A conviction for a drug-related crime in Maryland can create life-altering consequences as severe as a permanent criminal record, loss of employment, incarceration, and steep fines. To stand up for yourself and fight back against your charges, we highly encourage you to secure the effective legal representation of our Bel Air drug defense attorneys from Portner & Shure, P.A. We have been fighting for the rights of the criminally accused for more than 30 years. Let us put all of that experience to good use for your case, too!
Call (410) 995-1515 right now to begin with an initial consultation.
Maryland Drug Laws
The State of Maryland has laws that criminalize the possession and distribution of certain drugs, narcotics, and substances. The potential penalties vary based on the type and quantity of drugs in question, as well as the defendant’s criminal record.
Drug Distribution Charges in Bel Air, Maryland
The manufacture, distribution of illegal drugs, or possession with the intent to distribute illegal drugs can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Distribution or possession with intent to distribute can be charged if you were found with significant quantities of drugs on your person, including either illegal narcotics or legal substances like prescription medications. Maryland Criminal Code § 5-602 makes it illegal to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Someone who is charged with violating this law faces a potential felony conviction with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.
The potential penalties increase if the defendant is accused of distributing a Schedule I or Schedule II drug:
- Schedule I drugs: Opioids, opioid derivatives, hallucinogens, and depressants
- Schedule II drugs: Raw opioids, stimulants, and certain hard opioids.
An individual who is charged with violating § 5-609 faces a potential felony conviction with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine. The maximum penalty for a third offense is 30 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine. The maximum penalty for a fourth offense is 40 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.
Maryland Kingpin Laws
The State of Maryland has laws targeting drug kingpins, who are defined as people who act as organizers, financiers, or managers in a conspiracy to transport illegal drugs into the state. 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, though.
Drug Possession Charges in Maryland
The State of Maryland prohibits individuals from possessing illegal drugs. An individual who is charged with possession faces a potential misdemeanor conviction with a maximum penalty of 1 year in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. The maximum penalty for a second offense is 18 months in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. The maximum penalty for a fourth offense is 2 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
Defenses to Drug Charges
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of The States’ Attorney for Harford County vigorously enforce and prosecute drug crimes. All persons who are charged with a crime are entitled to the presumption of innocence, which requires the state to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Police and prosecutors routinely overcharge people in order to obtain unfavorable plea deals. They do not want people to realize that a legal or factual defense may be available. A review of the evidence may indicate that the prosecution’s case lacks sufficient evidence to prove intent or possession or the evidence might have been gathered in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
Your Defense Starts Here
Our experienced Bel Air drug defense attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. can help you identify the right defense strategy to use for your case. Every case is unique, and so we always use unique case strategies. No one is given premanufactured legal services because that is just not how we want to run our law firm. You deserve more, so choose Portner & Shure, P.A.!
