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When fighting any type of criminal charge, your defense must be thorough and well-prepared. This is especially true with charges involving drug crimes. The investigators and prosecutors handling your case will find every avenue to pursue your charges to a conviction.
A Waldorf drug lawyer could give your case the full attention it needs while providing the support you deserve. A dedicated criminal defense attorney could provide aggressive representation on your behalf, tailoring their arguments to the circumstances of your case and the allegations that have been leveled against you.
State law includes several drug-related crimes that are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. While felonies are generally a more severe type of charge, someone convicted of a misdemeanor could still face grave legal consequences.
The exact penalties associated with a drug offense will depend on the nature of the charge. Generally, someone facing charges for drug possession will face less harsh penalties than someone accused of manufacturing, distributing, or trafficking a controlled substance.
The type of substance at the root of the alleged drug offense, as well as the amount of the drug involved, are also key factors in the penalties associated with a conviction. For example, someone charged with possession of a controlled substance such as heroin or cocaine could face up to four years of jail time and a fine of up to $25,000. Someone charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute could face as many as 20 years of jail time, in addition to fines.
A maximum prison term of five years—plus fines—can still apply to charges for possession of a drug with the intent to distribute, even when the substance is not Schedule I or Schedule II. Any drug charge should be taken seriously, and anyone accused of a drug-related crime should secure unwavering legal representation from a Waldorf attorney as soon as possible.
The strongest defense in drug crime cases depends on the type of charge and the circumstances around which law enforcement made the initial arrest. For example, it may be possible to argue that the authorities did not conduct a proper search and seizure surrounding the discovery of the substance—that they did not have a search warrant or did not have probable cause for a search.
In some cases, evidence that the police acquire through unlawful means may not be admissible in court. A dedicated legal professional could also use additional factors in a case, such as coercion, entrapment, or lack of intent, to support an effective defense against drug charges. A Waldorf attorney could identify the most compelling defenses against their client’s drug charges.
Maryland courts treat drug-related charges harshly. Depending on the type and amount of a substance found in your possession, as well as the circumstances surrounding the discovery of this substance, many factors could lessen or increase the penalties you face.
Having an experienced Waldorf drug lawyer on your side could provide peace of mind that you will avoid costly mistakes while constructing your defense. Contact the Law Office of Hassan B. Ahmed, LLC today to speak with a defense attorney about your legal options.