Rockville, Maryland Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Drug Possession, Drug Distribution, and Other Drug Charges in Rockville, MD

Because of the dangers of drug use and abuse, law enforcement treats people accused of drug crimes harshly. Drug charges are serious criminal offenses, and convictions can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. With a drug conviction on your record, you may have trouble finding employment in the future, obtaining housing, and pursuing educational opportunities. If you are a non-citizen, a drug charge could affect your immigration status, possibly leading to deportation.

When you are facing drug charges in Rockville, elsewhere in Maryland, or in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can provide you with strong legal representation. When you work with our attorneys, you will have a legal advocate fighting for you. We will address any violations of your rights, and we will work to secure an acquittal or help you avoid serious penalties by advocating for alternative sentencing and ensuring that you can receive treatment for substance abuse. With a skilled lawyer from the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder by your side, you can make sure your case will be handled correctly.

Types of Drug Charges We Defend

The Law Offices of Mallon Snyder has experience representing clients who have faced a wide variety of drug-related charges, including:

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: This charge involves the possession of items used to consume, manufacture, or distribute drugs, such as pipes, syringes, or scales. While this is usually a misdemeanor offense, a first-time conviction may result in fines of up to $500, and any additional convictions may lead to a prison sentence of up to two years and fines of as much as $2,000.
• Possession of Controlled Substances: Possessing illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or unauthorized prescription medications, is usually a misdemeanor. In general, a first offense carries a sentence of up to one year in prison, while a second or third offense may lead to a sentence of up to 18 months, and any additional offenses have a maximum sentence of two years. Each conviction may also result in a maximum fine of $5,000.
• Possession With Intent to Distribute: When law enforcement believes that drugs in your possession were intended to be sold or distributed to others could could be charged with a felony. Evidence such as large quantities of drugs, packaging materials, or large amounts of cash may be used to support this accusation. Penalties for a conviction include fines of up to $15,000 and a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
• Drug Manufacturing: You could be accused of manufacturing drugs if you are involved in producing, cultivating, or packaging controlled substances. These charges could be related to activities like operating a meth lab or transferring cocaine or heroin to small baggies that will be sold to other people. A conviction could lead to up to 20 years in jail and a fine as high as $15,000.
• Drug Distribution and Sales: Selling or delivering drugs to other people is a felony offense. If convicted, you could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, and you could be fined as much as $15,000.
• Drug Trafficking: Transportating or distributing large quantities of controlled substances into Maryland from another state or country may result in serious felony charges. A conviction could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 25 years, and the maximum fine in these cases is $50,000. Federal charges may also apply in some cases. When drug crimes are prosecuted in federal court, mandatory minimum sentences will often apply, and longer prison sentences and higher fines may be imposed.

How the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder Can Help With Drug Crime Defense

Our attorneys have experience representing clients who are facing drug charges, and we can work with you to build a strong defense. We will review the details of your case to identify any violations of your rights, such as illegal searches performed without warrants or unlawful seizures that violated your Fourth Amendment rights. We will examine the evidence and determine whether there were gaps in the chain of custody of drugs or other violations of procedures. We can use this information to argue for a dismissal of the charges against you.

When a full dismissal is not possible, we will work to negotiate plea agreements that minimize the impact of the charges. This could include probation, drug treatment programs, or reduced charges that will allow you to avoid jail time. If your case goes to court, we will fight hard to seek an acquittal. We will also make sure you understand what will happen in the courtroom, and we will advise you on what you should wear, where you will stand when addressing the judge, and the appropriate answers to give to questions you are asked. Regardless of what happens during your case, we will be next to you, fighting for your rights at all times and working to resolve the matter successfully.

Contact Our Rockville Drug Charges Defense Attorneys

If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Maryland or Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder is here to help you defend against a conviction. Contact us at 301-762-7500 to set up a free, confidential consultation. We will guide you through the legal process, build a strong defense, and fight to protect your future.