Ocean City, MD Drug Crimes Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys for Drug Charges in Ocean City, Maryland

Though many drug offenses are non-violent, the state of Maryland can be unforgiving when it comes to prosecuting them. Some drug crimes are charged at the federal level, which comes with even stricter prosecution. Whatever you have been accused of, fighting a drug charge is best done with the help of an attorney. An Ocean City drug crime lawyer can inform you of your options and determine the best strategy for your defense.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we have the skills and resources to represent clients accused of drug charges. With over 50 years of shared experience in criminal defense, our attorneys can build a strong case on your behalf, working toward an optimal outcome for any drug charge.

Drug Possession

In Maryland, you can be charged with a misdemeanor offense for possessing a dangerous controlled substance. The only exceptions to this offense are controlled substances for which you have a legitimate prescription and lawful marijuana possession. If convicted of drug possession, you could be sentenced to up to a year in prison, with a possible fine of no more than $5,000. On repeat offenses, the prison sentence can increase to a maximum of two years.

In general, the courts tend to be lenient with first offenders for a drug possession charge. We may be able to pursue an alternative sentence of drug addiction counseling and rehabilitation. However, the availability of these rehab programs may vary from county to county. When you work with our firm, we will explore all possible options to help you avoid jail time and mitigate the impact of a sentence.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

If you are caught with a quantity of drugs that suggests more than just personal use, you could face charges of possession with intent to distribute. The exact penalties for this charge will depend on the type of drug.

Drugs with a higher potential for abuse or addiction carry harsher penalties. Possessing a Schedule I or II drug like cocaine or fentanyl with the intent to distribute is a felony charge punishable by a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a possible $15,000 fine.

Transporting mass quantities of drugs on interstate highways is likely to result in a federal drug trafficking charge. These cases come with aggressive prosecution and higher penalties, so working with a skilled drug crimes defense lawyer is an absolute necessity for protecting your rights.

Defenses Against Drug Charges

Sometimes, law enforcement officers can be intrusive when trying to secure an arrest for a drug charge. When police officers or federal agents overstep their bounds, the evidence can become compromised due to illegal search and seizure.

To give an example, many officers will follow rental trucks with out-of-state license plates on common drug trafficking routes. However, law enforcement officers need probable cause to pull drivers over, and a hunch is not sufficient grounds for a traffic stop. To get around this, these officers may wait for a driver to make a small infraction, or they may even fabricate a reason to pull them over. This is an illegal practice, and if it is brought to light in a court of law, it could result in any evidence from that traffic stop being suppressed.

Depending on the case, we can also argue that you did not knowingly possess the drugs you were accused of carrying. When you work with our firm, we will develop a defense best suited to your case.

Meet With an Ocean City Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of a drug crime in Maryland, you should get in contact with an attorney at the earliest opportunity. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our Ocean City drug charges defense lawyers are qualified to take on your case, working toward an optimal outcome on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 410-280-2500 or contact us online.