Protect Your Future: Handle Drug Possession Charges The Right Way
If you or someone in your family has been charged with drug possession, you need to take the charges very seriously. Depending on the amount and packaging of drugs in question, among other factors, you could face a felony. Even if you’re up against only a misdemeanor, a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record that can affect your future significantly.
You need an attorney who has been there for hundreds of people facing drug charges before. The Law Offices of Thomas C. Mooney in Upper Marlboro offers strong criminal defense strategies in drug cases. We fight charges involving a variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, MDMA (Molly), Ecstasy (PCP) and prescription drugs.
What Is Drug Possession? What Is Possession With Intent To Distribute?
Drug possession means knowingly having an illegal controlled substance on your person, in your car or anywhere you have control over it. On the other hand, possession with intent to distribute means having controlled substances while intending to transfer control of the drug to someone else, as inferred from circumstantial evidence such as:
- Large quantities of the drug, beyond what is likely for personal use
- Packaging materials that could be used to divide up the drugs for sale
- Drug paraphernalia that could be used to measure drugs for distribution
Even if drugs are not being actively sold or distributed when seized, the circumstances can lead to more serious charges.
Personal Use Possession Charges
The following chart shows what you may be up against if you have been accused of possessing drugs for personal use. Depending on how the drugs were packaged, and other factors, you could face charges for possession with intent to distribute, which carries very harsh penalties.
*Fines increase for repeat offenders. |
We defend college students who face drug charges. We will do everything possible to keep your child from obtaining a criminal record at this critical stage in life.
Whatever the situation, securing legal representation promptly after any drug possession charge is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome in court.
Penalties For Drug Possession Vs. Intent To Distribute
The potential penalties for drug crimes in Maryland can include fines, probation, suspension of driving privileges and incarceration.
- Possession of controlled substances other than marijuana can attract up to four years of imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.
- Possession with intent to distribute carries much harsher potential sentences, often determined by the drug scheduling and amount. For example, possession with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine or heroin could result in up to 20 years in prison.
Given the serious potential consequences, you are better off consulting an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and future.
Protect Your Future. Get A Free Case Review.
We get positive outcomes in drug cases by pulling at each thread of the prosecution’s case until it falls apart. As your lawyers, we will look for flaws in your arrest. We will work hard to stop questionable evidence from being admitted. When it is not possible to win a drug case, we do everything within our power to fight to minimize the consequences of a conviction and tilt the sentence away from jail time.
Call 301-579-3429 or send us an email to talk to a lawyer about drug possession defense for free. We do not charge for initial consultations. We would be happy to answer your questions.