Drug Charges in Silver Spring, Hagerstown,
& Frederick, MD

There are many different types of drug charges that individuals can be charged with, spanning from simple possession to engaging in large-scale drug trafficking operations. When a person is facing such charges, the penalties he or she could potentially receive depend on a number of factors.

Some of these factors include the type of drug involved, the amount of the drug, the type of drug offense that occurred, the location of the offense and the defendant's criminal history. Some drug crimes are misdemeanors, while others are serious felonies that can lead to extensive prison time.

Types of Drug Crimes

It is against the law in Maryland to possess a dangerous controlled substance or to administer such a substance to another person unless that drug is legitimately prescribed to the individual by an authorized medical professional. It also unlawful to obtain or attempt to obtain a controlled dangerous substance by using fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, concealment of material fact and a number of other deceptive practices, according to Maryland law.

In addition to possession, other drug offenses include:

• Drug possession with intent to distribute
• Dispensing drugs
• Possession or making of false prescriptions
• Drug manufacturing
• Drug trafficking

In addition to narcotics and marijuana, individuals can also be charged with drug crimes when the offenses involve prescription drugs that are not lawfully prescribed to the person possessing the drug. Individuals who are considered repeat offenders are at risk of receiving harsher penalties upon conviction for a drug crime.

Understanding Your Defense Options

Individuals who are facing drug charges in Maryland can turn to my law firm, The Law Office of David Cahn, for assistance. I am a Silver Spring criminal defense attorney who has years of experience. My goal is to help you take all the appropriate steps for fighting your conviction.

In some cases, seeking reduced charges is the best option. Some of the various types of defenses that are used in drug crime cases include the following: lack of evidence that the defendant was the person who committed the crime, the defendant's lack of knowledge that the drug was in his or her possession, the fact that the drug was lawfully prescribed to the defendant, or the use of the drug for medical purposes (such as with marijuana).

Furthermore, if law enforcement officers violated your rights in any ways during the investigation or arrest process—such as by conducting an unlawful search and seizure or by making an arrest based on a lack of probable cause—this could greatly increases the chances of your case being dropped.