Upper Marlboro Criminal Defense Law Blog

A sweeping narcotics investigation in Maryland has resulted in 17 indictments and the seizure of drugs with a street value of between $20,000 and $30,000 according to an announcement from the Talbot County Drug Task Force. The investigation focused on an Easton man who is alleged to have run a drug ring that distributed significant quantities of amphetamines, cocaine and opioid pills in bars and restaurants in Oxford, St. Michaels and Easton.

The man is said to have used a large number of associates to sell the drugs. Police say that some of these individuals worked at several area bars and night clubs. One of the individuals indicted is a Cambridge man who authorities believe supplied the drug gang with cocaine. The investigation entered its final phase when warrants were obtained to search 26 properties in Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot Counties.

Some people in Maryland who are serving a jail or prison sentence may have their sentences shortened or receive other benefits if a bill known as the First Step Act passes through Congress. One thing the bill will do is address the disparities in sentencing between people convicted of drug-related charges involving cocaine and those involving crack.

In 2010, the Fair Sentencing Act addressed this issue, which has been one of racial disparity. The First Step Act will make it retroactive. Prosecutors will be involved in the process that will require prisoners to petition and return to court. The act will also increase the ability of judges to use their discretion when it comes to mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines by expanding to include people with minimal criminal histories. Furthermore, it will make some automatic sentences less severe.

Reports of a woman passed out behind the wheel of her car on the afternoon of Oct. 29 led to drug possession charges for 31-year-old Maryland resident according to local media outlets. Emergency services workers say that the woman was alert when they arrived at the scene, but they called the Maryland State Police when she reportedly became combative and belligerent.

The trooper dispatched to Mervell Dean Road in Hollywood arrived at approximately 5 p.m. and says that the woman became more compliant after the trooper identified herself as a peace officer. EMS workers allegedly described the woman's behavior as suspicious because she refused to move her hands from her lap. When the trooper ordered the woman to move her hands, she says that she noticed a metal and glass smoking device in the woman's lap. Reports indicate that deputies from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office then arrived at the scene and detained the woman. The trooper then conducted a search of the woman's car.

A 29-year-old man from Baltimore who law enforcement suspect of belonging to the Bloods gang awaits his appearance in court after a police search allegedly uncovered drugs and guns associated with him. The Maryland State Police took him into custody in Curtis Bay as part of the agency's effort to address crimes taking place in the region. In conjunction with local Anne Arundel County Police and the Department of Homeland Security, state police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 4500 block of Pennington Ave.

Police reported finding heroin, powdered and crack cocaine, prescription opioids, marijuana, synthetic marijuana and two handguns. Authorities have charged him with distributing dangerous controlled substances, possessing those substances and violating weapons laws.