Bowie Meth Offense Attorneys

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Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is an illegal psycho-stimulant controlled substance. It, and other methamphetamine-containing substances, is found listed in Schedules I and II of illegal controlled dangerous substances. If you have been charged with a meth crime in Maryland, speaking with an experienced Bowie drug crime defense lawyer at Alpert Schreyer, LLC can help you determine the best course of action for your particular case.

History of Meth

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant with severe withdrawal effects. It was first synthesized in 1893 in Japan. In 1944, methamphetamine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of mild depression, narcolepsy, chronic alcoholism, hay fever, and several other conditions. This approval didn't last long, however. The highly addictive nature of methamphetamine encouraged its abuse and its use as a medical treatment was severely limited. Now, although it was considered effective in treating narcolepsy, methamphetamine is only approved for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and exogenous obesity. The illegal forms of methamphetamine are referred to as crystal meth, meth, crystal, ice, p, shabu, or glass.

Types of Meth Crimes

There are various actions that can constitute a drug crime in Maryland and apart from simple possession or administering the drug, all are felonies and carry stiff penalties. Meth offenses may include:

• Possession;
• Administering to another;
• Obtaining the drug or trying to obtain it;
• Distribution;
• Sale;
• Possession with intent to distribute;
• Manufacture;
• Possession of manufacturing equipment;
• Creation, possession, or distribution of the drug in the guise of another; or
• Keeping a location for the production, storing, distribution, concealment, or administering of the drug or its paraphernalia.

There are also "related and derivative crimes' and "miscellaneous crimes" that a meth offender may be charged with.

Minimum Penalty

Aside from meth possession, which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine, the minimum penalty for a first-time meth offense in Maryland includes a felony charge, a maximum of five years in prison, and/or a maximum fine of $15,000. For repeat offenders, the penalties may increase.

Defending Your Legal Rights

Meth offenses are aggressively prosecuted, especially if the offense involves more than just individual possession and/or use. Being convicted of a meth crime can have disastrous effects on your future. Professional and personal relationships will suffer and you can easily fall into financial ruin. If you made a mistake, it is important that you accept the consequences, but at Alpert Schreyer, our Bowie meth defense attorneys are committed to ensuring that the consequences are deserved.

Law enforcement and prosecutors have zero tolerance for meth offenders, which can lead to excessively harsh punishments. We can help protect your legal rights. If you have been charged with a meth crime, call us today for a free consultation at (866) 444-6363.