Prince George’s County Drug Lawyer
It is possible to be charged with a wide range of drug-related offenses in Prince George’s County, including the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a controlled substance. A controlled substance is any substance, chemical, or drug that is regulated under Maryland’s criminal law, which includes prescription medications, medical marijuana, and illicit drugs.
If you are facing drug charges, a Prince George’s County drug lawyer could help you deal with the charges.
Attempting to navigate the legal system and defend yourself against drug charges both require knowledge of the legal system and an understanding of state drug laws. A drug defense attorney could provide the knowledge and experience needed to help you fight for the best resolution possible in your situation.
Seek legal representation from an attorney who handles cases involving drug charges rather than attempting to fight the charges on your own.
Drug and Controlled Substances Schedules I through V
Several types of substances are labeled as dangerous and are controlled under the law in Prince George’s County, including both pharmaceutical medications and illicit drugs. All controlled substances are assigned to one of five schedules. The legal penalties for drug offenses differ depending on which schedule the controlled substance involved in the alleged crime belongs to.
Schedule I consists of opiates, hallucinogenic substances, depressants, stimulants, and analogs, while schedule II includes other types of opiates, stimulants, and depressants. Schedule III consists of such controlled substances as anabolic steroids and narcotic drugs. Schedules IV and V include a few additional substances that do not fall under any of the other three schedules.
Crimes Involving Controlled Substances and Drug Paraphernalia
Maryland’s criminal law identifies several primary crimes involving controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. Such crimes include being in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, distributing a controlled dangerous substance, manufacturing counterfeit controlled substances, and falsifying a prescription.
Other drug-related offenses prohibited under state law include manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance near an elementary or secondary school. Possessing, selling, or advertising the sale of drug paraphernalia are also all prohibited. A drug attorney in Prince George’s County could list additional examples of drug-related activities that are prohibited by law.
Possible Penalties for Drug-Related Offenses
The maximum penalty for conviction of drug-related offenses involving certain types of controlled substances in Prince George’s County is a prison sentence of five years and a fine of $15,000. A convicted person could be sentenced to a shorter term in prison than the maximum and be fined a lesser amount based on various factors.
A person convicted of a drug offense could also be required to participate in a drug treatment program either while in prison or outside in the community following release.
Convictions for other types of felony drug-related offenses involving narcotic drugs are associated with more severe penalties. Convictions for committing or conspiring to commit drug-related crimes involving Schedule I or Schedule II narcotic drugs can be punished by a prison sentence of 20 years maximum and a fine of up to $15,000.
A PG County drug lawyer could provide more information regarding the legal penalties for the specific drug charges a person might be facing.
Let a Prince George’s County Drug Attorney Assist You
You do not need to face charges for drug-related offenses alone. A Prince George’s County drug lawyer could assist you with your case and recommend the best approach for attempting to successfully fight the charges you are facing.
Having a drug lawyer represent you gives you the advantage of having a professional on your side advocating for you and your rights. For legal assistance fighting the charges you are facing, contact a PG County drug attorney today.
