Annapolis Drug Lawyer

Are you in need of an Annapolis drug lawyer? Have you or a loved one been charged with possession of a controlled substance? If so, you may be facing severe punishment, including several years in prison or fines exceeding ten thousand dollars. Those ignorant of the law are at a distinct disadvantage in court. Acquiring legal counsel is in your best interest. Call a qualified criminal defense attorney today.

The City of Annapolis

Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland, is a city rich in history. What was once the capital of the United States is now a popular tourist spot. One can see 17^th and 18^th century buildings, reminiscent of the colonial days and early years of the Republic. Annapolis remains a prominent city in many ways, including as the sailing capital of the nation. There are numerous water events on the Chesapeake Bay, which residents of Annapolis can enjoy. Annapolis also has prominent educational institutions such as St. John’s College and the United States Naval Academy. However, Annapolis also has a side to it that is not pleasing to the eye. In this past year alone, an emergency room in Annapolis had drug related admissions of cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth, to name a few. In an effort to fight the war on drugs, Maryland has recently passed a law concerning ingredients of prohibited drugs. Annapolis lawyers have seen its far-reaching applications in court.

Role of An Attorney

Penalties for Illegal Drugs

The Drug Enforcement Administration has classified illegal drugs according to five schedules. Penalties are contingent on the amount of substance found at the scene. Penalties are heavier on the second and later offenses. Trafficking penalties are also assigned accordingly. As an Annapolis drug attorney could attest, penalties include imprisonment up to 25 years, as well as thousands of dollars in fines.

The Federal Controlled Substance Act has rules against synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs are sometimes thought to be harmless due to the fact that they were not illegal in the past. For example, cathinones are a synthetic version of marijuana. Maryland has recently added laws against synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs (i.e. spice or bath salts) have similar chemical makeup to popular drugs such as cocaine and marijuana and mimic the effects of illegal drugs. Under the Federal Controlled Substance Act, one could face very high penalties solely based on possession of synthetic drugs with intent to distribute.

Action against Illegal Drugs

Our drug attorneys know that in Annapolis, illegal drug possession is no laughing matter. In June 2013, the police cracked down on an alleged drug crime ring in their city. Eight men were indicted. The Anne Arundel County Acting Chief of Police made a general statement concerning the connection between illegal drugs and violent crimes. The Annapolis Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Anne Arundel County Police Department all played a part in the pursuit of the criminals.

On October 1, 2013 the Maryland Senate Bill 109 was passed. This bill prohibits possession or selling of ingredients which produce the effect of chemical compounds found in illegal drugs. Those types of ingredients are known as cannabimmetic agents. This statute now makes previously legal substances illegal. They can no longer be used or sold. Those found in possession of such substances may find themselves charged with illegal possession.

This act does not list certain drugs that are illegal but rather pinpoints the ingredients, which imitate the drugs. For example, the following active ingredients are now prohibited:

mephedrone
methedrone
methylenedioxypryvolaerone (MDPV)

Contact an Annapolis Drug Attorney for a Strong Defense

The expanded bill has far-reaching consequences, which may even affect the most law abiding citizens of Annapolis. Being ignorant of banned drug ingredients puts you in great danger of fines or imprisonment if arrested. Someone who mistakenly acquires substances with prohibited ingredients may find himself in legal trouble. The average resident is not prepared to navigate the legal arena alone, so let our Annapolis drug lawyers help you if you find yourself in this predicament. Our team is well versed in the drug laws of Maryland. Come to our firm for help in your case regarding drug-related charges, from possession of paraphernalia to serious offenses like trafficking and distributing to minors.