Drug Possession

Ocean City Drug Possession Lawyer

Defending Against Drug Charges in Maryland

Drug possession charges are a serious matter. If you are caught with drugs in your possession, you could face severe legal consequences, including time in jail or prison, fines, and a criminal record. If you are facing drug possession charges, it is crucial that you reach out to an experienced lawyer who can help you fight the charges.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price, we understand what is at stake. Our Ocean City drug possession attorneys are prepared to provide the aggressive defense you need. We have extensive experience handling drug cases and are well-versed in Maryland drug laws. We know how to navigate the legal system on your behalf and will fight for you every step of the way.

Get in touch with our team today by calling (410) 862-0351 or contacting us online to request a consultation.

What Is Drug Possession?

Drug possession refers to being in possession of a controlled substance.

Under Maryland law, you can be charged with drug possession if you knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance. This includes both illegal drugs and prescription medications. In fact, you can be charged with drug possession even if you have a valid prescription for the medication in question.

Some of the most commonly charged drug possession offenses involve:

Drug possession charges can also involve other types of controlled substances, such as anabolic steroids, PCP, and more.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Maryland?

Drug possession in Maryland is a misdemeanor offense. If you are convicted, you could face up to 4 years in jail and substantial fines. The specific penalties you face will depend on the type and amount of the drug in your possession, as well as whether you have any prior drug-related convictions on your criminal record.

Some of the factors that may increase the penalties for drug possession include:

  • Having a large quantity of drugs
  • Possessing drugs with the intent to distribute
  • Possessing drugs near a school
  • Having other drug paraphernalia in your possession

It is important to note that, while drug possession is a misdemeanor offense, many drug cases are prosecuted as felonies. This is particularly true if you are charged with possession of a large quantity of drugs, possession with intent to distribute, or if you have prior drug-related convictions on your record. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and carry much steeper penalties, including significant time in prison.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Drug Possession?

In addition to jail or prison time and fines, a drug possession conviction can have a lasting impact on your future. You will be left with a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment, housing, and educational opportunities. You may also lose certain professional licenses, and your reputation may be permanently tarnished.

How to Fight Drug Possession Charges

There are several ways to fight drug possession charges in Maryland, including but not limited to:

  • Challenging the legality of the search and/or seizure
  • Arguing that the drugs were not yours
  • Arguing that you did not know the drugs were in your possession
  • Arguing that you did not know the drugs were illegal
  • Arguing that the drugs were planted on you

Our Ocean City drug possession lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your arrest to determine the best course of action. We will work to gather all available evidence, including any video footage, police reports, and witness statements. In some cases, we may be able to have the charges against you reduced or even dismissed.

What Is the Difference Between Drug Possession and Intent to Distribute?

Many drug cases involve both possession and possession with intent to distribute. While possession refers to having a drug in your possession, possession with intent to distribute refers to having a drug in your possession with the intent to sell, distribute, or give it away to others. The penalties for possession with intent to distribute are much more severe than those for simple drug possession.

Prosecutors often charge possession with intent to distribute when they believe the defendant had a large quantity of drugs, the drugs were packaged in a way that suggests they were intended for sale, or if the defendant had other drug paraphernalia in their possession. If you are facing charges for possession with intent to distribute, it is crucial that you reach out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

What Are the Penalties for Possession with Intent to Distribute?

In Maryland, the penalties for possession with intent to distribute include:

  • Up to 5 years in jail and/or fines of up to $15,000 for Schedule V drugs
  • Up to 5 years in jail and/or fines of up to $25,000 for Schedule IV drugs
  • Up to 20 years in jail and/or fines of up to $25,000 for Schedule III drugs
  • Up to 20 years in jail and/or fines of up to $100,000 for Schedule II drugs
  • Up to 20 years in jail and/or fines of up to $100,000 for Schedule I drugs (with the exception of marijuana)
  • Up to 5 years in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000 for marijuana

These are the penalties for a first-time conviction. If you have prior drug-related convictions on your record, you will face even steeper penalties.

