First offense is a maximum of 1 year in prison and/or a $5,000.00 fine.
• Second or third offense is a maximum of 18 months in prison and/or a $5,000.00 fine.
• Fourth offense is a maximum of 2 years in prison and/or a $5,000.00 fine.

Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance Charges

Under Maryland State law, it is illegal to distribute a controlled dangerous substance or possess a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute. The penalties for distribution are much harsher than simple possession. If a person is found with sufficient quantities of a controlled dangerous substance, they can be charged with distribution or possession with intent to distribute. The potential penalty for distribution or possession with intent to distribute is a felony conviction and a maximum of 5 years in prison and/or a $15,000.00 fine.

If a person is charged with distributing a Schedule I (e.g., opioids, opioid derivatives, hallucinogens, and depressants) or Schedule II (e.g., raw opioids, stimulants, and certain hard opioids), the potential penalties increase significantly. The potential penalty for a first or second offense is a felony conviction and a maximum of 20 years in prison and/or a $15,000.00 fine. The potential penalty for a third offense is a maximum of 30 years in prison and/or a $25,000.00 fine. The potential penalty for a fourth offense is a maximum of 40 years in prison and/or a $25,000.00 fine.

Maryland Kingpin Laws

Maryland also has special laws designed to target high volume drug traffickers known as “drug kingpins.” Maryland law defines drug kingpins as individuals who act as “an organizer, supervisor, financier, or manager who acts as a coconspirator in a conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, dispense, transport in, or bring into the State a controlled dangerous substance.” An individual who is charged as a drug kingpin faces a minimum prison term of 20 years and/or a fine of $1,000,000. The maximum penalty is a 40-year prison term.

Defenses to Maryland Drug Crime Charges

Maryland’s drug laws are vigorously enforced by the Baltimore City Police. Additionally, the Office of The States’ Attorney for Baltimore City firmly prosecutes drug-related cases. As such, it is important to remember the legal rights an individual has when they are accused of a crime.

When a person is accused of a crime, they are legally presumed to be innocent. The States’ Attorney has the burden of proving their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a finder of face, i.e., a Judge or Jury. Depending on the evidence that the States’ Attorney intends to use, meeting this burden may be simple or difficult.

A review of the evidence may reveal that the State lacks sufficient evidence to prove its case. Along with this, a review of the evidence may reveal that the evidence was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, which may result in the evidence being excluded before trial. Accordingly, the States’ Attorney Office often overcharges people to intimidate them into accepting an unfavorable plea deal. To identify which defenses are available, representation by a knowledgeable Baltimore, Maryland drug defense lawyer is required.

Why Hire Portner & Shure, P.A.?

When a person is accused of a drug crime, they should get legal representation by a knowledgeable and zealous Baltimore, Maryland drug defense attorney. The attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have been defending individuals accused of drug crimes in Baltimore and the State of Maryland for more than 30 years. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to investigate the facts surrounding a criminal charge and also how to identify possible legal defenses. Our criminal defense attorneys will fight to protect your rights and freedom.

To schedule a free consultation regarding your Baltimore drug case, contact us at (410) 995-1515 or contact us online.