Prince George’s County Drug Penalties
Prince George’s Country drug penalties can have life-altering consequences. Depending on the specific charge, and the volume of drugs someone is caught with, a person could face heavy fines as well as incarceration. The guidance of a drug lawyer can be helpful during this period of time. If you are facing drug charges, do not hesitate to contact an accomplished lawyer who can start to craft your case.
Law Enforcement’s Approach to Drug Cases
Currently, law enforcement in Prince George’s County is turning their attention to harder drugs, as opposed to marijuana. This is in part due to the decriminalization of marijuana in recent years. If an individual possesses less than 10 grams of marijuana, it is no longer considered criminal. It, however, is not legalized.
It is important to note that decriminalization is not legalization. It just means that it is not a criminal offense. Before, if an individual was caught with any amount of marijuana, they could be arrested. Now if the amount is less than 10 grams and an individual is caught with it, they cannot have it, they cannot smoke it and if someone is found with it, they will take it from the individual. However, an individual cannot be arrested and the only sanction an individual is facing is a fine. That is the difference. Cops are not overly aggressive or enthusiastic to sign out citations if they are the ones trying to keep the drug off the streets.
It is also important to keep in mind that Prince George County’s neighbor that shares a border, DC, has legalized marijuana and by mid to late-2017, an individual in Maryland and Prince George County with a medical patient card will likely be able to go to a dispensary and buy up to four ounces of marijuana a month legally by Maryland law. They are focusing less on marijuana and more on other drugs.
Harshness of Drug Penalties
The harshness of Prince George’s County drug penalties depends on the type of offense and it depends on the history of the person. A person with no record and caught with possession can many times avoid severe or significant sanctions against them if he or she takes the situation seriously and follows the direction of their attorney. If a person has prior drug offenses, especially felony offenses, they may be looking at a considerable incarceration.
For misdemeanor possession, in some instances, there are diversion programs available especially for first-time offenders. Very frequently, they will allow the person to do community service in exchange for resolution of the case and their paperwork goes away. Oftentimes, they can do that but it is typically only available for a misdemeanor charge.
Pretrial Programs or Alternative Sentencing Options
Depending on the type of substance or the underlying circumstances of a person, there are always things a person should do in advance of trial preparation. For example, if somebody is caught with cocaine, they should receive treatment, get assessed and get some drug tests so that they can stay drug-free because judges will look favorably upon that.
If a person has a different type of substance, there could be other options. If a person is abusing prescriptions, for example, because of depression or a tragedy, not only should they get help for the addiction aspect but they should also start counseling so they can learn how to better cope with stress and trauma as opposed to someone who is just a partying addict.
Not only are there options available but in order to obtain a favorable result, a person must do these things. In fact, some of them are required. An individual should do some of these things in advance of trial in order to get a certain leniency on the trial date and in order to soften the severity of the Prince George’s drug penalties they face.
How Judges Treat Cases
Judges definitely lean more towards a treatment-oriented type of approach and perspective. They understand that individuals, when it comes to drugs, oftentimes do so because they have addictions and they need help. A person does not need help to avoid stealing. A person who is abusing drugs may need help in trying to beat their addiction so judges always try to find a way that can help the person if there is a way to do so.
Consulting a Lawyer
The counsel of a capable lawyer is invaluable when one is facing a potential drug charge. Prince George’s Country drug penalties can make someone’s life difficult. If you are facing drug charges, speak with an experienced lawyer who will have familiarity with the penalties, and the court system, and will know how to build your case.