Relentless Defense from Beginning to End

Drug crime charges are common in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, as they are around the country. People from all walks of life can end up being charged with drug possession. These cases can involve street drugs as well as unauthorized prescription medicines, such as opioid painkillers, barbiturates for anxiety, and stimulants, such as Adderall.

Unfortunately, a drug charge can derail your job or career and your future employability and result in a permanent criminal record. Fighting for your future is essential and can be done competently with the help of a proven criminal defense lawyer. 

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we provide legal representation to those accused of drug crimes ranging from simple possession for one’s own personal use to more severe charges that can involve distribution or sales. Attorney Christian Hartman is a former prosecutor who puts the knowledge and skills of his career experience to work for you with an aggressive approach. 

Contact Our Annapolis Drug Crimes Attorney for a Free Consultation or get started by contacting us online or at (410) 266-3232. 

Common Drug Crimes in Maryland

Drug crimes are based on the type and quantity of the drugs involved, which are divided into controlled substance “schedules.” Maryland Schedule I substances, including drugs like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, are deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use, leading to the most severe penalties. 

Schedule II substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain opioids, are also recognized for their high potential for abuse. Penalties for crimes involving Schedule II substances are slightly less severe than those for Schedule I but remain substantial. 

Schedule III through V have lower potentials for abuse and result in increasingly lesser penalties. Drugs in these categories can range from ketamine to Xanax and codeine. 

Crimes involving these substances can include:

  • Possession: Unlawful possession of drugs classified under Maryland’s controlled substances schedules. Penalties vary with the drug type and amount.
  • Possession with intent to distribute: Holding large amounts of drugs suggests distribution purposes, attracting harsher penalties.
  • Drug manufacturing: Involves producing illegal substances, such as in methamphetamine labs. Penalties are severe, reflecting the risks associated with manufacturing.
  • Drug trafficking: The transportation or distribution of large drug quantities is considered a major felony with substantial prison time.
  • Prescription drug fraud: Includes acquiring prescription drugs through deceitful means, such as forgery or fraud.
  • Drug paraphernalia: Possession of items intended for use in growing, manufacturing, distributing, or using drugs. Maryland law penalizes possession of such items, with penalties dependent on the type of paraphernalia and its intended use.
  • Conspiracy to commit drug crimes: Involves planning or agreeing with others to engage in any drug-related crime.

Drug Crime Penalties

Penalties for drug crimes reflect the seriousness of the offense and the type of controlled substance involved. For example, possession of a Schedule I substance like heroin could result in up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for a first offense. 

In contrast, possession of a smaller amount of a Schedule V substance may be charged as a misdemeanor and only lead to a maximum of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Trafficking is generally the most severe crime, with the potential of decades of prison time.

Diversion Programs

Maryland offers diversion programs as alternatives to traditional sentencing for drug offenses, recognizing that rehabilitation may be more beneficial than punishment in some instances. Drug treatment courts combine legal proceedings with rehabilitation services. This involves continuous supervision, drug testing, treatment services, and penalties for those not complying with the program’s requirements.

Eligibility typically hinges on the nature of the offense, with a focus on non-violent offenders who are committed to overcoming substance abuse. Completing a diversion program can lead to reduced charges or even dismissal of charges, offering individuals a second chance and the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives.

Hartman Attorneys at Law Working for Your Best Possible Outcome

Our firm is adept at navigating the complex landscape of Maryland’s drug laws. We offer robust defense strategies tailored to individual cases, aiming to reduce or dismiss charges. We facilitate entry into diversion programs for eligible clients, providing a path toward rehabilitation and reduced penalties.

Discuss your case with our drug crimes lawyer in Annapolis by contacting us at (410) 266-3232.

Understanding Maryland’s Drug Possession Laws 

Under state law, it is illegal to possess any amount of a controlled substance (other than marijuana and prescription medications, in certain circumstances). This is known as drug possession, and it carries harsh penalties with a conviction. The exact penalties you face when charged with possession of a controlled substance depend on both the type of substance allegedly in your possession, as well as the amount. Your criminal record, if you have one, can also play a role in the possible penalties you face. 

Is Drug Possession a Misdemeanor or Felony? 

In most cases, drug possession is charged as a misdemeanor in Maryland, punishable by up to four years imprisonment, up to $25,000 in fines, and other potential consequences, such as probation. However, in certain situations, possessing a controlled substance may be charged as a felony. This is true when the amount of the controlled substance is enough to warrant a charge for possession with intent to distribute. 

Being charged with possession of some controlled substances in certain amounts comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. This includes being charged with being in possession of 50 lbs. of marijuana, 448 g. of methamphetamine or cocaine, 16 oz. of PCP, or 28 g. of opium, heroin, morphine, or other opiates. 

Marijuana Possession Laws 

In Maryland, it is legal to possess small amounts of marijuana in certain circumstances. Specifically, if you are 18 or older, have a valid doctor’s recommendation for medicinal marijuana use, and you are registered with the state, you may legally possess and use what is known as a “personal use amount” of marijuana. 

Personal use amounts include: 

  • Up to 1.5 oz. of cannabis flower;
  • Up to 12 g. of concentrated cannabis, OR;
  • Cannabis products amounting to no more than 750 mg. THC total.

As of July 1, 2023, it is legal for adults 21 and older to possess, grow, and use small amounts of marijuana recreationally. However, there are very strict guidelines regarding the amount of cannabis one may possess, where and how it can be grown, and where it can be used. 

