Baltimore Drug Lawyers

Drug Laws in Maryland

Like most states, marijuana possession charges are common in Maryland. Convictions for non-marijuana-related drug charges often carry severe prison sentences. Section 5-601(a)(1) explains that the maximum penalty for all drug possession charges in Maryland is up to 4 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. However, if you are arrested for attempting to bring large amounts of any drug into the state of Maryland, you could be facing up to a $50,000 fine and imprisonment for up to 25 years. Below are some of the following quantities of drugs that will result in serious drug charges if brought across state lines:

• 45 kilograms or more of marijuana
• 28 grams or more of cocaine
• 1,000 dosage units of lysergic acid diethylamide
• 28 grams or more of phencyclidine in liquid or powder form
• 4 grams or more of opium or morphine
• 112 grams or more of anything containing phencyclidine
• 28 grams or more of methamphetamine
• 4 grams or more of fentanyl
• 1,000 dosage units or more of methaqualone

Whether or not you intend to illegally distribute narcotics, law enforcement officials base distribution charges on the quantity of drugs they discover on you. For example, a Maryland prosecutor could advocate for felony drug distribution charges if you are found and arrested with more than 28 grams of cocaine in your possession. Normally, all possession charges in Maryland are misdemeanors, but this is not always the case. This is why professional legal representation from a Baltimore drug lawyer is critical for a successful trial.

Maryland Marijuana Possession Laws

While possession of any drug in Maryland can be a serious charge, possession of marijuana is also strictly enforced. Under Section 5-601(a)(1), it is illegal to possess marijuana, and the penalty for violating this law depends on the amount in your possession at the time of your arrest:

• Possession of 10 grams or more – $1,000.00 fine, one-year imprisonment
• Possession of fewer than 10 grams – a civil penalty of $100 to $500

If you or a loved one are facing marijuana possession charges, it is best for a Maryland drug lawyer to dispute the charges, especially if there is any evidence to suggest that the quantity of marijuana in the charging documents is not verifiable.

Penalties For Maryland Drug Crimes

The potential penalties for a drug crime depend on several key factors. Some of the most important factors that affect the seriousness of a drug-related offense are criminal history, the number of prior offenses on your record, the type of drugs involved, the number of drugs involved, and where the drugs were found. In addition, if drug-related paraphernalia or large quantities of cash were present at the time of arrest, there is a possibility of additional and/or more severe drug offenses being brought.

The Law Office of Hyatt & Goldbloom has an extensive history representing clients charged with drug-related crimes. If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense, the criminal defense lawyers at Hyatt & Goldbloom are ready to help. Regardless of the type of offense or circumstances surrounding an alleged crime, each and every individual is entitled to certain rights and protections under State and Federal law. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Hyatt & Goldbloom will aggressively fight to ensure your rights are protected and upheld.

Drug Type

The type of drug you are charged with possessing plays a major role in the potential charges you face in Maryland. For example, someone accused of possession of marijuana in Maryland likely faces much less severe penalties than someone possessing an equal amount of heroin. It’s important to understand that some drugs are deemed more severe and carry greater penalties in the Maryland courts.

Amount of Drug

The larger amount of the drug you possess in Maryland, the greater the penalties are that you could potentially face in court. Often the quantity of drugs in your possession at the time of your arrest plays a gigantic role in the severity of the consequences you may face.

Intent

You face less severe penalties if you intend to use the drug for your own personal use rather than sell or distribute. If this is the case you may only be charged with drug possession and are much more likely to be able to avoid a guilty verdict with the right drug crime attorney representing you.

Call An Experienced Baltimore Drug Lawyer Now

At Hyatt & Goldbloom, we will firmly challenge the basis of the prosecution’s case against you. Law enforcement officials, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and other related authorities must satisfy certain evidentiary and due process requirements in order to charge an individual with a drug crime. Our experienced lawyers have seen it all, including prosecutors charging individuals without enough evidence to back up such charges. Additionally, prosecutors sometimes rely on evidence that is technically inadmissible. An experienced lawyer will understand what charges and evidence are legitimate and will know how to respond to illegitimate charges and evidence. No matter the circumstances, the Baltimore drug crime lawyers at Hyatt & Goldbloom will aggressively fight the State’s case and prevent the justice system from taking advantage of you.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, call the Law Office of Hyatt & Goldbloom today. Our criminal defense team will advocate on your behalf and fight to protect your legal rights. An experienced Baltimore drug lawyer is available 24/7, and consultations are always free of charge at Hyatt & Goldbloom.