Upper Marlboro Drug Offense Defense Lawyer
If police have arrested you or someone you love for a drug offense in Upper Marlboro or Prince George’s County, act fast. The Law Offices of Thomas C. Mooney defends clients accused of possession, distribution and other serious federal narcotics crimes. As an experienced Upper Marlboro drug crime attorney, Thomas C. Mooney understands how quickly a single charge can threaten your freedom, your career and your future. Call today for a confidential consultation before speaking with police or investigators.
Facing Drug Charges In Prince George’s County? We Can Help.
Drug charges often start with a traffic stop, home search or tip from an informant. What seems like a small issue can grow into a serious criminal case. Whether prosecutors accuse you of possessing a small amount or distributing controlled substances, what you do next is critical.
Never speak to the police without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. Our defense team will challenge illegal searches, question the reasons for your arrest and move quickly to protect your rights. In many cases, early action can lead to reduced or dismissed charges or allow for treatment.
Our Drug Crime Defense Services
Our firm defends all types of Maryland and federal drug cases. We know how prosecutors work and how to find weaknesses in their evidence. If prosecutors have charged you or police are investigating you, contact us now for a free and confidential consultation.
Drug Possession Defense
Our drug possession defense practice covers all controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and prescription medication. Penalties depend on the type and amount of the drug. First offenders may qualify for diversion or probation before judgment. We challenge illegal searches and false claims of possession to protect your record.
Possession With Intent To Distribute (PWID)
Our PWID defense handles cases where prosecutors claim you planned to sell or distribute drugs. They may rely on packaging, scales or text messages to prove intent. We dispute these claims, expose gaps in the evidence and challenge any unlawful police search.
Manufacturing Controlled Substances
Our manufacturing defense covers allegations of producing or processing chemicals into illegal drugs. Police often rely on chemical residues or lab tools. We review every step of the investigation to see if it actually proves manufacturing and whether officers followed legal procedures.
Drug Trafficking Defense
We handle drug trafficking cases involving large quantities or interstate transport, often prosecuted in federal court. Investigations may include wiretaps, surveillance or informants. We challenge the reliability of this evidence and push the court to suppress it when police violated your rights.
Prescription Drug Offenses
Our prescription drug defense covers prescription fraud, illegal distribution and possession without authorization. These cases often rely on pharmacy records or security footage. We argue medical necessity, lack of intent, or procedural errors to reduce or dismiss the charges.
Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia
Our paraphernalia defense includes cases involving pipes, syringes or scales. Even without drugs present, these items can lead to charges. We dispute ownership, prove lawful use and work for dismissal or diversion programs.
Drug Cultivation
We represent clients in drug cultivation cases involving the growing of marijuana or other controlled plants. Prosecutors may rely on power bills, aerial surveillance or odor evidence. We challenge search warrants and contamination, and highlight medical-use exceptions where applicable.
Methamphetamine Labs
Our methamphetamine lab defense covers cases with hazardous-materials concerns and possible federal charges. We review lab testing, chain of custody and intent. When possible, we pursue rehabilitation or treatment alternatives instead of incarceration.
Doctor Shopping
We defend clients accused of doctor shopping or obtaining multiple prescriptions by deception. Evidence often comes from pharmacy databases or surveillance. We demonstrate legitimate medical needs or lack of intent and pursue treatment-based outcomes for these prescription drug charges.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Thomas C. Mooney?
With more than two decades of criminal defense experience, our firm combines trial skill with local knowledge of the Upper Marlboro and Prince George’s County courts. Thomas C. Mooney earned Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2011 and Super Lawyers recognition in 2013.
As an Upper Marlboro drug crime lawyer and Prince George’s County drug defense attorney, he provides focused, strategic defense for every client. Our team prepares thoroughly, communicates clearly and fights for the best result possible. We also offer bilingual support in English and Spanish, so every client can understand their case and their options.
Talk To A Defense Lawyer Who Will Protect Your Future
Every drug case deserves fast and skilled representation. The sooner you hire an attorney, the more control you have over the outcome. Call the Law Offices of Thomas C. Mooney at 301-579-3429 or contact us through our online form to schedule a confidential consultation. We are ready to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Offenses
Drug charges are always serious, and it is important to separate fact from fiction. Here are the answers to some common questions:
What are the possible penalties for drug possession, distribution or manufacturing charges in Maryland?
