A drug crime is the umbrella term for any type of offense that involves a controlled substance. Some examples of drug crimes are:
- Possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Marijuana possession
- Drug manufacturing or sale
- Distribution of fake controlled substances
Each of these types of drug charges has a different penalty, and some are constituted as felonies while others are charged as misdemeanors. If you’ve been accused of any of these types of drug crimes, it’s vital that you contact a lawyer right away. A lawyer will be able to walk you through the potential penalties for the crime you’re accused of, and they will help you understand what may happen in the courtroom.
Maryland Drug Crime Laws
Each state has their own laws and penalties for drug crimes. In Maryland, some drug crimes are charged as misdemeanors, while others carry a felony charge. One example of a misdemeanor drug crime is possession of a controlled substance, such as methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine. For this misdemeanor, you can be given up to four years of jail-time and a maximum fine of $25,000. Another type of misdemeanor drug crime is marijuana possession. The marijuana possession laws have recently changed, and now, being found with less than 10 grams of marijuana is considered a civil offense. However, having over 10 grams of marijuana is still considered a misdemeanor crime.
Felony drug crimes in Maryland carry with them much more stringent penalties. This includes manufacturing narcotics, distributing narcotics, or possessing equipment to manufacture narcotics. For one of these felony charges, the penalties include up to 20 years of jail-time and a fine of up to $25,000. For repeat offenders, the fine can be up to $100,000, and they will also be given no less than 10 years in prison.
Being charged with a drug crime does not necessarily mean that you’ll be given a conviction. A criminal lawyer in Maryland will be able to help fight for you in the courtroom, and if you are convicted, they may be able to help get you a lighter sentence.
Legal Representation in Maryland Drug Crime Cases
If you need legal representation for a drug crime case, The Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson can help you. We’re able to provide high-quality representation for a number of criminal law cases, including drug crime cases. We’re also able to provide information about Maryland’s drug crime laws, and we will provide reassurance and guidance throughout your whole case. At The Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, we’re able to provide you with outstanding legal representation.
If you need representation for a drug crime case, contact us. We’re dedicated to giving our clients stellar legal representation throughout their case.
