Baltimore Drug Distribution Attorneys

Experienced Defense for Drug Distribution Charges in Baltimore, MD

Offenses involving the possession of drugs with the intent to distribute and the distribution of controlled dangerous substances are among the most commonly charged cases in the Circuit Courts of the state of Maryland. Thousands of criminal defendants face these serious felony drug charges each year.

These charges carry harsh maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for first offenders and up to 40 years for subsequent offenses. Many of these cases are also among the most complicated criminal cases in the criminal justice system. They may involve complex factors related to search and seizure, self-incrimination, and other Constitutional issues. It is not an exaggeration to say that it can require years, if not decades, of experience for attorneys to become truly proficient at handling these issues.

Penalties for Possession With Intent and Drug Distribution

Drug offenders can also face mandatory sentences of five years without the possibility of parole for possession of 50 pounds of marijuana, 448 grams of cocaine, 28 grams of heroin, and as little as five grams of fentanyl. The penalties are even harsher if a person is convicted of being a "drug kingpin," which means that they are an organizer, supervisor, financier, or manager. If convicted of this offense, a person is subject to a maximum penalty of 40 years and a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years without the possibility of parole.

In addition to the complicated nature of the legal issues associated with these cases, defendants will also need to navigate the minefield of mandatory sentences that often apply and are sought by aggressive prosecutors. A person charged with possession with intent or distribution of narcotics will need to ensure they have legal representation as they respond to the tactics of prosecutors and take steps to avoid a conviction.

Substantial mandatory sentences will also apply for people convicted of trafficking controlled dangerous substances with firearms. These charges are aggressively pursued by prosecutors due to the level of violence associated with the drug trade. A person convicted of trafficking narcotics with a firearm is subject to a maximum penalty of 20 years and a minimum mandatory sentence of five years without parole. This is a crime separate and apart from the underlying narcotics offense. In many cases, sentences may run consecutively to one another.

Addressing Prosecutorial Misconduct

Unfortunately, there is potential for abuse by prosecutors in cases involving mandatory sentences, including offenses associated with trafficking narcotics and using firearms. Most prosecutors understand that these charges were specifically designed to combat violent drug gangs, and they exercise appropriate discretion in deciding when to file charges against a defendant. However, some prosecutors view things differently, and they may pursue harsh sentences in any case where drugs and weapons are recovered from the same place.

For anyone charged with possession with intent to distribute or distribution of controlled dangerous sentences, or any other drug-related criminal offense, it is imperative to immediately contact a qualified lawyer. The experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorneys at Silverman Thompson can act quickly to protect a person's rights and make sure they will be able to defend against drug charges.

Experienced Representation in Drug Crime Cases

The team of former state and federal prosecutors at Silverman Thompson has handled thousands of drug crime cases and other criminal cases on both sides of the aisle over the past 30-plus years. Unlike most criminal firms that may only file boilerplate motions to suppress evidence when defending clients against drug charges, our team will perform extensive research and draft detailed motions to suppress evidence. We ensure that these motions are tailored to the specific facts of a case.

With former prosecutors on our team, we are intimately aware of the procedures and strategies that assistant state's attorneys and federal prosecutors will use to try to secure convictions. This "inside" knowledge can make the difference between a successful defense and an unsuccessful one. These cases require knowledgeable and aggressive representation, and that is what we will provide to you.

Contact Our Baltimore, Maryland Possession With Intent Attorneys

The criminal defense team at Silverman Thompson is committed to providing our clients with the highest level of defense as they address drug charges. When you need to determine the best defense in a case involving drug-related matters, please reach out to our Baltimore drug distribution defense lawyers at 410-385-2225 and schedule a free consultation.