Drug Offenses

Drug Offense Lawyer in Glen Burnie and Anne Arundel County, MD

Drug charges have the potential to alter the trajectory of your life. Even being accused of a drug-related offense can affect your employment, education, and relationships with family and friends. A drug conviction can result in jail or prison time, hefty fines and fees, or probation and can affect your ability to get a job, secure housing, or retain custody of your children. Whether you are facing major or minor drug charges, you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. At the Law Office of Peter S. O'Neill, our drug offense lawyers in Glen Burnie, MD, and Anne Arundel County have decades of experience defending clients against drug charges. Call us now to schedule a consultation to review your case.

The Different Types of Drug Offenses

The state of Maryland takes drug offenses very seriously, and even minor drug charges can result in severe penalties. The most common drug offenses in Maryland are:

Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances – This charge involves possession of a small number of illegal drugs or controlled substances without a prescription.
Possession With Intent to Distribute – If you have a larger quantity of drugs or illegal substances in your possession, the police may believe you intend to sell or distribute them. You may also face these charges if you have other drug paraphernalia or evidence in your possession, like scales, baggies, packaging material, or large amounts of cash.
Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation – This charge involves the production of illegal drugs, making methamphetamines, or synthesizing drugs.
Drug Trafficking and Distribution – These charges are some of the most serious and involve the large-scale movement of drugs across state lines or international borders.
Drug Paraphernalia Charges – Drug paraphernalia is any item that is used to consume, produce, or distribute drugs. This can include syringes, scales, pipes, and more.
Prescription Drug Fraud – This charge includes obtaining prescription medications through fraud or deceit or forging a prescription.
Conspiracy to Commit Drug Offenses – Conspiracy charges can apply if one or more people commit a drug offense or plan to commit a drug offense.

Court building for drug offense cases in Ann Arundel County and Glen Burnie, MD

What Drug Offense Charges Do You Defend?

If you are charged with a drug offense in Maryland, you need the guidance and defense of an experienced drug offense lawyer. The types of drug offenses and charges we defend against include, but are not limited to, the following:

Drug possession
Possession with intent to distribute
Trafficking

Manufacturing
Distribution and sale
Paraphernalia

Prescription fraud
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)

Possible Consequences for Drug Offenses

The consequences for drug offenses are determined by the type and quantity of the substance, the circumstances of the crime, the age and criminal history of the offender, and the location of the crime. Larger quantities of drugs and Schedule I and II substances carry harsher consequences. Even first offense drug possession or drug paraphernalia possession charges can result in probation, up to 4 years in prison, and fines of up to $25,000. Maryland also has a three-strikes law that results in harsher penalties. The consequences of three-strikes law drug offenses include up to 40 years in prison and/or fines of up to $100,000.

What Are Deportation Drug Offenses?

Deportation drug offenses are drug charges that can result in deportation for non-U.S. citizens. In Maryland, deportation drug offenses include drug trafficking, distributing real or fake controlled dangerous substances, and drug possession.

Drug offense attorney reviewing case with gavel and pills in Glen Burnie, MD

Common Drug Crime Defense Strategies

Drug charges are often severe and demand careful review by legal experts. Every entity working against you, from legal bodies to prosecutors, must be held accountable and act responsibly throughout the process. Our drug crime defense strategies include critically evaluating witness statements, police reports, and alleged activities that occurred during your arrest to look for inconsistencies, problems with evidence, or mitigating factors that could affect your charges or sentencing. The most common defense strategies for drug charges are:

Unlawful search and seizure
Lack of possession
Entrapment
Law enforcement mistakes
Violation of rights
Lack of evidence
Poor witness credibility
Medical necessity of drugs
Crime lab errors
Chain of custody errors

Schedule a Consultation with a Drug Offense Lawyer

Drug offenses in Maryland are punishable by hefty fines and significant jail time, depending on the charge. Mr. O’Neill and our team at the Law Office of Peter S. O’Neill have decades of experience defending Maryland residents facing drug charges. If you are at risk of losing your money or freedom over a drug offense, call today for a consultation and case evaluation. We will review your case, investigate the evidence, develop a customized legal strategy, and fight your drug charges. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced drug offense lawyers in Glen Burnie, MD, and throughout Anne Arundel County.

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