Worcester Drug Lawyer

Drug offenses are a class of alleged criminal activity that can affect every member of society. With the potency of many prescription medications and the perceived need for some citizens to self-medicate, it is easy to look to illegal drugs to seek relief. However, criminal courts and police in Worcester do not take the use of illegal drugs lightly. They can take harsh steps to investigate and punish any allegations of illegal drug activity. This can include the mere possession of these items as well as the distribution of illegal substances.

In any event, a Worcester drug lawyer could help individuals who are facing charges involving illegal drug activity. An experienced criminal defense attorney could work to investigate the legality of the police work that led to the arrest, to formulate a credible defense.

Illegal Drug Laws

In simple terms, there are items that are always illegal to posses in Maryland. These are outlined in Md. Criminal Law Code Ann. §5-401. Simply having these drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or LSD is a criminal offense. Other items can only be held with a doctor’s prescription. Drugs such as Xanax, stimulants, and even anti-depressant medication are all illegal unless authorized by a doctor.

The simple possession of these items is a criminal offense. According to Md. Criminal Law Code Ann. §5-601, this is a misdemeanor level offense where a conviction could result in up to one year in jail and the payment of heavy fines. A person possesses drugs whenever they are under their control. Therefore, police may allege possession if they find drugs in a person’s car, in their home, or even in a safe.

The other class of drug charges in Maryland concern distribution. Whether this distribution happens for profit or not, the mere fact that drug pass from on person to another creates a felony level offense. Under Md. Criminal Law Code Ann. §5-602, the core version of this statute states that a conviction could result in up to five years in prison. However, the law also provides for enhanced penalties for the distribution of narcotic Schedule I or II drugs, or fentanyl. A Worcester drug lawyer could help you to better understand Maryland’s drug laws and how they impact a case.

Fighting Against a Drug Charge

The most straightforward way to deal with drug charges is to fight the accusations in court. One common way defense attorneys accomplish this is to argue that police methods of gathering evidence were illegal. For example, police need to have probable cause to arrest a suspect for an offense. With this arrest comes a search that may reveal illegal drugs. A Worcester drug lawyer may be able to argue that there was insufficient reason to believe that the accused had committed a crime that led to a search. If successful, this argument could lead to a judge excluding evidence from a trial which could ultimately result in dismissal.

Other cases may call for a more nuanced approach. Especially for defendants facing a first-time drug offense with no prior criminal record, a court may believe that an alternative to jail may best serve both parties. Criminal courts in Worcester may allow first-time offenders to participate in a diversion program. If properly completed, this could potentially result in the charge being dismissed as if it never existed. A Worcester drug attorney could help accused individuals who believe that this path forward might work for them.

Reach Out to a Worcester Drug Attorney

Drug offenses in Worcester and throughout Maryland come in many forms and sizes. They may involve something as simple as a person being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, or a case as complex as allegations of drug distribution. In any event, a drug conviction will create a permanent criminal record and may require a defendant to serve time in jail.

However, defendants in these cases have options. A Worcester drug lawyer could help when a person wishes to enter a diversion program, to take a fair plea deal, or wants to fight the charges in court. The stakes are high in any drug case; take a step to protect your future. Contact a skilled defense lawyer today.