Drug Crimes

Maryland Drug Possession Penalties

Drug CrimesDrug crimes are serious and need to be treated as such. Law enforcement and the judicial system can both be unforgivingly tough on drug crimes in Maryland. Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or a police officer failed to obtain evidence legally, you need a drug crime lawyer who will go to bat for you.

As your drug crime defense attorney, Paul E. Mack protects your rights and works zealously to clear your name. Mr. Mack practices criminal defense in Maryland with extensive experience in local drug crime laws. Please call us or contact us online to request a consultation with Mr. Mack if you need a drug defense lawyer in Maryland.

Maryland CDS Drug Schedules

  1. Schedule I drugs are very addictive, have almost no medical use and contain core substances such as opioids; Heroin, Ecstasy, LSD
  2. Schedule II drugs are also highly addictve and do have medical uses; Cocaine, Opium, Vicodin, Oxycodone, Methamphetamine, Morphine
  3. Schedule III include performance enhancing drugs (PED’s) and have a low risk of physical dependency BUT a high probability of psychological abuse; Anabolic Steroids, Ketamine
  4. Schedule IV contain certain core substances, have widely accepted medical use and a low risk of abuse or addiction; Ambien, Xanax, Valium
  5. Schedule V also include core substances and have accepted medical uses, they are less addictive than the preceeding narcotic schedules; Cough Suppressants with Codeine

Laws and Penalties For Drug Crimes in Maryland

Other than possession of a tiny amount of marijuana, any drug-related crime in Maryland faces potential stiff penalties. A surprising number of objects can be declared drug paraphernalia. The prosecutor might also use the presence of a scale or even plastic bags as evidence of intent to distribute.

Baltimore Drug Crime Defense Attorney Paul E. Mack has defended many clients over the years facing both misdemeanor and felony drug charges in Maryland, such as:

Legal Defense For Maryland Drug Crimes

Paul E. Mack will mount the strongest defense possible to prove your innocence or reduce the penalties as much as possible. His experience in Maryland drug crimes cases and well-rounded background as a criminal defense lawyer provide the legal counsel you need to get the best outcome from your charges.

Some of the drug crime defenses that may apply to your situation include:

  • Unlawful search and seizure: Evidence was obtained without a warrant or lacked probable cause.
  • Constructive possession: The police found drugs, but there is no proof that you knew about their existence or had control over the matter.
  • Incorrect or missing evidence: An officer might have misidentified a substance or pill as something different or more serious than what it was.
  • No intent to sell: Drug possession in large amounts often gets distorted into drug dealing. Your defense attorney should press the prosecution to prove actual evidence of selling or trafficking.
  • Treatment over jail time: Many drug users would be better served by treatment and rehabilitation rather than criminal penalties.

Maryland Drug Free School Zone Laws

According to M.D. Code, Criminal Law, § 5-627 it is illegal to possess, sell or intend to distribute drugs within 1,000 feet of a school be it public or private. This includes school buses no matter where in the community they are. A first offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison for a second offense. If facing drug charges in or near a Maryland school you need the help of our Maryland drug crime defense attorneys. 

Aggravating Factors & Enhanced Penalties In MD Drug Crime Cases

Possessing or selling narcotics near a school is one form of aggravating factors in MD drug cases. These factors are also sometimes referred to as ‘enhanced penalties’. Other are being in possession of a weapon during the sale of drugs. Selling drugs to children, even away from school grounds, is another factor that will lead to enhanced penalties when your case goes to court. If you have prior drug offenses, even misdemeanor possession, you will face stiffer penalties. And any previous criminal record, even if not drug related, will result in the prosecutors throwing the book at you. 

Let our Annapolis drug crime lawyers help. Call now for a free case review. 

Jurisdictions Where Drug Crime Lawyer Paul Mack Serves

Conveniently located in Clarksville, MD, Paul E. Mack is just a phone call away to handle your legal case. Please click here to contact Jessup, MD Criminal Defense Attorney Paul E. Mack, Attorney if you need an attorney in any of the following counties:

  • Anne Arundel County
  • Baltimore City
  • Baltimore County
  • Carroll County
  • Frederick County
  • Howard County
  • Montgomery County
  • Prince George’s County
  • Worcester County

Contact A Drug Crime Defense Lawyer In Maryland

To protect your freedom, reputation, and future job prospects, it’s absolutely vital that you defend your charges with help from a veteran criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in Maryland drug crimes.

Mr. Mack is the attorney you can trust to fight diligently and provide helpful communication with you throughout the process.

Please contact us online or call our office at 443-288-6383 to schedule a free consultation with Paul E. Mack, Attorney at Law, if you need a drug crime lawyer in Maryland.

Contact Us

Paul E. Mack

6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 100

Clarksville, MD 21029

Call For Your Free Consultation 443-288-6383 443-288-6383
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