Upper Marlboro Criminal Defense Law Blog

It isn't uncommon for college students in Maryland and throughout the country to engage in underage drinking. However, underage drinking may result in schools being named as defendants in lawsuits or in a loss of prestige. To reduce their liability, colleges may create a code of conduct that students must live up to. They must also create anti-drug and alcohol policies to comply with the Drug Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

Failure to comply with the legislation could result in a school losing its ability to receive federal funds. These programs must impose penalties on those who break the law and make treatment programs available. Furthermore, schools must publicize the dangers of drinking or using drugs. Schools may also take disciplinary steps such as expelling those who drink while under the age of 21. Other steps may include denying financial aid or requiring a student to go to rehab.

A routine traffic stop on Interstate 81 on the morning of Sept. 20 led to the discovery and seizure of almost 12 pounds of marijuana and 950 anti-anxiety pills according to the Maryland State Police. Reports indicate that a 26-year-old New York man was taken into custody at the scene in connection with the haul. He is said to be being held without bond at a Washington County detention facility on drug possession with the intent to distribute charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 17.

A MSP trooper says that he pulled over the man's Honda sedan for exceeding the posted speed limit at about 10:15 a.m. near Williamsport. The trooper claims that the man was unable to produce a valid driver's license and provided a false name and date of birth. These statements along with what were described as several indicators of criminal activity led to an escalation of the situation and a K-9 unit being called in.

Four Maryland men have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 86 months to 20 years after admitting to distributing large amounts of powder and crack cocaine in St. Mary's County. A 42-year-old California man and a 42-year-old Lexington Park man were sentenced to 11 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. A 32-year-old Great Mills man was sentenced to 86 months of incarceration followed by supervised release lasting for three years. A 44-year-old Waldorf resident, who is said to have supplied the drugs, entered into a plea agreement that calls for 20 years of imprisonment.

The investigation, which involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and the Prince George's County Police Department, uncovered valuable evidence when the homes of the California, Lexington and Great Mills men were searched in December 2016. Several firearms including a handgun and a shotgun were found in the California home according to reports, and the search in Great Mills yielded significant amounts of drugs, cash and drug paraphernalia.

A federal prosecutor participating in the prosecution of an MS-13 gang member said that the man's conviction substantially reduced the gang's criminal network in Maryland. The MS-13 member admitted in court as part of his plea deal that he distributed guns in the state to support the goals of the gang. The 25-year-old man has entered guilty pleas on charges of racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder and carrying a firearm while participating in a violent crime.

As a regional leader of the gang from El Salvador, the man stated in his plea agreement that he participated in multiple crimes meant to consolidate the gang's power in the state and promote its racketeering enterprises. In November 2015, he made plans with other gang members to kill a man supposedly belonging to a rival gang. He and two other men waited with guns to ambush the intended victim. One of his companions fired a shot in the face of a man and left him permanently disabled.