Silver Spring Drug Lawyer
Federal and state laws strictly prohibit the buying, selling, and manufacturing of illegal drugs and anyone believed to be in possession of such drugs will be prosecuted in court. Penalties such as imprisonment, probation, and fines are common, and the punishment an individual receives will largely depend on the crime they are charged with and the drug they are believed to be in possession of. It is imperative that an individual seeks an experienced attorney right away.
Even legal drugs can be illegal if a person does not have a valid prescription from a medical professional. If you have been charged with a drug-related crime, you should speak to contact a Silver Spring drug lawyer.
Cultivating and Manufacturing Illegal Drugs
Cultivating or manufacturing drugs is illegal under both state and federal laws. When a person attempts to produce any illicit drug, they can be charged with cultivating or manufacturing drugs.
During the investigation process, law enforcement officials will look for any evidence of drug production, including chemicals, containers, and specialized equipment, and even individuals who offer to help produce illicit drugs can be charged.
Drug cultivation and manufacturing usually results in felony charges, and sentences tend to be harsh. For this reason, individuals who are charged with the crime should contact a Silver Spring drug attorney at their earliest convenience.
Drug Possession
If a person is believed to be in possession of an illegal drug, they can be charged with drug possession. The penalties faced by the accused individual will largely depend on the type of drug the individual is believed to be in possession of.
Drug possession laws serve to deter drug dealers and punish those who purchase illegal drugs.
Contrary to popular belief, individuals do not actually have to be in possession of an illegal drug to be charged. If an illegal drug is simply near a person, the person can be charged with possession if law enforcement believes they intended to use the drug.
Possession With Intent to Distribute
If law enforcement officials believe an individual intends to sell or distribute a drug, they will face harsher charges. Those who are believed to have distributed drugs near public areas, schools, or neighborhoods will face the most severe penalties, and they will need the help of a Silver Spring drug attorney if they want their charges dropped or dismissed.
To prove a person intended to distribute an illegal drug, investigators will look for the following items:
- Large amounts of money in small bills
- Plastic bags
- Measuring instruments
- Large quantities of a drug
When gathering evidence, the enforcement officials may also rely on testimony from various witnesses. If a person intends to distribute drugs across state lines, they will face federal instead of state charges.
Drug Paraphernalia
Drug possession laws outlaw certain types of paraphernalia, such as pipes, bongs, and syringes. Any instrument that is believed to be used for drug-related purposes is addressed by possession laws, and law enforcement officials will test for drug residue. It is legal to possess pipes and bongs, as long as they are not explicitly marketed as drug-related products.
Seek Help from a Silver Spring Drug Attorney
If you are facing drug charges, you are probably feeling overwhelmed and unsure. This is normal, but you will still need to contact an experienced attorney before it is too late. An attorney can help you better understand your charges, and they may even be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Consult a Silver Spring drug lawyer right away.