Waldorf Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

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drug crime punishments

Being arrested for a drug crime in Maryland can lead to severe consequences, whether it involves prescription drugs or controlled dangerous substances. Because drugs are often connected with violent crime, law enforcement officials can be very heavy-handed when they suspect someone of a drug crime. Without the help of an aggressive drug crime defense attorney, it is possible that a suspected drug offender will be convicted and subject to the harshest punishments available.

Maryland Drug Crimes Penalties

The punishments for drug crimes in Maryland depend on the crime, though some crimes are grouped together for the same punishment.

Drug Possession

A person can be charged with the crime of drug possession and/or use if they possess a controlled dangerous substance or attempt to possess a dangerous controlled substance. If convicted of this crime, the offender is guilty of committing a misdemeanor and could be subject to imprisonment and large fines.

§ 5-602 through § 5-606 Crimes

Crimes within the above sections of the Maryland Criminal Law Code Annotated include:

Distributing a controlled substance;
Possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance;
Dispensing a controlled substance;
Manufacturing a controlled substance;
Possessing equipment for manufacturing a controlled substance;
Creating or possessing a counterfeit substance;
Issuing, making, or possessing a false prescription; and
Keeping a building, dwelling, vehicle, or other place for the purpose of manufacturing or using controlled substances and/or paraphernalia.

In general, if a person is convicted of any of the above crimes, they would be charged with a felony and subject to a maximum prison sentence of five years and/or a maximum fine of $15,000. If the person is a repeat offender, they will be subject to a prison sentence of no less than two years.

Special Circumstances – Narcotic Drugs and Hallucinogenic Substances

Narcotic Drugs

Drug crime punishments change depending on the type of controlled substance involved. If a person is convicted of any of the above crimes involving a narcotic drug, as identified in Schedule I or Schedule II, they would be guilty of a felony and subject to a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and/or a maximum fine of $25,000. A repeat offender would be subject to a prison sentence of at least 10 years and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Hallucinogenic Substances

If the controlled substance involved was a hallucinogenic substance in Schedule I or Schedule II, a convicted offender would be guilty of a felony and subject to a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and/or a maximum fine of $20,000. A convicted repeat offender would be subject to a minimum 10-year prison sentence and/or a maximum $100,000 fine.

An Aggressive Defense

As the list of punishments suggests, a drug crime conviction in Maryland can significantly affect a person's financial, personal, and professional future. At Alpert Schreyer, our experienced Maryland drug crime defense lawyers have a successful track record of defending against a wide range of drug charges and have the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to get your charges and/or penalties reduced, or even dismissed. Call us today to learn more about your legal options at (866) 444-6363.