Crystal meth, or methamphetamine, is a powerful psychological and physical stimulant that is highly addictive. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has focused more attention on meth-related crimes in recent years, and the passing of the Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 placed a number of restrictions on all forms of methamphetamine.
The possession of crystal meth under federal and state laws is a very serious crime. Penalties may include up to $500,000 in fines and a prison term for as long as a life sentence. For the sale of crystal meth, an offender may receive a fine of up to $1,000,000 and the prison sentence depends on the amount of the drug sold or intended to be sold. Possession of crystal meth and/or the chemicals used to produce the drug is illegal. The fines and prison terms for possession, regardless of the number of drugs or chemicals in possession, can be the maximum amount allowed under Federal Sentencing Guidelines for the federal drug crime.
The federal mandatory penalties for crystal meth possession are:
- Five or more grams: Mandatory minimum of five years in prison with a maximum term of 40 years.
- Fifty or more grams: Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison with a maximum of life in prison.
In the state of Maryland, possession of any illegal drug, besides marijuana, is considered a felony. Therefore, anyone facing a charge for possession of crystal meth may receive a maximum potential sentence of four years and a fine of up to $25,000. The legal term “possession” in Maryland means you simply have or have control over the drug, and they don’t have to be physically on a person at the time of arrest; for example, they can be found in an individual’s car or home.
Both the state and federal penalties for possession of crystal meth are severe, and a conviction can mean a negative impact on one’s personal and professional life, in addition to the legal consequences. The Maryland drug crime lawyers at Alpert Schreyer can help defend any MD resident against excessive penalties for a meth charge and will seek alternatives to incarceration. Call (301) 708-0819 for a free case evaluation.