DRUG CRIMES DEFENSE LAWYER IN FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Attorneys Fighting All Types of Drug-Related Charges

In Frederick Maryland, being charged with a drug crime is a severe offense that will put your future in immediate jeopardy. Drug crimes like illegal possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug trafficking, etc. can result in substantial fines and jail time. A drug crime conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record that can damage your reputation and cause a loss of employment.

If you have been accused or charged with a drug crime, Portner & Shure, P.A., should be the first name you call for help. Our Frederick drug crime attorneys have successfully represented individuals charged with drug crimes for more than 30 years. Turn our experience into your advantage when the state wants to lock you away.

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Drug Crimes Laws in Frederick, Maryland

In Maryland, drug crimes typically fall under possession and distribution. The penalties for the specific crime depend on the amount of drugs and the type of drug in question, as well as the defendant’s prior criminal record.

Drug Possession in Frederick, Maryland

It is illegal to possess a controlled substance without a prescription from a doctor. Having possession over a drug means you have control over the substance. You can be charged with possession even when the drug is not directly on your person. For example, you can be charged with possession if the police find drugs in your car or home.

Possible penalties you could face:

• For your first conviction of drug possession, you can receive up to 1 year in prison and a fine no greater than $5,000.
• For a second or third conviction of drug possession, you can receive a maximum of 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.
• For a fourth drug conviction, you can be penalized with up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

It is important to note that these are general guidelines and that the penalties vary depending on the type of drug and the amount. The penalty for drug possession increases if it is a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, for example.

A few drugs and their schedules are:

• Schedule I drugs include LSD, heroin, and ecstasy.
• Schedule II drugs consist of Vicodin, cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, oxycodone (OxyContin), Dexedrine, fentanyl, Ritalin, and Adderall.

If you are found in possession of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, the potential jail time increases to 20 years for a first-time offense and conviction.

Distribution & Manufacturing in Frederick, Maryland

Compared to drug possession, drug distribution and manufacturing are more serious crimes. According to Maryland law, it is illegal to distribute, possess with intent to distribute, or manufacture a controlled dangerous substance. If you are found guilty of distributing or manufacturing drugs, the consequences could include a maximum of 5 years in prison, a fine up to $15,000, and a felony mark on your criminal record.

If you are charged with distributing a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, the penalties increase immensely:

• For a first or second offense, you can face up to twenty years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $15,000.
• If you are charged with a third offense, the maximum penalty is 30 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000.
• For a fourth offense, you can face up to 40 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000.

Kingpin Laws in Maryland

In the state of Maryland, there are laws designed to charge “drug kingpins.” A kingpin is a volume dealer found possessing, manufacturing, transporting, or distributing large quantities of controlled dangerous substances. The penalties for being charged as a drug kingpin are some of the most extreme on the books in any state. If you are found guilty under the Maryland drug kingpin law, you can serve between 20 and 40 years in prison without parole, and you may have to pay a fine up to $1,000,000.

Are There Strong Defenses for Drug Crimes?

Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement take drug crimes very seriously. To form a proper defense against a drug crime charge, you should rely on the guidance of an experienced Frederick, Maryland criminal defense attorney. You could have been overcharged with drug crimes in an effort by the state to intimidate you into accepting a plea deal. Usually, drug cases revolve around Fourth Amendment suppression issues and whether or not the police gathered evidence unlawfully. Our attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. will diligently review your case and determine the best defense based on what we find.

Our Frederick criminal defense lawyers understand how the system works, and that it was built to punish people, not necessarily to ensure fair justice is carried out. We are familiar with local prosecutors and judges, and we know the potential jury pool because we spend time in our communities.

Portner and Shure, P.A. has national recognition, copious 5-star reviews, excellent results, and superb ratings. Recently, The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys of 2020 recognized Portner & Shure, P.A. as one of Maryland’s “10 Best Law Firms.” We are humbled by this honor and will continue to work relentlessly for our clients.

Our staff can speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). Call to schedule a consultation today.