Drug Crime Convictions Can Be Harsh
Although the issue of marijuana legalization was one of the topics under the spotlights during the last presidential elections, the prosecution and penalty policy in this area remained the same as they were before. With the stakes being so high, it is imperative to acquire an experienced drug defense lawyer to represent you.
Possession of Drugs in Maryland
In Maryland, it is illegal to possess marijuana regardless of the quantity. The seriousness of the potential charges and the level of punishment are determined by the amount that is in your possession at the very moment of arrest. With a quantity of up to 10 grams of marijuana in your possession, the fine is doubled and you could possibility spend a whole year in prison. The quantity of the drugs that are possessed is used by police to determine, legally, whether the drugs are for personal use or distribution or sale.
The stakes for possession charges of other drugs are much higher. In some cases, one single gram can make a difference between fines from $25,000 to $50,000, and a prison sentence from 4 to 25 years. The following quantities involve very serious charges and penalties:
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Penalties for Drug Crimes in Maryland
In addition to being penalized for possession of the drug itself, one may also be penalized for possessing drug paraphernalia, or “tools” specially designed for the purpose of using the certain type of drug. In Maryland a first arrest for drug paraphernalia possession can lead to the fine of $500,00. If a person is caught for the second time with these “tools” the penalty will include a $2,000.00 fine and two years imprisonment. In addition, the distribution of drug paraphernalia punishable by up to 8 years in prison with a $15,000.00 fine.
The final and most serious level of drug charges includes the situations where you are facing charges for an intention to sell, manufacture, or distribute drugs other than marijuana. Manufacturing, selling or distributing drugs in Maryland can include prison sentences from 5 to 20 years and fines from $15,000.00 to $25,000.00 depending on the type of drug in question. In cases of subsequent offenses, fines start at $25,000.00 and can reach up to $100,000.00. Prison sentences start at 20 years and can reach 40 years.
Two special cases deserve particular attention in drug related charges. The first case is where someone has allegedly attempted to distribute drugs within the area of 1,000 feet from an elementary or secondary school. These charges can lead to the fines of up $20,000 and 20 years imprisonment. The other case includes the use of a firearm during the drug related crime (excluding the cases related to marijuana). A highly skilled professional from our office can make a difference in disputing the distance mentioned above or the argument that a firearm was directly related to the certain drug charges.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Defense Attorney Gary H. Gerstenfield has over 20 years of experience in dealing with drug-related charges. He is known for winning cases by focusing upon details that other attorneys simply disregard. Considering the life-long consequences a drug crime conviction can have, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Call and schedule a free consultation today.
If you recognize your own case in this text or you know someone who is need of our professional help for a drug crime case, please do not hesitate to call us, or contact us online.