Anne Arundel County Drug Lawyer

The penalties for drug-related offenses can be harsh Anne Arundel County, Maryland - and you could find yourself facing jail time and hefty fines even for misdemeanor drug charges, in which you were caught in possession of a controlled substance without intent to distribute.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is therefore crucial to take proactive steps as soon as possible. That means hiring a competent and experienced criminal defense attorney. Having a lawyer who can expertly navigate the Maryland court system, Maryland criminal justice system, and build the right defense strategy for your drug case will be key if you are charged with drug crimes. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will negotiate with prosecutors, all while preparing a defense against the criminal offense for which you are charged.

The Anne Arundel County Drug lawyers at FrizWoods Criminal Defense have years of experience in defending clients facing criminal charges across Maryland. If you are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your options, asking for a free consultation is a good first step. During an initial consultation we can explain the legal process for drug crimes, introduce you to a criminal defense attorney, and evaluate the drug offense that you are charged with.

Facing Drug Charges in Anne Arundel County, Maryland? What Do You Need to Know?

In Anne Arundel County, like in the rest of Maryland, drug charges can be misdemeanors or felony drug offenses. Both are taken extremely seriously in Maryland, and you could face jail time and large monetary fines even for misdemeanor possession.

Drug crime is governed by Maryland Criminal Law, which outlaws possession of illicit drugs, prescription drugs without a prescription, and certain other substances. These offenses are typically charged by Police Officers, who confiscate illegal drugs during a roadside stop, or during the execution of a search warrant. This is where having an anne arundel drug lawyer is especially important. First, we need to figure out what drug offense you are charged with during a free consultation.

What kinds of penalties may be imposed for drug offenses in Anne Arundel County?

Under Maryland Criminal Law Statute Section 5-601, Misdemeanor Drug Possession charges can lead to:

Up to a year of incarceration as well as a $5,000 fine for a first conviction.
Imprisonment of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $,5000 for a second or third drug conviction in Maryland.
For people with three or more prior convictions, up to two years of incarceration and a fine of a maximum of $5,000.

It is important to note that you may receive a jail sentence in addition to a monetary fine. Factors that tend to make judges lean toward maximum penalties include prior drug offenses, a history of other criminal offenses, the possession of large quantities of drugs, and the presence of firearms.

Felony Drug Distribution Charges (possession with the intent to distribute) can lead to more severe penalties , and the penalties laid out under Maryland Criminal Law Statute Section 5-602 are:

A maximum of 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000 for first-time offenders and second convictions.
For a third conviction, up to 25 years of incarceration, a fine not exceeding $25,000, or both.
Repeat offenders who have already previously been incarcerated three of more times as a result of drug charges can, in Maryland, face up to 40 years in prison. A fine of a maximum of $25,000 may also apply.

There are additional enhancements for drug offenses that involve certain substances, like fentanyl. An anne arundel drug lawyer will need to discuss the possibility of enhancements during a free consultation.

How Can You Defend Yourself Against Drug Charges?

An experienced attorney can investigate all aspects of your case and build the best possible defense strategy.

The majority of drug charges in Anne Arundel County result from roadside stops and vehicle searches. If yours did, as well, it may be possible to challenge the search and subsequent seizure of controlled substances under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. If a Police Officer had no legitimate grounds to search a vehicle, the discoveries made during the search can be suppressed in court.

Expert testimony, under the Daubert standard Maryland has adopted, may also impact the outcome of a drug trial in Anne Arundel County.

When you hire one of the experienced Anne Arundel County drug lawyers at FrizWoods Criminal Defense to defend you, we will assess all the relevant details in your drug case, and work to ensure the best outcome. Whether you have a prior drug conviction in Maryland or are being charged with a possession of a controlled substance for the first time, our criminal defense lawyers will know precisely how to move forward with your defense.

These defenses are specific to your case, and need to be discussed with a criminal lawyer during a free consultation.

Each drug crime case presents a unique set of facts, as does each individual drug charge.

Consult an Expert Anne Arundel County Drug Lawyer Today

Speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is crucial if you are facing a drug charge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Our expert team invites you for a free consultation to discuss your case. Don’t hire a personal injury attorney freelancing as a criminal lawyer, discuss your case with a full time criminal defense attorney in Anne Arundel county md.

Luke Woods and Max Frizalone are available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have about criminal charges. Call today!

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