Maryland Drug Possession Defense Lawyers

Skilled Drug Crime Defense Attorney for Clients Charged With Drug Possession in Maryland

When you have been arrested based on accusations that you possessed controlled substances, you could face serious penalties. Even if the alleged offense did not involve violence, if you are a first-time offender, or if you struggle with substance abuse, prosecutors may attempt to impose a harsh sentence that could include thousands of dollars in fines and a lengthy jail sentence. To defend against these charges, you need a drug possession defense attorney who can represent you during your case, advocate for your rights, work to prevent a conviction, and take steps to minimize the penalties you may face.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we understand the gravity of the allegations against you, and we will work to help you resolve your case successfully. Attorney Kadish and Attorney Coyne both have multiple decades of experience in criminal law. We understand the defense strategies that are most likely to be successful, and we also know the struggles that many people face when they have been accused of drug crimes. We work to help our clients receive help with substance abuse treatment while also defending against criminal charges, with the goal of preventing a conviction and avoiding future problems that could lead to arrests for offenses related to controlled substances.

Drug Possession Charges in Maryland

While the possession of controlled dangerous substances is typically treated as a less serious offense than charges related to drug trafficking, distribution, or manufacturing, a conviction can still lead to serious penalties. In general, drug possession is classified as a misdemeanor offense, and it is defined in Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 5-601. A first conviction may lead to a sentence of up to one year in jail. For a second or third conviction, the maximum jail sentence increases to 18 months. Any subsequent convictions carry a maximum jail sentence of two years. Each offense may also lead to a maximum fine of $5,000.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

If you are accused of possessing a large quantity of drugs that is higher than the amount that would typically be possessed for your own personal use, you could be charged with possession with intent to distribute. The penalties for this offense are the same as would apply for drug distribution. If you are convicted of this offense, the specific penalties will depend on the types of substances that you allegedly possessed. For Schedule I or II drugs, which include highly addictive substances like heroin or cocaine, the sentence may be as high as 20 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.

Evidence seized from your home, vehicle, or person may play a role in determining whether you may be charged with possession with intent to distribute. For example, if police officers found objects they believed to be packaging materials, scales used to measure drugs, or anything else that suggests you intended to sell or distribute the drugs, this evidence may be used to prosecute you for possession with intent.

Defenses Against a Drug Possession Charge in Maryland

Being charged with a crime related to drug possession does not mean you will automatically be convicted. With the help of our attorneys, you can determine the best options that may help you avoid a conviction or resolve your case with minimal penalties. We may be able to use defense strategies such as:

• Demonstrating that law enforcement officials committed illegal searches and seizures, which may allow for the suppression of evidence that could be used against you
• Questioning whether the drugs in question actually belonged to you or showing that you were unaware of the presence of drugs in your home or vehicle
• Examining the substances involved in your case to see if they are truly controlled dangerous substances or questioning the chain of custody in lab tests used by law enforcement to identify substances
• Showing that you lawfully owned the drugs in question after receiving a prescription from a medical professional

If you are eligible for a drug diversion program or probation that will allow you to avoid a conviction, we will advocate for these solutions. We will work to ensure that you can receive the proper treatment for substance abuse while avoiding harsh penalties that could put you at risk of relapsing and re-offending in the future.

Contact a Drug Possession Defense Attorney in Maryland

Allegations of drug possession will often lead to strict prosecution, and you may face serious penalties if you are convicted. If you have been arrested for allegedly possessing an illegal controlled substance, do not hesitate to reach out to Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC. Our drug crimes attorneys will take immediate action to help you defend against these charges, and we will work to resolve your case successfully. Call us at 410-837-0020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.