Protect Your Future: Handle Maryland 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 a criminal defense 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. We know how to win tough cases, drawing on our extensive legal knowledge, experience and resources to deconstruct the prosecution’s case. Call us today to talk about your drug distribution defense options for free: 301-579-3429. We do not charge for initial legal consultations.
What Is Drug Possession And 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.
Answering Your Questions About Maryland Drug Charges
Being charged with any drug offense can be an intimidating experience with potential lifelong consequences. Here are answers to some questions we hear often.
What are my rights during the legal process?
As a defendant in a drug possession or possession with intent to distribute case, you have several crucial legal rights. They include the right to:
- Remain silent and not incriminate yourself
- Legal representation, even if you can’t afford an attorney
- A fair trial through a jury
- Present evidence and call witnesses in your defense
Aggressive legal representation can help ensure your legal rights are protected from the word go.
What happens during the arraignment and trial?
During the arraignment, which is your first court appearance, you can be formally charged with a crime and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. The judge will also determine whether you will be released on bail and, if so, what the bail amount will be.
The trial process begins after the arraignment, assuming you plead not guilty. The trial includes several phases:
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Closing arguments
- Deliberation and verdict
During the trial, the prosecution must prove that you are indeed guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You and your legal representative can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and present your own evidence and witnesses to support your defense.
After both sides have presented their cases, the jury can now deliberate and return a verdict. If you are found guilty, the judge can set a date for sentencing.
Can I get probation or parole instead of prison time?
Yes, it is possible to receive probation or parole instead of prison time, depending on the specifics of your case. Factors that can influence a sentence include the severity of the offense, your criminal history and any mitigating circumstances.
Probation can allow you to serve your sentence under supervision in the community rather than in prison, while parole allows for early release from prison under specific conditions. There are also multiple legal options to explore and advocate for alternatives to incarceration when appropriate.
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 in Upper Marlboro
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.
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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.
Serving cities in and around Prince George’s County, and all of Maryland, including:
- Waldorf
- Bowie
- Fort Washington
- College Park
- Laurel
- Clinton
- Landover
- Camp Springs
- Mitchellville
- Forestville
- Capitol Heights