Baltimore Drug Defense Lawyer
Drug charges should be taken very seriously in Maryland because of the potential consequences on your life and future. If you are convicted of drug charges, the next time you apply for a job, you will have to answer "yes" if you are asked whether you have been arrested or convicted of a crime. If you are in college, you may lose eligibility for student loans or you could be expelled from school.
I am Baltimore, Maryland drug lawyer Jim Crawford and I provide criminal defense legal help to clients facing drug possession, drug kingpin and drug distribution charges. For 18 years, I have defended people in Baltimore, Catonsville, Annapolis, Bel Air and throughout Maryland who have been charged with drug crimes. I have defended people charged with possession and distribution of all types of controlled substances, including:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Crack
- Heroin
- Prescription medication
- MDMA (ecstasy)
Maryland's drug crime penalties increase incrementally with the number of offenses, so it's important to keep a drug conviction off your record if possible. My goal as your lawyer in a drug case is to get you through the process so you won't end up with a conviction and a criminal record. If that is not possible, I will seek to minimize the possible consequences you face. I am skilled at having charges reduced and dismissed. I offer a contact me to discuss your case.
Providing Criminal Defense in Maryland Since 1992
Drug possession charges vary greatly in their level of seriousness, from first-time marijuana possession to multiple offenses for possession or even importing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). Charges may be brought by the state or by the federal government, and penalties can include fines, probation and jail or prison time.
If you face drug possession charges, now is not the time to quickly figure out how the justice system works. Instead, ensure your rights are fully protected by working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
I can meet with you, discuss your concerns, explain your options and provide a defense aimed at reducing or eliminating legal penalties. For more information regarding how I can help you following drug charges, contact one of my offices.
The following links offer more information about drug charges in Maryland:
- Drug possession: Drug possession charges can vary greatly in their level of seriousness, from first-time marijuana possession to possession of a threshold amount of cocaine, heroin or meth. The "scheduled drug or narcotic" can determine the type and magnitude of the charges.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia: In Maryland, possessing items such as pipes, rolling paper, clips or even baggies can result in drug paraphernalia charges.
- Drug distribution charges: Many people think that only dealers can be charged with drug distribution. Simply sharing drugs with your friends, however, can result in serious felony charges that can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
- Drug kingpin: In Maryland, defendants facing drug distribution charges face enhanced criminal penalties if they are deemed to be drug "kingpins."
I also assist clients with drug diversion programs as a way to resolve the charges against them.
Don't Talk to Police
The most important advice for anyone charged with possession of illegal drugs is this: Don't talk to the police or anyone else before you are represented by an experienced attorney.
Your first instinct may be to try and make the charges go away by talking. Police may promise to "do something" if you talk to the state's attorney or make other assurances if you cooperate. However, trying to deal with the police on your own will usually result in worse consequences. Even if you think you are innocent, you could end up saying something to police that will result in serious criminal charges.
Drug Crime Charges and Criminal Diversion
The consequences of hiring the wrong lawyer can cost you the rest of your life. When I represent you, I will discuss possible criminal diversion alternatives to jail or prison that may be available in your case before you go to court. Many counties in Maryland offer pretrial diversion classes. However, it is important that I review what is being offered to you because it may not be the best plan of action. Many times, the state offers a stet instead of a nol pros if you complete the program. A stet could result in a three-year wait to expunge (clear) your record instead of an immediate expungement.
Contact Me
To protect your future, contact me, Baltimore, Maryland drug attorney Jim Crawford, before you talk to police or anyone else. I am available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Baltimore criminal defense attorneys offer a free initial consultation. To contact me, call 443-701-4525 or 866-635-0623.
