Ellicott City Drug Lawyer

When you work with an Ellicott City drug lawyer, you have a legal advocate on your side to place the burden of proof squarely on the prosecution. Call our law offices today and learn what defenses may apply to your specific case.

Maryland is a notoriously harsh jurisdiction when it comes drug charges. Beyond the consistent enforcement of mandatory minimum prison sentences for drug-related crimes, the state has one of the highest rates in the United States for marijuana-possession arrests. Penalties are even more severe for those with prior records. Drug charges are a serious matter and demand the experience of a professional defense attorney familiar with Maryland drug laws. An experienced Ellicott City drug attorney can fight for your freedom and help you face the charges with a strong defense.

Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Ellicott City as soon as possible and conduct your free initial consultation. Here is more information on drug charges in Maryland.

Misdemeanors and Felonies

Depending on the facts of each case, drug-related offenses in the State of Maryland are charged as either felonies or misdemeanors. The unique circumstances of each case determine how a violation will be charged. Our Ellicott City drug lawyers handle many different drug charges, including:

  • Forged prescriptions
  • Illegal drug use
  • Possession and sale
  • Doctors and pharmacists who illegally distribute
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Manufacturing
  • Cultivation
  • Importing and exporting
  • Stolen prescription drugs

The only way to truly understand your defense options is to speak with an Ellicott City drug attorney as soon as possible after being charged so that a thorough investigation can be conducted. Call our law offices today to set up a consultation.

Drug Possession

Charges may be brought by the state of Maryland or, in some cases, by the federal government. Penalties can include fines, probation, and incarceration. Crimes of simple drug possession are covered by Maryland Criminal Code 5-601. According to the law, it is illegal for any person to possess a controlled substance without an authorized prescription. This code also outlines the restrictions surrounding controlled and illegal substances. Types of controlled substances that may lead to possession charges include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Marijuana (over 10 grams)
  • Cocaine
  • Crack
  • Heroin
  • Prescription medication
  • MDMA (ecstasy)

Factors that can influence the severity of the charges include how much of the drug was in the possession of the person charged and what the perceived intention for the drugs was, that is, whether or not the person intended to distribute. Charges can be escalated by other factors as well, such as whether the controlled substance crossed state lines in transit. In terms of prosecution, Maryland can count any prior criminal activity when considering the severity of penalty. It is important to know that even misdemeanors, such as a simple possession charge of a controlled dangerous substance, can be punishable by up to four years in prison and $25,000 in fines. The seriousness of a possible conviction emphasizes the importance of having an experienced Ellicott City drug lawyer on your side.

Hire an Experienced Drug Attorney

Regardless of the charge you face, now is the time to act quickly. Hire an experienced Ellicott drug attorney to fight for your rights. We handle all types of drug offenses, and whether you are facing a first-time misdemeanor for simple possession or a felony charge, we will work strenuously on your behalf. We work closely with our client to carefully analyze all evidence associated with your case in order to defend aggressively you in court. If you or a loved are charged with a drug-related crime, or believe it is possible that a charge may be filed soon, contact our Maryland drug attorneys to arrange a free consultation.