Maryland Drug Charge Attorney

Dedicated Representation for Possession, Distribution, & Other Charges

Law enforcement and the legal system can spend special attention on drug crimes, sometimes unfairly. Even the possession of a small amount of drugs can result in a prison time. With so much on the line, it can be crucial to have an experienced Waldorf criminal defense lawyer to fight for your freedom. At The Law Office of Robert R. Castro, we can provide you with an aggressive legal strategy that is based on trying to provide you with the best outcome possible for you.

Common Drug Charges in Maryland

Many people are charged every year in Charles County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, and Calvert County with possession and distribution of drugs. Possession is having any illicit drug or a controlled substance, such as prescription drugs, on your person or stored in your property. Distribution is the selling of drugs or controlled substances to others. There is also the charge of possession with intent to distribute, which can be added to possession charges by law enforcement to add potential penalties to those arrested.

Other Maryland Drug Offenses

Essential Information About Fighting Drug Charges in Maryland

Understanding Different Types of Drug Offenses

Drug-related charges in Maryland are classified by the type of activity involved: possession, distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, or conspiracy. Simple possession usually means having a controlled substance for personal use, but even minor possession charges can have long-term consequences. Distribution charges are far more serious, involving allegations of selling or delivering drugs to others.

Possession with intent to distribute is based on the quantity of drugs found, packaging materials, or other circumstantial evidence. Prosecutors often add this charge even if no actual sale occurred. Working with our drug crime lawyer is critical to challenging these assumptions and pushing against unfair enhancements.

How Drug Crime Arrests Commonly Happen

Most drug arrests start with traffic stops, search warrants, or surveillance. Police often claim suspicious behavior as a reason to investigate. However, your constitutional rights must be respected; illegal searches can make critical evidence inadmissible.

Our Maryland drug charges attorney will review how the search was conducted, whether proper procedures were followed, and if any violations occurred that can weaken the state’s case.

Potential Penalties for Drug Convictions

Penalties vary depending on the type and amount of drugs and the charges involved. Even minor possession can lead to jail time, fines, and probation. Distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing often brings mandatory prison sentences.

A drug conviction can also result in property seizure and asset forfeiture. Our drug possession attorney in Maryland can work to protect your record, your property, and your future when facing these serious consequences.

How Police Investigations Can Affect Your Case

Drug cases often rely on informants, surveillance, or searches. These investigations must meet strict legal standards. If evidence was mishandled or obtained illegally, it may be thrown out.

A drug crime lawyer will carefully review the investigation, challenging invalid warrants, unreliable informants, and any improper evidence handling that could result in a stronger defense.

Defenses Commonly Used Against Drug Charges

Several defenses may apply to drug crime allegations. Common defense strategies include illegal search and seizure, lack of possession, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence of intent to distribute. In some cases, drugs found in shared spaces like cars or apartments may not be directly attributable to a single person.

An experienced Maryland drug charges attorney will evaluate whether the prosecution can prove who possessed the substance and whether the state can establish intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Challenging chain-of-custody issues with physical evidence is another way to weaken the case.

The Impact of Drug Charges on Your Future

Drug convictions can impact every part of your life beyond court-imposed penalties. Employment opportunities may disappear, housing applications can be denied, and educational prospects may shrink. Even a misdemeanor record can create barriers that last for years.

For non-citizens, drug convictions may trigger immigration consequences, including deportation or denial of entry into the United States. Our drug possession attorney in Maryland can help minimize these consequences by fighting for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options like diversion programs.

How Long Does the Drug Crime Process Take

Drug cases vary in length depending on complexity. Simple possession cases may end in months, while cases involving conspiracy, trafficking, or multiple defendants can take much longer to resolve.

A drug crime lawyer works to challenge evidence, file necessary motions, and explore every available defense while keeping you informed throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after being charged with a drug crime?
Stay silent and contact a lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you.

Can police search my car without a warrant in Maryland?
Only if they have probable cause, your consent, or under certain exceptions, illegal searches can lead to the suppression of evidence.

Will I go to jail for a first-time possession charge?
Not necessarily. Many first-time offenders may qualify for probation, treatment programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.

Can prescription drugs lead to criminal charges?
Yes, if you possess them without a valid prescription or intend to distribute them.

What is considered possession with intent to distribute?
Large amounts of drugs, scales, baggies, or significant cash amounts can lead police to allege intent to distribute, even without witnessing a sale.

Can drug charges be expunged in Maryland?
Some cases qualify for expungement if charges are dropped, you are found not guilty, or if conditions under Maryland law are met after probation.

Need an Accomplished Drug Crimes Lawyer in Waldorf? Contact Our Firm!

Many drug charges are accompanied with potentially serious penalties. Our team at The Law Office of Robert R. Castro can provide you with aggressive representation. With more than 20 years of legal experience, our attorney has represented thousands of clients. We can take the time to investigate what provided the cops with probable cause to investigate you and make sure they were following proper procedure.