How to Choose a Drug Possession Defense Attorney

If you are facing drug possession charges in Maryland, it is crucial that you reach out to a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. You need a lawyer who will fight for you and who will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns. You have a lot at stake, and you deserve to have a skilled advocate on your side.

When choosing a drug possession defense attorney in Maryland, consider the following:

  • Experience: Choose a lawyer who has extensive experience handling drug cases.
  • Communication: Make sure the attorney will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the legal process.
  • Strategy: Ask the attorney what their defense strategy is and how they plan to approach your case.
  • Track record: Ask the attorney about their track record of success and whether they have ever handled a case similar to yours.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price, we understand what is at stake. We have over 35 years of experience and are committed to providing the personalized legal services you deserve and will fight for you every step of the way.

Get in touch with our team today by calling (410) 862-0351 or contacting us online to request a consultation.

Why Choose Law Offices of Murphy & Price?

Serious Cases require a serious lawyer
  • We Represent Clients Across the US
  • Over 30 Years of Experience
  • Multiple Practice Locations
  • Free Case Consultations
  • Former Prosecutor Experience
  • Available 24/7
Continue Reading Read Less

Contact Us Today

Available 24/7
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
  • "With Warren Price by your side, you can walk into court with confidence knowing you have the best representation possible."

    Mr. Price represented me in a Domestic Violence case. After a little over a year, the case against me was dismissed. Throughout the entire process, Mr. Price and his office were incredible in communicating and seeing my needs. With Warren Price by your side, you can walk into court with confidence knowing you have the best representation possible.

    Avvo User
  • "Warren works really hard for his clients and cares deeply about them."
    Warren works really hard for his clients and cares deeply about them. For Warren, it is not just a job, but a calling. He is a man of great character and is also a brilliant lawyer, with a top-notch education. If someone needs a criminal defense lawyer or UCMJ counsel in Colorado, I cannot think of anyone I would highly recommend.
    Matthew S.
  • "They helped me through the most stressful year of my life and ultimately proved my innocence."

    Mr. Murphy and Mr. Price were the first attorneys I ever worked with. They took time to explain each aspect of my case and made themselves available whenever I needed them. They helped me through the most stressful year of my life and ultimately proved my innocence. I would highly recommend their firm. Not only are they great attorneys, but I would also consider them my friends.

    Riley C.
  • "Mr. Murphy is top-notch. One of the best I've ever dealt with."

    Mr. Murphy is top-notch. One of the best I've ever dealt with. He is absolutely knowledgeable. And has a fierce competitiveness and drive to win. He's not afraid to tell you not to do something if it could hurt your case. He always has your best interest at the forefront. Nothing phony about this guy! 

    Jon H.
  • "He was very knowledgeable in both criminal and military law and most importantly he was so passionate, very organized, respectful, and kept me updated on my case."

    I hired Mr. Murphy in the last second of administrative discharge. He gathered the evidence in a very short period of time because he knows a lot of people except, relationships with other lawyers. He was very knowledgeable in both criminal and military law and most importantly he was so passionate, very organized, respectful, and kept me updated on my case. I believe he is a great attorney and he deserves more than 5 stars.

    Emma A.
  • "Dennis Murphy is a superb lawyer."

    Dennis Murphy is a superb lawyer. He is professional, has a great working relationship with the other lawyers, police, and judges, and got me acquitted!

    Avvo User
  • "He was trustworthy and kept me well informed."

    Attorney Murphy was very knowledgeable of the facts in my case and the options I had, he was trustworthy and kept me well informed.

    Darryl N.
  • "This is not just a job for Mr. Price but a passion. His attentiveness and care cannot be taught."

    If I had not hired Mr. Price for my case I am certain that I wouldn’t have had the same outcome. The way he understood my concerns and fought to get my voice heard by the prosecution was more than I could have ever asked for. This is not just a job for Mr. Price but a passion. His attentiveness and care cannot be taught in an institution. His character is not something you can buy with just any attorney. Thank you so much for accomplishing the impossible. Thank you for your heart and determination. Thank you for fighting for me and most importantly thank you for granting me peace. You’ll never know what a blessing this has been for me and my family. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 

    Danielle A.