Maryland Drug Crime Lawyer
While the public’s attitude towards certain recreational drugs may be changing, the fact remains that drug crimes are among the most common and serious criminal charges brought against Maryland residents. For instance, although Maryland now permits individuals to use medical cannabis with a prescription, and possession of small amounts of marijuana is treated as a civil offense subject only to a $100 fine, possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana is still prosecuted as a criminal offense. And of course, it remains illegal in Maryland to possess any amount of “hard” drugs like cocaine or heroin.
If you are facing any type of possession or distribution charge, the qualified Maryland drug crimes lawyers at Henault & Sysko Chartered can help. We understand the serious consequences that even a misdemeanor drug conviction can have on your life and your family. We also know that people make honest mistakes. The important thing is not to panic and let us advise you on what to expect from the criminal justice process moving forward.
What You Need to Know About Fighting Drug Charges in Maryland
The first thing you need to remember in any drug crimes case is that an arrest is not a conviction. Just because the police or the State’s Attorney think you did something illegal, that does not necessarily mean they can prove it in court beyond a reasonable doubt. That is why engaging an attorney early in the process is crucial–an experienced drug crimes lawyer can provide a critical assessment of the government’s case and outline all of your options.
In some drug cases, the police made a mistake or violated a defendant’s constitutional rights in the course of their investigation. When that happens, any evidence gathered as the result of an illegal search–including the actual drugs at the center of the case–may be deemed inadmissible as evidence by the trial judge. But even when the police acted by-the-book, there may be other holes in the government’s case that a skilled defense lawyer can expose at trial.
The second thing to keep in mind with respect to drug charges is that the penalties you may face will vary based on the quantity and type of drugs involved. With marijuana, for example, possession of between 10 grams and 50 pounds is considered a misdemeanor–an offense punishable by no more than 1 year in jail. But if the state can prove you possessed 50 pounds or more, then you can be tried for a felony, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.
Indeed, there is always a tipping point where possession of a certain amount of a given illegal drug goes from simple “possession” to “possession with the intent to distribute”–and the latter always carries stiffer criminal penalties.
Get Help Dealing with Drug Charges from Henault & Sysko Chartered
Depending on the facts of a given case, even a conviction may only result in probation or mandatory participation in a drug treatment program. But even then, having any criminal record for drug possession may negatively affect your ability to find work or obtain a professional license in Maryland. This is why you always need to consult with a Glen Burnie drug crimes defense lawyer before appearing in court to answer any charges.
If you need immediate advice or assistance, contact Henault & Sysko Chartered to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team today.
