Practice Page: Drug Charges

Elkton, Maryland, Drug Charge Defense Lawyer

Attorney John Downs has 12 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. Creating solid defenses for clients facing drug charges, we temper real-world experience with legal knowledge to bring you effective, forceful advocacy. Many people have questions about how they are affected by Maryland drug laws. Talking with attorney John Downs can help you find answers. Contact our office at 410.398.0313.

John P. Downs, Attorney at Law

Drug crimes cover a broad range of offenses involving controlled substances, from possession and sale to manufacture and distribution. These crimes involve violations of federal or state law, or both. Depending on the particular circumstances of a case, these offenses can result in a broad range of potential criminal and administrative consequences, including probation, prison, property forfeiture and participation in a court-ordered drug treatment program.

Though more severe charges typically result in harsher penalties, even less serious charges, such as possession of a small amount of a controlled substance, may have severe consequences, especially if prior convictions, firearms, activity near protected zones (e.g., schools and parks), or minors are involved. If you have been charged with a drug crime, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney at our firm to discuss your legal options.

Federal and State Drug Laws

The federal government has exercised control over the importation and manufacture of drugs since the mid-1800s. In 1970, Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, which took the place of numerous existing drug laws and classified controlled substances into five categories (Schedules I to V), based on their abuse and addiction potential compared to their therapeutic value. Also known as the Controlled Substances Act, this law established regulatory requirements, enforcement mechanisms and penalties for the unauthorized manufacture, distribution or possession of controlled substances.

The most severe penalties involve drugs listed in Schedule I, with the least severe involving Schedule V. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, and include heroin, LSD and marijuana. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and severe dependence, but have a currently accepted medical use. Schedule II drugs include PCP, cocaine, methadone, and methamphetamine. Schedule III drugs have less potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs, a potential for moderate dependency and an accepted medical use. Anabolic steroids and codeine fall into this category. Schedule IV drugs have less potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, a limited potential for dependency, and are accepted in medical treatment. Schedule IV drugs include Valium, Xanax and other tranquilizers and sedatives. Finally, Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse, limited risk for dependency and accepted medical uses. These include drugs like cough medicines with codeine.

Most states have drug laws that mirror the Controlled Substances Act. Penalties may be less harsh and more flexible under state sentencing schemes than under the federal sentencing guidelines. In state court, a conviction of simple possession may result in court-ordered drug treatment rather than jail, and probation may be available to first-time offenders even for more serious crimes. However, lesser offenses can result in severe criminal consequences depending on the particular facts of a case or a defendant's prior criminal record. If you are facing a drug charge, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at our firm to discuss your case and the legal options available to you.

Drug Crimes and Penalties

Drug crimes include a wide range of activities prohibited by federal or state statute, including possession, sale, manufacture, distribution and trafficking, as well as prescription fraud and forgery. Drug crimes include attempts and conspiracies to commit any of these acts. At the federal level, participation in a continuing criminal enterprise also exposes an individual to criminal liability. These crimes are very specifically defined, and the government is required to prove a specific set of facts before an accused person can be found guilty of any of them.

In addition, drug cases frequently involve the question of whether the evidence was properly obtained by law enforcement. Evidence obtained in violation of an accused's constitutional rights is not admissible in court. Most challenges to the admissibility of evidence are based in the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Drug courts operate or are being planned in all 50 states. While they vary from state to state, these specialized courts emphasize treatment over incarceration for defendants with substance abuse issues. Compliance with the imposed terms and conditions (e.g., regular drug testing, participation in a treatment program) can result in dismissal of charges, or suspended or reduced sentences.

When incarceration is involved, however, potential penalties escalate depending on the nature and quantity of the drug at issue and the defendant's prior criminal record. Certain offenses are grouped into classes and minimum and maximum sentences for these classes are specified according to an accused's criminal history. Use of these sentencing guidelines in federal and state court have long been controversial; proponents maintain that guidelines ensure uniformity and fairness in punishment, while opponents argue that they fail to offer the flexibility needed to consider a defendant's unique circumstances.

If You Have Been Charged with a Drug Crime

Drug charges can have severe consequences, including forfeiture of property and incarceration. Consulting with an experienced attorney for advice on how to proceed is essential. If you are facing drug charges, a knowledgeable attorney at our firm can help you navigate through this issues involved in this complex area of law.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reports estimated that in 2002 there were a total of 1,538,800 state and local arrests for drug violations in the United States. If you are one of the many facing drug charges this year, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel at once.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Crimes

Q: What are the common legal challenges raised in drug cases?

A: The most common challenges in drug cases relate to how the evidence was obtained. If the police violated the defendant's Fourth Amendment search and seizure rights or Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, the court will suppress the drugs or statements as being unlawfully obtained. Without this evidence, the prosecution may not be able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and the case may be dismissed as a result.

Q: How is drug court different from regular criminal court?

A: Drug courts combine criminal justice and medical treatment models to deal with drug crimes. They recognize that incarceration may not be the most effective method for breaking the cycle of drug addiction and crime, especially for first-time and low-level offenders. Drug courts emphasize a cooperative approach between the prosecutor, defendant and court, and they favor rehabilitation over jail. Successful completion of drug court programs can result in reduced charges or sentences, or dismissal of charges altogether.