Harford County Drug Lawyer

The legalization of drugs often appears in politics, and some states, including Maryland, allow people to use marijuana for medical purposes. But that does not mean that the police no longer take any infractions of the criminal law seriously.

The State still actively enforces all drug-related statutes and penalizes those convicted of breaking the law. People are responsible for knowing what statutes say and following them. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, so sometimes it can be helpful to review the law to understand what we can and cannot do.

If you are concerned that the police suspect you for some violation of the law, you may wish to find an experienced attorney to speak with quickly. It may be easier to slow down or stop the legal process in the early stages of an investigation, rather than later when a trial is coming up.

A Harford County drug lawyer may be able to help you deal with any accusations or charges and aid you building a strong plan of defense.

Drug-Related Laws in Harford County

Possession of Drugs

The Maryland Criminal Law §5-601 details the laws related to possession of controlled substances in Harford County. This includes prescription drugs when the person does not have a prescription from a medical provider. While there is an exception for marijuana, possession of all other controlled substances is punishable.

For a first offense, the court may not put a person convicted in jail for more than one year. For a second and third offense, the court can sentence a person convicted to up to 18 months in jail. After that, the court may send the person convicted to jail for up to 2 years. No matter how many offenses a court convicts a person of committing, the court may also order the convicted person to pay a fine of up to $5,000.

Transportation of Drugs

Transporting controlled substances into the state is a felony in Harford County. The police are often on the lookout for individuals bringing such items across state lines. The law clearly states the amount of each type of illicit substance that falls under this rule in Maryland Criminal Law §5-614. Some examples of prohibited amounts are as follows:

  • 28 grams of cocaine
  • Four grams of morphine or opium
  • 45 kilograms of marijuana

If a person is convicted of this felony, they may face jail time of up to 25 years and a fine of no more than $50,000.

While there is a lesser punishment for bringing in more than five kilograms of marijuana, the person convicted may still be sent to jail for up to ten years and be ordered to pay a fine of up to $10,000.

Decriminalization of Marijuana Possession and Use

The public use and possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is decriminalized in Harford County. However, the court can still issue a civil punishment if the police catch someone using or possessing a small amount of the substance. Common penalizations for possessing marijuana under 10 grams include a citation of $50 payable. The court may also order the person to attend a drug education program.

Call a Harford County Drug Attorney to Learn More

If you are facing a drug-related legal issue, reach out to an attorney to learn more about the laws and what your rights are. There could be many factors at issue that a knowledgeable lawyer may recognize and help you navigate. Harford County drug lawyers understand the legal system and how these types of matters are handled. You may find an aggressive representative invaluable if your liberty or rights are at risk. Call today.