Somerset Drug Lawyer
If you have been accused of a drug crime on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, contacting a Somerset drug lawyer is an excellent way to protect yourself. Not only can your lawyer represent and advocate for you in a court of law, but he or she can also thoroughly review your case to determine how your charges may be reduced or dropped.
Even if you believe your charges are not serious, any criminal conviction in the state of Maryland (felony or misdemeanor) will leave you with a criminal record that can affect you for the rest of your life. A Somerset drug lawyer, however, will strive to help you avoid some or all of the penalties that accompany conviction. A criminal defense lawyer in Somerset understands the challenges associated with criminal charges and can develop a defense strategy tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
A Somerset Drug Lawyer Can Help
A defendant has certain affirmative defenses that a knowledgeable defense attorney in Somerset will know and can use to the advantage of his or her clients, potentially minimizing or eliminating certain charges and/or penalties. As soon as you start working with a lawyer from our firm, he or she will evaluate the facts of your case to determine how to move forward most effectively.
When it comes to drug charges in particular, there are several legal concepts that may allow for a Somerset drug attorney to generate an effective defense. With many charges involving controlled substances, it is difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that certain drugs were in a person’s possession or that an individual intended to distribute them, for example.
To learn how our experienced lawyers can help you to defend yourself against drug charges, whether misdemeanor or felony, call us today to conduct your free initial consultation.
Drug Laws in Maryland
Maryland punishes the possession, sale and trafficking of controlled substances. These include but are in no way limited to the following:
- Heroin
- LSD
- Marijuana
- Ecstasy
- Morphine
- Codeine
However, Maryland passed a new drug law in 2014, one that many other states still consider controversial because it decriminalized the possession of minor amounts of marijuana.
Common Drug Charges and Their Penalties in Somerset County
Common drug charges in Somerset are associated with the possession, sale and trafficking of frequently found controlled substances such as marijuana.
Marijuana
According to Maryland Code Section 5–601, the possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by a civil violation according to the following number of violations:
- First violation — A maximum fine of $100.
- Second violation — A maximum fine of $250.
- Subsequent violations — A maximum fine of $500.
The possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of one year in prison. The maximum prison sentence can also be compounded by a maximum fine of $1,000.
Subsequent violations or violations made by those who are under age also come with the following penalties:
- Enrollment in a drug education program that has been approved by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Referral to a clinical assessment for substance abuse disorder
- Referral to a substance abuse treatment center as needed
Other Controlled Substances
Section 5-601 makes it illegal to possess other controlled substances as well. Those who are found in possession of any controlled substance other than marijuana are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of four years in prison. A maximum fine of $25,000 can also be handed down.
Section 5-602 makes it illegal to distribute or manufacture other controlled substances, and penalties vary based on their classification.
Contact a Drug Attorney in Somerset Today
There is no substitute for aggressive and proactive legal representation when you’re looking to maintain your clean record or avoid serious penalties. Call a Somerset drug lawyer today to begin planning the next steps in your defense.