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Calvert County Drug Charges

The penalties for drug-related offenses can be harsh Calvert 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 do happen to be arrested, you do not have to become another person who has fallen victim to life-altering misguided drug policies. By contacting a Calvert County Drug Lawyer, you can help minimize the effects of your charges when faced with crimes of possession, manufacturing, or intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances or illicit drugs. In Maryland, drug charges generally come in two forms; misdemeanor possession and felony possession with an intention for distribution.

While there are several niche charges regarding the possession of drugs and firearms, most drug cases either involve possession or distribution or even both. Even if you have been arrested due to a low-level crime, regardless of how minimal and serious you believe your charges to be, a Calvert County Drug Lawyer will help to reduce the impact that these charges have on your bank account and personal life. More so, both forms of drug charges carry the consequences of a potential jail sentence, making a Calvert County Drug Lawyer all the more important.

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.

Controlled Substance Laws of Maryland

In Maryland, restricted substances or substances considered dangerous are separated into five different “schedules.”

Drug Crimes in Calvert County, Maryland

As soon as you have in your possession, without legal authority, any controlled substances, you can be charged for the violation of Calvert County’s drug laws. In other words, you can be charged for illegal drugs as well as for prescription medication that does not have a valid prescription.

What kinds of penalties may be imposed for drug offenses in Calvert 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 Calvert County drug lawyer will need to discuss the possibility of enhancements during a free consultation.

How Do Drug Charge Lawyers Work?

The best course of action when dealing with a substance-related charge is to get in contact with a Calvert County Drug Lawyer who possesses the skills to determine an effective strategy to fight your case in court.

Whether this effective strategy lies in the argument of illegally obtained evidence during an unlawful drug search, or in a negotiation bargaining plea for those who have strong legal evidence against them, an experienced lawyer in the Calvert County will work hard to approach your charges in the least consequential way available for your case.

You can call these skilled attorneys today or at any time needed to book a free consultation for more insight on your case and possible approaches. Speaking with an experienced attorney in Calvert County is one of the most important things you can do when you are facing a drug charge that requires a need for expertise.

Don’t hire a personal injury attorney freelancing as a criminal lawyer, discuss your case with a full time criminal defense attorney in Calvert County county md.

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