Maryland Drug Offense Lawyers

The possession of certain illicit drugs is restricted according to both state and federal laws. These drugs include, among many others, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, LSD, etc. All activities pertaining to these drugs, such as their manufacturing, distribution, possession and cultivation are prohibited by law.

If convicted, the accused will face stiff sentences and punishment. This punishment includes prison time and large fines as well.

Some states have implemented medical marijuana laws. These allow physicians to recommend a certain prohibited drug to be allowed for use in case of a documented medical condition. Maryland is only now starting to move in this direction, however, the programs have not yet gone into effect. There have, however, been some recent developments with respect to minimizing sentences for those possessing small amounts (under 10 grams) of Marijuana.

How do you define the term ‘drug possession’?

If a person has been found to willfully possess a prohibited drug, then the person is said to have committed a crime in the eyes of the law. These drugs include LSD, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana etc. These laws also criminalize the possession of any precursor drugs. The processes of cultivation and distribution of these drugs have been classified as illegal.

Drug possession laws vary with the amount, type and the geographic area of the offense. Possession of a small quantity of drugs may be handled with a lighter sentence but the possession of a large quantity of drugs may be seen as with an intent to distribute. It is this intent to distribute that separates the average drug offense in Maryland from a Misdemeanor to a Felony.

The State must be capable of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused had the knowledge of the presence of the illegal drug as well as its illegal nature in order to be proven guilty.

There are two types of drug possession laws. One is simple possession- which is for personal use-and is a Misdemeanor. The second type of possession is with the intent to distribute. The latter category warrants heavier penalties as they are Felonies.

Drug Paraphernalia

Drug possession laws also prohibit the possession of articles such as bongs, crack pipes and syringes. All of these articles are generally classified as drug paraphernalia.

Various laws are also present which restrict the possession of all chemicals which can be used to generate toxic drugs used for recreational purposes.

For more information, you can contact Altmark, Rotter & Trock, LLP at 410-783-9230 today.