Have you been arrested for drug possession in Lanham, Maryland? Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help. A conviction can impact your freedom and future. Call NUMBER today. We offer a free consultation with a Lanham drug possession lawyer who will review your case and explain your rights and next steps.
Our attorneys bring decades of experience to each case and know how to challenge weak evidence and police errors. We’re committed to protecting your future and building the strongest defense possible. If you’re facing charges in Lanham, don’t wait. Contact us today to get the legal support you need at (301) 262-7005.
Why Choose Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Drug Possession in Lanham?
When you’re facing serious charges in Lanham, MD, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we bring unmatched experience and a commitment to defending your future.
Here are a few reasons why individuals throughout Prince George’s County turn to us for criminal defense:
- Our legal team brings over 125 years of combined experience handling complex criminal cases in Maryland courts.
- Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors, giving us an insider’s perspective on how the state builds its case—and how to effectively challenge it.
- We have the training and insight to identify procedural errors and constitutional violations by law enforcement and use them strategically in your defense.
- Founding attorney Andrew Alpert is the only lawyer in Maryland who is Board-Certified in DUI Defense Law, demonstrating a rare level of dedication and knowledge.
- Our firm has earned a reputation for providing skilled and respected defense in DUI and drug-related cases throughout the state.
If you’ve been accused of a crime in Lanham, call today to schedule a free consultation with a Lanham drug crimes attorney.
Overview of Drug Possession in Maryland
Drug possession in Maryland is primarily governed by Maryland’s Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) laws, found throughout Title 5 of the Maryland Criminal Law Code. You can be charged if you knowingly possess a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) without a valid prescription.
There are two broad categories of possession:
- Simple possession: Having drugs for personal use.
- Possession with intent to distribute: Holding large quantities or packaging drugs in a way that suggests distribution.
Controlled substances in Maryland are divided into five schedules (I–V) depending on medical use and potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs (like heroin or LSD) carry the most severe penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Lanham, Maryland?
Drug possession penalties in Lanham hinge on multiple factors—most importantly, the drug type, amount, intent, and your criminal history.
Maryland Drug Possession Penalties (Excluding Marijuana)
Possession of controlled substances besides marijuana is generally a misdemeanor in Maryland. Depending on the amount of drugs involved and any past criminal charges, you could face:
- First offense: up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $5,000
- Second offense or third offense: up to 18 months incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000
- Fourth or subsequent offense: up to two years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000
Possession of larger amounts may lead to trafficking or intent to distribute charges.
Maryland Marijuana Possession and Use Penalties
As of July 2023, Maryland legalized the personal use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. However, possessing more than the legal amount but less than 2.5 ounces is considered a civil offense, punishable by a fine of up to $250.
Possession of more than 2.5 ounces can lead to misdemeanor criminal charges, including:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
Individuals under 21 are still prohibited from possessing any amount of marijuana. Penalties may include fines of up to $250 and, in some cases, a court-ordered drug court education program.
Maryland Intent to Distribute Penalties
Penalties for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in Maryland are significantly more severe than simple possession.
If you are charged with intent to distribute, you could face:
- Felony charges
- Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 for a first offense involving Schedule I or II substances (excluding marijuana)
- Up to 20 years in prison for subsequent offenses or distribution of narcotics such as heroin or fentanyl
For marijuana, the penalties depend on the amount and whether you have any prior offenses:
- Less than 50 pounds: Up to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine
- More than 50 pounds: Mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, with fines up to $100,000
- Drug kingpin charges: Mandatory minimums of 20 years and fines up to $1,000,000
Intent to distribute can be inferred from evidence such as large quantities, scales, packaging materials, or large amounts of cash. Having a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial in fighting these serious allegations and protecting your rights under Maryland law.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Drug Possession?
Facing a drug possession charge doesn’t mean a conviction is inevitable. Several legal defenses may be available, depending on the facts of your case.
Potential defenses include:
- Unlawful search and seizure: If police conducted an illegal traffic stop, searched your home without a warrant, or violated your Fourth Amendment rights, any evidence they found may be inadmissible.
- Lack of knowledge or possession: Prosecutors must prove you knowingly possessed the drugs. If they were found in a shared space (like a car or apartment), this can be difficult to establish.
- Chain of custody issues: If the state mishandles or loses evidence, or if the drugs tested are not linked to you, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.
- Medical or lawful prescription: If the substance was legally prescribed to you, your attorney may be able to present this as a complete defense.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, this defense may apply in rare cases.
A skilled criminal defense team can craft a strategic defense tailored to your specific situation and effectively challenge the prosecution at every turn.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Drug Possession
A defense attorney can help you understand your options and fight for the best resolution, whether through dismissal, reduced charges, or trial.
A lawyer can:
- Analyze the arrest and how evidence was obtained
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiate plea deals or seek diversion programs, where available
- Argue your case in court and challenge the prosecution’s narrative
- Help you avoid unnecessary consequences like jail time, fines, or a permanent record
Having legal representation can often make the difference between a harsh sentence and a second chance.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
A drug possession charge in Lanham, MD, can carry steep penalties and long-term consequences—but you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve successfully defended thousands of clients against drug charges across Maryland.
Call us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a Lanham drug possession lawyer. We’ll explain your rights, outline your legal options, and begin building a strong defense on your behalf.
