Drug crimes are aggressively prosecuted and severely punished. It usually depends on the controlled substance and the actual crime, but law enforcement and prosecutors tend to have zero tolerance for drug offenders, especially repeat offenders. One of the most commonly abused controlled substances in the U.S. is cocaine – a highly addictive stimulant – and one of the most commonly prosecuted crimes is cocaine possession.
If you have been arrested for cocaine possession or another drug crime, you would be well advised to retain the services of one of the experienced Maryland cocaine defense attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys. Contact us today at (301) 262-7005 for a free consultation.
Types of Cocaine Crimes
There are various circumstances under which a person may be charged with a cocaine crime in Maryland, which also apply to any other controlled substance.
A person would be guilty of a primary cocaine crime if they:
- Possess or administer the drug to someone
- Obtain or attempt to obtain the drug
- Distribute the drug
- Possess with the intent to distribute the drug
- Dispense the drug
- Manufacture the drug
- Possess a machine, equipment, or other device to produce the drug
- Create, distribute, or possess the drug labeled and/or packaged as another
- Keep a dwelling, building, vehicle, or other place where individuals administer the drug or where the drug or controlled paraphernalia are manufactured, stored, distributed, or concealed
There are other “related and derivative crimes” and “miscellaneous crimes” that a person may be charged with in addition to any of the crimes listed above. Without the help of an aggressive drug crime defense lawyer in Maryland, it is likely that a suspected cocaine offender will be convicted.
Potential Penalties for Cocaine Crime Convictions
A person who is found guilty of possessing cocaine would be charged with a misdemeanor and be subject to a maximum of four years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $25,000. However, if a person has been found guilty of cocaine possession with intent to distribute, the penalties are much more severe.
A cocaine conviction, especially a felony cocaine conviction, can have life-altering consequences. A lengthy prison sentence, fines, and potential rehabilitation programs can take up a large portion of your life, potentially ruining your chances of holding a decent job and maintaining personal relationships.
Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if you are Facing Drug Crimes Charges
One mistake should not decide how you will live the rest of your life. To help protect your personal and professional future, it is important that you not leave your fate in the hands of overzealous prosecutors who may be unreasonably harsh. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Maryland cocaine possession defense attorneys have over 125 years of experience defending people charged with various drug crimes throughout the state. We aggressively defend the rights of our clients so that they still have a chance at leading a full life.