You Need Legal Representation When Facing Drug Possession Charges
No matter the alleged drug involved, you must take drug possession charges seriously, as even a seemingly minor offense can lead to penalties under Maryland law ― not to mention a criminal conviction can stay on your record forever.
As with all drug-related offenses, you need an experienced lawyer by your side. I will work with you one on one and find the weaknesses in the case against you and use them to develop an effective legal defense.
I will carefully examine the circumstances of your arrest for possession and help determine what defenses are available, including whether police violated any of your constitutional rights like your Fourth Amendment right to be free from unlawful searches and seizures. With more than a decade of legal experience, I have a deep understanding of Maryland drug possession laws, and I will use that experience to do everything I can to protect your rights and your freedom.
Simple Possession Vs. Possession With Intent To Distribute
While drug possession charges are already a serious matter, possession with intent to distribute charges are even more so. The State of Maryland classifies all possession charges as misdemeanors, possession with the intent to distribute on the other hand is classified as a felony.
Even small amounts of drugs can lead to charges of possession with intent or distribution. In fact, there is no set amount or quantity of drugs that qualify for possession with intent or distribution under Maryland law. The key element is one of intent, or what someone is planning to do. Judges and juries look at the totality of all of the circumstances to try to determine what someone is thinking. When examining the circumstances, they will review several factors, including:
- How the drugs were packaged
- How much money you had in your possession
- How the money was separated
- Whether you were found with drug paraphernalia or just drugs, which may indicate if you intended on using or, alternatively, selling the drugs
- Whether you had multiple cellphones in your possession
As you can imagine, these charges can be very subjective, which is one reason why you should seek the counsel of an attorney. A skilled attorney can explain your legal options and help dispute the state’s assertion that you intended to distribute the drugs.
Contact Me For A Free Initial Consultation Today
If you are facing drug possession or possession with intent charges and need to speak to an experienced Upper Marlboro drug possession lawyer, contact The Law Offices of John J. Pikulski, IV, LLC. I serve clients in Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland. Contact me 24 hours a day by emailing me online, or call me at 301-627-5297. I offer FREE initial consultations.