Being charged with drug trafficking in Annapolis is a life-altering event. These are not minor possession or low-level distribution cases—trafficking charges imply large-scale drug operations, and they carry some of the harshest penalties under Maryland and federal law. Whether you’re accused of moving large quantities of narcotics through Anne Arundel County or caught up in a broader investigation, your freedom and future are on the line.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we deliver focused, strategic criminal defense for individuals facing serious drug trafficking charges in Annapolis and surrounding areas. Led by attorney Christian Hartman, a former prosecutor with deep experience in complex felony drug cases, our team knows how to confront the government’s case with precision and resolve.
What Constitutes Drug Trafficking in Maryland?
Maryland treats possession of the following quantities as trafficking-level (volume-dealer) offenses under Crim. Law § 5-612:
- Cocaine (powder or crack): 448 grams or more
- Heroin and other opium derivatives: 28 grams or more
- Fentanyl (including analogues): five grams or more
- Marijuana: 50 pounds or more
Merely holding these weights—whether the drugs are in a vehicle, a stash house, or your home—can trigger trafficking charges even if police do not witness an actual sale.
Harsh Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Annapolis
Convictions for trafficking-level quantities carry some of the toughest sentences in Maryland:
- Mandatory five-year prison term (no parole) and up to $100,000 in fines for a first “volume-dealer” conviction (§ 5-612)
- Mandatory 20- to 40-year term and fines up to $1 million if prosecutors charge you as a drug kingpin (§ 5-613)
- 25- or 40-year mandatory minimums for third- or fourth-time narcotics convictions (§ 5-608)
- Extra five-year mandatory sentence and up to $40,000 in fines when trafficking occurs within 1,000 feet of a school (§ 5-627)
- Asset forfeiture of vehicles, cash, or real estate used in the offense
- Severe collateral consequences such as immigration problems, difficulty finding work, and long-term probation or parole
With penalties this steep, you need a seasoned Annapolis drug-trafficking defense team in your corner from day one.
Drug Trafficking vs. Possession or Distribution
It’s important to distinguish trafficking from other drug offenses:
- Possession involves a small amount for personal use.
- Distribution implies giving or selling drugs, regardless of quantity.
- Trafficking, on the other hand, centers on volume and often points to organized activity, even if no sale occurred.
This distinction is critical because drug trafficking in Maryland is charged as a felony, often with mandatory minimum prison sentences, especially when prior convictions are involved or if the case involves federal charges.
Harsh Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Annapolis
Drug trafficking convictions in Maryland—especially in Anne Arundel County—carry devastating penalties, including:
- Mandatory minimum prison sentences (five to 25 years depending on the drug and amount)
- Fines reaching $100,000 or more
- Asset forfeiture of vehicles, cash, or homes
- Long-term probation or parole conditions
- Collateral consequences like immigration problems, job loss, and driver’s license suspension
You can’t afford to face these charges with anything less than an experienced, aggressive Annapolis drug trafficking attorney.
Building a Strong Defense
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we take an aggressive approach to drug trafficking defense. We begin with a detailed analysis of the prosecution’s evidence and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Our defense strategies often include:
- Challenging unlawful searches and seizures by police in Annapolis or county task forces
- Suppressing evidence obtained without a valid warrant or probable cause
- Contesting the chain of custody and validity of forensic lab testing
- Exposing unreliable informants or flawed wiretap evidence
- Arguing a lack of knowledge or control over the drugs in question
We also pursue charge reductions or dismissals where appropriate and explore alternative sentencing options if available, especially for first-time offenders.
Experience That Matters in Serious Drug Cases
Drug trafficking cases in Annapolis are rarely simple. They often involve:
- Multiple defendants
- Surveillance and wiretap evidence
- Federal indictments
- Conspiracy charges
- Complicated forensic evidence
Attorney Christian Hartman brings the knowledge of a former prosecutor and the skills of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer to every case. We understand how these cases are built and where the weaknesses may lie. Whether your charges originate from an Anne Arundel County investigation or a broader federal narcotics task force, we’re ready to defend you in state or federal court.
Why Choose Hartman Attorneys at Law?
- Deep experience with felony drug crimes and federal prosecutions
- Based in Annapolis, serving clients throughout Maryland
- Aggressive, strategic defense tailored to your situation
- Clear communication and responsive service from start to finish
We’ve earned a reputation for excellence in Annapolis criminal defense, especially in high-stakes cases like drug trafficking.
Get a Confidential Case Evaluation Today
If you’re facing drug trafficking charges in Annapolis or anywhere in Maryland, don’t wait. The earlier you secure skilled legal counsel, the better your chances of protecting your rights and future. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a top-rated Annapolis drug trafficking defense attorney. Your freedom is our priority.