If you’ve been charged with possession of a controlled substance, distribution, or another drug offense in Calvert County, Maryland, don’t hesitate to call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 262-7005 for legal assistance. You have the right to defend yourself, and hiring our experienced Calvert County drug crimes lawyers can offer the best opportunity to protect your future.
A drug charge does not have to define your future. You have the right to defend yourself, and experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference in how your case moves forward. Contact us today to get the help you deserve.
Why Hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if You’ve Been Arrested on Drug Charges in Calvert County, MD
Drug crimes carry harsh penalties in Calvert County, MD, and the state prosecutes these crimes aggressively. Individuals accused of serious crimes in Maryland turn to Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for help when their futures, reputations, and careers are on the line.
Here are some reasons why we are the right team for you:
- Our team of award-winning Maryland defense attorneys includes former prosecutors and boasts over 125 years of experience handling high-stakes legal disputes.
- Attorney Andrew Alpert is Board Certified in DUI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense.
- Well-versed in Maryland criminal law and prosecutorial strategies, we’re able to customize strategies and defenses that give each client the best possible opportunity for success.
- We regularly get charges against our clients dismissed or reduced, negotiate favorable plea deals, and win not guilty verdicts at trial.
- Our firm has hundreds of five-star reviews on Google.
Don’t let the state pressure you into a plea or scare you into thinking you’ve lost your case before it even begins. Show the prosecution and police that you won’t be pushed around by choosing our Calvert County criminal defense attorneys to fight for you.
It’s important to take prompt action, so contact our law office to discuss your drug arrest today.
Representing Defendants in All Types of Criminal Drug Cases in Maryland
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys has decades of hands-on experience preparing strong defenses for clients accused of all types of drug crimes in Maryland, including;
- Drug possession
- Possession with the intent to distribute
- Drug trafficking
- Drug manufacturing
- Marijuana offenses
- Cocaine possession
- Methamphetamine possession
- Drug sales
- DUI
Our experienced drug crimes attorneys in Calvert County also have experience representing clients who face federal drug charges. Federal drug crimes are tried in federal courts and are often subject to harsher penalties, with longer terms of imprisonment possible.
Whether you’re facing charges for simple possession or charges on a larger scale related to distribution, manufacturing, and/or trafficking, it’s important to have a knowledgeable and respected legal advocate fighting beside you.
What Are the Possible Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction in Calvert County?
It depends. In Maryland, drug crimes can be charged as misdemeanor or felony offenses, depending on the alleged crime, aggravating factors, the type of drug involved in the case, and details specific to each defendant. The potential consequences of a conviction depend on all of these things.
Here’s a breakdown of some common drug crimes in Maryland and their potential penalties.
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
Charges for simple possession often depend on the specific substance involved, the quantity allegedly possessed, and whether the individual has prior convictions. Many possession offenses are classified as misdemeanors, particularly for first-time offenses, but repeat violations or other aggravating factors can lead to more serious charges.
Penalties may include fines, probation, jail time, or a combination of these consequences.
Possession With Intent to Distribute
A person may face possession with intent to distribute charges if law enforcement believes drugs were possessed for distribution rather than personal use. Intent can be inferred from circumstances such as the quantity of drugs involved or how they were packaged, even if no sale took place.
These offenses are typically treated more seriously than simple possession and are often charged as felonies, carrying the potential for substantial fines and incarceration.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Maryland law generally prohibits the possession or use of drug paraphernalia. A first offense is commonly charged as a misdemeanor and may result in fines. Subsequent convictions can carry harsher consequences, including increased fines and the possibility of jail time.
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
Manufacturing a controlled substance can include activities such as cultivating, producing, or otherwise creating illegal drugs. These offenses are generally charged as felonies in Maryland. Penalties depend on the type of drug involved and the circumstances of the case and may include lengthy prison sentences and significant fines, particularly when higher-schedule substances are alleged.
Collateral Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction
In addition to probation, fines, and possible imprisonment, other consequences of a drug crime conviction can include:
- Job loss or difficulty finding a job
- Loss of child custody
- Revoked gun rights
- Loss of professional licenses
- Ineligible for federal loans
The stakes are always high when you’re accused of violating a drug law in Maryland. It’s important to put forth the strongest possible defense. Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can offer the top-tier criminal defense you need to protect your future.
What Defenses Can Be Raised Against Drug Charges in Maryland?
You’re innocent of drug charges until the state can prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can fight back against drug crimes in Maryland.
Possible defenses to drug crimes can include:
Unlawful arrest
If you were arrested illegally – meaning the police violated your rights during your arrest or lacked probable cause that you committed a crime – our attorneys can fight to have the drug charges against you dismissed.
Illegal search and seizure
One of the most common defenses against drug charges is that the police obtained evidence in the case against you illegally. Many times, this means that you or your property was searched (a) without consent, (b) without probable cause, or (c) in the absence of a valid search warrant.
If our drug crimes attorneys in Calvert County can get the evidence in the state’s case thrown out, there’s a good chance that the prosecution won’t be able to meet its burden of proof. As a result, prosecutors might have to dismiss the case or try to negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Breaks in the chain of custody
The chain of custody refers to documentation about who has possession of evidence in a criminal case, and when. When there are lapses or breaks in the chain of custody, the evidence becomes unreliable. In turn, it can often be excluded from the state’s case, thereby weakening the state’s overall ability to convict.
Lack of possession
Most drug crimes require proof that you possessed a controlled dangerous substance. Possession can be actual or constructive. Actual possession is hard to contest (unless it was on your person without your knowledge). Constructive possession can be disputed by arguing that you didn’t have control over the property where the drugs were discovered.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Calvert County Drug Crimes Lawyer
If you’re facing criminal drug charges in Calvert County, MD, you need to fight back aggressively. Your future depends on it. Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys provides compelling, powerful criminal defense representation. Our Calvert County drug crimes lawyers can help you fight for the best possible outcome in your criminal case.
We’re known for our smart legal strategies, in-depth knowledge of Maryland and federal criminal law, and relentless defense of our clients’ best interests. Ready to utilize every tool and resource in our arsenal, we’re here to defend you against serious criminal drug charges at every turn.
Call our law office today to learn more.