Penalties for drug charges in Maryland can vary significantly depending upon the type of drugs, the quantity discovered in the defendant’s possession, the specific offense (possession versus distribution, for example), the defendant’s prior criminal history and the presence of any aggravating factors (such as possession in a school zone).
Simple possession without any aggravating factors is generally a misdemeanor offense, so the penalties can range from fines to up to a year in jail for a first offense. Drug distribution or manufacturing charges are generally felony-level offenses. Conviction for distribution or manufacturing may trigger mandatory minimum sentences involving long periods of incarceration in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
What should I do if I am accused of prescription drug fraud or doctor shopping in Prince George’s County?
Altering or forging prescriptions and visiting multiple doctors to obtain duplicate prescriptions through deception are serious offenses. If you are accused of drug fraud or doctor shopping, you should immediately invoke your right to remain silent and reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn about your rights. Our attorneys at the Law Office of Thomas C. Mooney can help you understand the severity of the accusations, build your defense and explore options to reduce or dismiss criminal charges.
Can first-time drug offenses in Maryland qualify for diversion programs or alternatives to jail?
Yes. Many first-time drug offenders will have the opportunity to participate in a drug diversion program. A diversion program aims to reduce the chance of a person committing future drug offenses. To that end, they provide addiction treatment, drug monitoring and education as an alternative to jail time.
To be eligible for a diversion program, a first-time drug offender typically must be charged with a low-level drug possession offense and be without a prior criminal history. Our attorneys at the Law Office of Thomas C. Mooney can help people facing drug offenses explore diversion programs.
Related Posts
How the state works to establish an intent to distribute drugs
Police officers can arrest anyone who they find in unlawful possession of contraband or controlled substances. The circumstances may warrant bringing relatively serious criminal charges against the person in possession of those drugs. Instead of basic possession...
The consequences of selling marijuana on school premises
Selling marijuana on school premises is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. In Maryland, the laws are strict, and the penalties can be severe. But what exactly do those penalties entail? If you're facing drug charges related to selling marijuana...
Why can’t you fly with marijuana products?
Even though you can legally buy marijuana products in Maryland, as long as you are at least 21 years old, there are still many restrictions on what you can do with them. For instance, you typically cannot fly with them, at least on commercial flights. This is true...
Maryland resident faces 30-year jail time for drug charges
A judge sentenced a Maryland man to over 30 years in prison for drug-related charges. The court found the 42-year-old California, Maryland resident guilty of possessing harmful drugs with intent to distribute in 2022 and possession of a controlled dangerous substance...
How long do drug tests work?
With some types of drug and alcohol testing, the results are immediate. A breath test can detect the presence of alcohol as long as it’s still in a person’s system. But these types of tests usually only work for alcohol impairment. For other types of drug use, urine...
Pretextual traffic stops targeting out-of-state vehicles
In recent years, U.S. law enforcement has intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking, leading to increased scrutiny of non-local drivers in many states. Upper Marlboro's strategic location along major highways makes it an area of interest for police officers....
How an injury might eventually lead to serious drug charges
Misconceptions about substance abuse disorders are common. Years of misinformation promoted by public awareness campaigns about drug use have led to widespread misconceptions about addiction. It was once common practice to depict those struggling with addiction as...
What is the Controlled Substance Act, and why is it needed?
Many drugs are publically available in stores. Others may be prescribed by doctors or used in medical fields. And, some are too dangerous for any kind of use. The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) determines whether a drug can be legally used and by whom. The CSA was...
Sharing prescription drugs is not caring
When a family member or a relative seems to suffer from the same condition as you, helping is a natural impulse. Sharing prescription drugs, regardless of whether you do so without malice, is not as harmless as many would assume. Prescription drugs aim to treat a...
3 factors that decide a drug charge
Drug possession is a serious crime that can hold severe punishments. These punishments can vary depending on a few factors -- including exactly how you are charged. In Maryland, the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor drug possession charge can go up to four years in...