Blog: Drug Crimes

Understanding the Consequences of MDMA Possession in Maryland: What You Need to Know About Defenses and Your Rights

Sep 11, 2024

Being charged with MDMA possession in Maryland is a serious matter that can lead to significant legal consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Whether this is your first offense or you have prior charges, it’s critical to understand the legal process and your rights. This blog will cover the potential penalties for MDMA possession, common defenses, and how a MDMA Possession Laws in Maryland MDMA, commonly known as “ecstasy” or...

The consequences of drug convictions in Maryland

Jan 11, 2024

One of the most common crimes that defendants are convicted for in Maryland are drug-related offenses. These offenses can have serious penalties. In fact, they often have more consequences than most people even realize. Avoiding a conviction is important if you want to avoid these issues. Felony drug conviction in Maryland All states have their own standards for how drugs are treated by the legal system. Not all drug charges are treated seriously...

Jun 30, 2023

Car crashes and violations related to marijuana have spiked over the past year, according to a local The number of crashes investigated by Maryland State Police that were linked to marijuana nearly doubled from 2017 to 2018. Over the same time period, the number of traffic violations linked to marijuana jumped by nearly 40 percent. Maryland State Police said it provides troopers with advanced training for detecting impairment among drivers. The...

Smelling Cannabis Won’t Be a Reason for a Stop Starting July 1

Jun 5, 2023

Maryland law enforcement won’t be able to stop a vehicle or a person based solely on the smell of cannabis starting July 1. The legal measure prevents law enforcement from stopping motorists based on the smell of cannabis alone unless there is other evidence that the motorist is impaired such as erratic driving. Baltimore City state legislator Sen. Jill Carter sponsored the heavily debated The governor allowed the bill to become law...

An overview of controlled dangerous substances in Maryland

Mar 21, 2023

Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) have always been a problem in Maryland, but the pandemic caused a new surge in use, overdoses, and death. Here’s a breakdown of Maryland’s CDS classifications, known as “schedules.” Schedule I Drugs in this group are considered highly addictive, unsafe and have no approved use for medical treatments. Marijuana (organic and synthetic) Heroin LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) Peyote (mescaline) Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) Bath salts...

Maryland Lawmakers Considering Whether Police can Stop Motorists for Cannabis Scent

Feb 8, 2023

Maryland lawmakers are debating a The bill would also prohibit police from using cannabis-related evidence as the sole basis to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause for a stop including possession of cannabis, suspicion that the person possesses cannabis and the presence of money near cannabis. Baltimore City state legislator Sen. Jill Carter sponsored the bill. Last year, Maryland’s top court ruled in a 4-3 decision that police can stop someone...

Reduced Penalties for Marijuana Now in Effect

Jan 4, 2023

The recreational use of cannabis won’t be legal in Maryland until July 2023 but several changes in state laws on weed have gone already into effect. Reduced penalties for marijuana possession became the norm on Jan. 1, 2023. New penalties for cannabis possession Starting Jan. 1, possession of up to 2.5 ounces is a civil offense. Fines max out at $100 for possession of up to 1.5 ounces and $250 for up to...

What penalties does Maryland have for drug charges?

Dec 15, 2022

In Maryland, possession of drugs is taken very seriously and can lead to jail time. Maryland Criminal Statute 5-601 covers possession of controlled dangerous substances. In Maryland, individuals are prohibited from possessing controlled dangerous substances, including narcotic prescriptions if not prescribed to them. The penalties for being in possession of drugs vary depending on the substance that the person is in possession of. Possession of any drug, except marijuana Possession Possession With...

When is a pipe just a pipe and when is it drug paraphernalia?

Mar 1, 2021

Some household objects and chemicals may seem innocuous but if a person in Ocean City is facing drug charges, these objects could be considered drug paraphernalia. This means the possession of these items could lead to further penalties if the accused is convicted of a drug crime. Factors courts will consider when deciding what constitutes drug paraphernalia Courts in Maryland will consider several In addition, courts will consider any instructions and...

Marijuana Smell and Amount Under 10 Grams Was not Probable Cause for Search Incident to Arrest

Sep 10, 2019

The smell of marijuana combined with possession of an amount clearly less than 10 grams does not grant Maryland police officers probable cause for a search incident to the arrest, the Court of Appeals has ruled. The legal action deals with the arrest and search of a man and his vehicle after two officers smelled marijuana. When the officers searched the man, they discovered cocaine. The case is another in a series of decisions...