Drug Crimes

Relentless Defense from Beginning to End

Drug crime charges are common in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, as they are around the country. People from all walks of life can end up being charged with drug possession. These cases can involve street drugs as well as unauthorized prescription medicines, such as opioid painkillers, barbiturates for anxiety, and stimulants, such as Adderall.

Unfortunately, a drug charge can derail your job or career and your future employability and result in a permanent criminal record. Fighting for your future is essential and can be done competently with the help of a proven criminal defense lawyer. 

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we provide legal representation to those accused of drug crimes ranging from simple possession for one’s own personal use to more severe charges that can involve distribution or sales. Attorney Christian Hartman is a former prosecutor who puts the knowledge and skills of his career experience to work for you with an aggressive approach. 

Contact Our Annapolis Drug Crimes Attorney for a Free Consultation or get started by contacting us online or at (410) 266-3232. 

Common Drug Crimes in Maryland

Drug crimes are based on the type and quantity of the drugs involved, which are divided into controlled substance “schedules.” Maryland Schedule I substances, including drugs like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, are deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use, leading to the most severe penalties. 

Schedule II substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain opioids, are also recognized for their high potential for abuse. Penalties for crimes involving Schedule II substances are slightly less severe than those for Schedule I but remain substantial. 

Schedule III through V have lower potentials for abuse and result in increasingly lesser penalties. Drugs in these categories can range from ketamine to Xanax and codeine. 

Crimes involving these substances can include:

  • Possession: Unlawful possession of drugs classified under Maryland’s controlled substances schedules. Penalties vary with the drug type and amount.
  • Possession with intent to distribute: Holding large amounts of drugs suggests distribution purposes, attracting harsher penalties.
  • Drug manufacturing: Involves producing illegal substances, such as in methamphetamine labs. Penalties are severe, reflecting the risks associated with manufacturing.
  • Drug trafficking: The transportation or distribution of large drug quantities is considered a major felony with substantial prison time.
  • Prescription drug fraud: Includes acquiring prescription drugs through deceitful means, such as forgery or fraud.
  • Drug paraphernalia: Possession of items intended for use in growing, manufacturing, distributing, or using drugs. Maryland law penalizes possession of such items, with penalties dependent on the type of paraphernalia and its intended use.
  • Conspiracy to commit drug crimes: Involves planning or agreeing with others to engage in any drug-related crime.

Drug Crime Penalties

Penalties for drug crimes reflect the seriousness of the offense and the type of controlled substance involved. For example, possession of a Schedule I substance like heroin could result in up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for a first offense. 

In contrast, possession of a smaller amount of a Schedule V substance may be charged as a misdemeanor and only lead to a maximum of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Trafficking is generally the most severe crime, with the potential of decades of prison time.

Diversion Programs

Maryland offers diversion programs as alternatives to traditional sentencing for drug offenses, recognizing that rehabilitation may be more beneficial than punishment in some instances. Drug treatment courts combine legal proceedings with rehabilitation services. This involves continuous supervision, drug testing, treatment services, and penalties for those not complying with the program’s requirements.

Eligibility typically hinges on the nature of the offense, with a focus on non-violent offenders who are committed to overcoming substance abuse. Completing a diversion program can lead to reduced charges or even dismissal of charges, offering individuals a second chance and the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives.

Hartman Attorneys at Law Working for Your Best Possible Outcome

Our firm is adept at navigating the complex landscape of Maryland’s drug laws. We offer robust defense strategies tailored to individual cases, aiming to reduce or dismiss charges. We facilitate entry into diversion programs for eligible clients, providing a path toward rehabilitation and reduced penalties.

Discuss your case with our drug crimes lawyer in Annapolis by contacting us at (410) 266-3232.

Understanding Maryland’s Drug Possession Laws 

Under state law, it is illegal to possess any amount of a controlled substance (other than marijuana and prescription medications, in certain circumstances). This is known as drug possession, and it carries harsh penalties with a conviction. The exact penalties you face when charged with possession of a controlled substance depend on both the type of substance allegedly in your possession, as well as the amount. Your criminal record, if you have one, can also play a role in the possible penalties you face. 

Is Drug Possession a Misdemeanor or Felony? 

In most cases, drug possession is charged as a misdemeanor in Maryland, punishable by up to four years imprisonment, up to $25,000 in fines, and other potential consequences, such as probation. However, in certain situations, possessing a controlled substance may be charged as a felony. This is true when the amount of the controlled substance is enough to warrant a charge for possession with intent to distribute. 

Being charged with possession of some controlled substances in certain amounts comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. This includes being charged with being in possession of 50 lbs. of marijuana, 448 g. of methamphetamine or cocaine, 16 oz. of PCP, or 28 g. of opium, heroin, morphine, or other opiates. 

Marijuana Possession Laws 

In Maryland, it is legal to possess small amounts of marijuana in certain circumstances. Specifically, if you are 18 or older, have a valid doctor’s recommendation for medicinal marijuana use, and you are registered with the state, you may legally possess and use what is known as a “personal use amount” of marijuana. 

Personal use amounts include: 

  • Up to 1.5 oz. of cannabis flower;
  • Up to 12 g. of concentrated cannabis, OR;
  • Cannabis products amounting to no more than 750 mg. THC total.

As of July 1, 2023, it is legal for adults 21 and older to possess, grow, and use small amounts of marijuana recreationally. However, there are very strict guidelines regarding the amount of cannabis one may possess, where and how it can be grown, and where it can be used.