Have you been arrested for a drug crime in Charles County, MD? The penalties are severe and can change the course of your life forever, but the good news is that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. You still have the right to defend yourself with help from an experienced Charles County drug crimes attorney.
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, our team has more than 125 years of combined experience protecting the rights of people accused of crimes in Maryland. We have successfully defended clients in thousands of cases, ranging from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. We are ready to fight for you, too.
Contact our law office today at (301) 857-4771 to schedule a free consultation.
How Alpert Schreyer Can Help if You Were Arrested for a Drug Crime in Charles County, MD
At Alpert Schreyer, we know how to challenge drug charges from every angle. We understand local courts as well as the state and federal laws that prosecutors rely on.
When you hire our criminal defense lawyers, you can count on us to:
- Investigate how the police handled your arrest and search
- File motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally
- Examine whether lab testing was flawed or mishandled
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges when possible
- Advocate for alternatives to jail, such as treatment programs
- Represent you at trial if your case goes before a jury
When police and prosecutors charge you with a drug crime in Charles County, Maryland, they already think you are guilty. However, the truth is that the law requires them to prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. That gives our defense attorneys room to attack the evidence against you and fight for a favorable outcome, including having your charges dismissed altogether, if possible.
We know how high the stakes are. Contact our Charles County drug crimes lawyers today for a free consultation.
An Overview of Drug Crimes in Maryland
Maryland law makes it a crime to possess, distribute, manufacture, or traffic controlled substances. The severity of the charge depends on many factors, such as the type of drug and what the police say you intended to do with it.
- Possession is often a misdemeanor, but the penalties can still be serious. For example, possessing even a small amount of certain controlled substances can lead to jail time and fines.
- Distribution or possession with intent to distribute is a felony. If the state believes you planned to sell or share drugs, the penalties increase sharply. Larger quantities and certain substances (such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, or methamphetamine) can bring long prison sentences as well.
- Marijuana is treated differently. While Maryland has moved toward legalization and decriminalization for small amounts, possession of more than the legal limit (1.5 oz. of cannabis) or intent to distribute can still bring criminal charges.
- Prescription drug crimes are also aggressively prosecuted. Using, forging, or distributing prescription medications without proper authorization can result in felony charges.
No matter the nature of your charges, our defense attorneys are here to help you respond effectively. Call today for more information about your legal rights and options in these circumstances.
What Are the Penalties for a Drug Crime Conviction in Charles County?
The penalties for a drug conviction in Maryland vary based on the facts of your case. Some of the most important factors include the type of substance in question and whether you have prior convictions, in addition to the exact charges you are facing.
For simple possession of a controlled substance, you could face:
- Up to four years in prison
- Fines of up to $25,000
For distribution or intent to distribute, penalties increase significantly and may include:
- Five to twenty years in prison, depending on the drug and quantity
- Fines up to $25,000 or more
- Mandatory minimum sentences for certain repeat offenders
On top of these criminal penalties, a conviction can carry long-lasting collateral consequences, such as:
- Difficulty finding a job or housing
- Loss of professional licenses
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Damage to your reputation in the community
Since the consequences can be severe, it’s critical to take your charges seriously and get a skilled defense attorney right away.
What Defenses to Drug Charges Are Available in Maryland?
Just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you will be convicted. Many drug cases rely heavily on how police obtained evidence. If your rights were violated, that evidence may be thrown out, and the state’s case may fall apart.
Some common defenses to drug charges we can raise on your behalf include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Illegal search and seizure
- Lack of possession
- Insufficient evidence
- Chain of custody errors
- Medical marijuana or lawful prescription
Your defense will depend on the specific circumstances of your arrest. Our lawyers will carefully analyze every detail to find the strongest arguments in your favor.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Charles County Drug Crimes Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Charles County, Maryland, the stakes could not be higher. The prosecution is already building its case against you, so don’t wait to start building your defense.
At Alpert Schreyer, our team has 125 years of combined experience and a track record of achieving favorable results for clients facing serious charges. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Charles County drug crimes attorney.
