Columbia Drug Crimes Attorneys
Defending Against Drug Crime Charges in Maryland
Drug-related crimes are often serious and can result in jail time, major fines, and missed opportunities for the future. If you are caught in possession of controlled substances in Columbia, Maryland, then you need to work with a drug crimes lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Call Albers & Associates today at (443) 665-8030 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug crimes lawyer in Columbia.
What Are Controlled Substances?
A controlled substance is a mind or body-altering substance that is regulated by the government. This can include things like heroin, various types of anti-anxiety medications, painkillers, amphetamines, and many other drugs. Controlled substances are separated into five different classes known as schedules. Each schedule is defined by whether or not the drug has a medical application and its potential for abuse.
Schedule I controlled substances have a high potential for abuse as well as no medical application. The penalties for possession of these drugs are often quite severe. Schedule II and beyond are classifications for drugs that do have a medical application but can still be used improperly. Either way, if you are caught in possession of one of these drugs, then you will likely face serious criminal charges.
Is Marijuana a Controlled Substance?
The short answer is yes. The more complicated answer is that its classification and the laws surrounding it vary from state to state and from local to federal government. Marijuana is still illegal to possess in the state of Maryland, but the laws surrounding its regulation have changed and possession is now only treated as a minor infraction, much like a traffic ticket. That being said, it is still against the law to possess it, to sell it, and to own related paraphernalia. Not only that, but marijuana used to have harsher penalties associated with it. That means that your criminal record may be eligible for expungement if you were convicted of a crime that is no longer punished to the same degree. Either way, talk to a drug crimes lawyer in Columbia, Maryland, to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Process After a Drug Arrest?
After a drug-related arrest in Columbia, MD, the process can be daunting. Typically, an arrest will result in booking and then an arraignment, where charges are formally presented. You will have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Our attorneys at Albers & Associates can guide you through this process, ensuring your rights are protected and advising on possible plea options. It's crucial to have legal counsel at this stage to avoid self-incrimination and to build a case strategy. Following the arraignment, your attorney will work on gathering evidence, building a defense, and potentially negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or a more favorable sentencing outcome.
How Does a Drug Charge Affect My Record & Future Opportunities?
Drug charges can have profound implications for your future, affecting employment, housing opportunities, and more. Even a minor possession charge might appear on background checks, influencing an employer's decision about your suitability for a job. Fortunately, there are legal remedies available, such as expungement, which can remove or seal certain charges from public records. At Albers & Associates, we can assess your eligibility for these options and help you navigate the process to minimize the long-term impact on your life.
Can Drug Charges Be Dismissed or Reduced?
Yes, drug charges can sometimes be dismissed or reduced, depending mainly on the specifics of your case, including the evidence against you and any procedural errors during your arrest. A skilled attorney from Albers & Associates will explore all possible defenses, such as challenging illegal search and seizure, disputing the identification of substances, or negotiating plea bargains. We negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the severity of charges or penalties, often aiming to lessen the impact of the charges on your record and future opportunities.
Contact Our Drug Crimes Attorney in Columbia Today
Whether you’re being charged with possession, drug trafficking, or any other drug-related crime, you can depend on Albers & Associates. He has a proven track record of going above and beyond for his clients and ensuring that law enforcement is held accountable for their practices. Contact us today to learn more about how you can protect yourself from prosecution by working with a Columbia drug crimes lawyer.
Contact us today to get started with our Columbia drug crimes lawyer.