Bowie and Crofton Methamphetamine Defense Lawyer

Representing clients accused of drug crimes throughout the state

Maryland classifies methamphetamine as a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (CDS). The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes methamphetamine as a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Aside from the drug’s dangerously addictive nature, it is a substance that can be manufactured locally from legal chemicals that are easy to acquire. The production of meth – which is illegal – can also lead to explosions, fires, and contamination of the environment. As with other highly addictive substances, people who dependent on meth are often driven to make reckless choices and commit crimes to support their addiction.

At Carey Law Office, we know that being charged with a crime is entirely different from being convicted of a crime. It is up to the government to produce enough evidence to prove any guilt. It is our job to develop a compelling case and win an acquittal on your behalf, or lower any possible penalties if a conviction is unavoidable. We offer a confidential consultation to discuss your case at our Bowie or Crofton office. We also offer in-custody visits as well.

Methamphetamine crimes and penalties in Maryland

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful stimulant that is wildly addictive and both local and federal law enforcement agencies are committed to ridding the streets of the dangerous substance.

Possession of meth is a misdemeanor. The penalties you face depend on your offender status:

• First offense – up to a year in jail, and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
• Second or third offense – up to 18 months in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
• Fourth or subsequent offense – up to 2 years in jail, and/or up to $5,000 in fines.

Possession with the intent to distribute; selling; manufacturing; and distributing drugs all include supplying an illegal or controlled substance to another person. Trafficking “is the crime of selling, transporting, or illegally importing unlawful controlled substances… [and] the illegal selling or transportation of prescription drugs.” It can range from passing along drugs from person to person, or exchanging drugs for money, property, or services.

The penalties for these charges are much more severe. They can include 20 years in prison and fines of $15,000 for first and second offenders; up to 25 years and/or up to $25,000 in fines for third offenders; and up to 40 years and $25,000 in fines for fourth and subsequent offenders. A judge may also order you to participate in a drug treatment program.

Search and seizure in drug crime cases

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution offers protection against unreasonable search and seizures by the government. To charge you with a drug offense, law enforcement must find the illegal drugs on your person, your car, or your home. The way they discover the drugs affects whether the evidence will be allowed in court. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights in collecting evidence against you, and if you can provide proof that the evidence was gathered improperly (or illegally), then the prosecution may not be allowed to use that evidence against you in court. Without the evidence they need to prove their case against you, the government may have no choice but to drop the charges.

Leniency in mandatory minimum sentencing

Many drug convictions come with mandatory minimum sentences, requiring judges to sentence those convicted to prison for at least a certain amount of time. However, the court may be able to bypass this if any of the following apply to you or your case:

• No prior criminal record
• No use of violence or firearm
• No injury to, or death of, another person
• The accused did not lead or manage a drug operation
• The accused offered truthful and useful information about the offense

How can a Bowie drug crimes lawyer help when you are facing drug charges?

Drug charges are not to be taken lightly. Depending on the nature of the offense, you could face federal drug charges in addition to Maryland state charges. Federal charges often carry harsher penalties, depending on where the offense falls within the complex federal sentencing guidelines.

If you are facing a drug charge, your freedom and your future is at risk. If you are confident that you have done nothing wrong, we are here to protect your rights. We have substantial experience in both state and federal criminal law, and understand the dangers of getting caught in the criminal justice system. Our clients are confident because they know they have advocates who understand their challenges and are prepared to fight aggressively to defend their state and Constitutional rights.

At Carey Law Office, we understand that everyone makes mistakes; that’s why we do everything we can to help make sure that one mistake does not derail your life and your future. Having a criminal record can cause you to lose your job or your chances of landing a job; disqualify you for educational opportunities and government-subsidized housing; cost you your professional license or security clearance; cause you to lose your right to carry a firearm; and could also negatively affect decisions related to child custody cases. We are here to do whatever we can to avoid a criminal conviction, or diminish the consequences of an inevitable conviction.

Contact us today if are facing methamphetamine drug charges

A methamphetamine possession, distribution, or trafficking charge carries serious potential penalties that can ruin your future. At Carey Law Office, we are here to fight for the rights of our clients who are facing harsh consequences if convicted of drug crimes. We have offices in Bowie and Crofton, and we serve clients throughout the state of Maryland. You are welcome to call 301-464-2500 or fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation today.