I was arrested for Drug Trafficking: What next?

The state of Maryland takes drug trafficking charges very seriously, and there are maximum penalties that can be quite harsh. Moreover, it is important to know that in Maryland a person can be charged with drug trafficking for having a very small amount of drugs. The person who is charged with this enhanced crime may be offered a considerable amount of jail time along with other fines.

That is where an experienced Maryland drug crime attorney can help. A skilled and knowledgeable Maryland drug trafficking attorney will become familiar with arguments that might be used by the prosecution and use this information to inform their approach to the defendant’s case.

Penalties and Charges For Drug Trafficking In Maryland

Drug trafficking laws in Maryland are quite harsh. For example, if a person had 45 kilograms of marijuana, the penalty is 25 years of jail time. If a person has less than 45 kilograms of marijuana, the jail time will be 10 years. If the amount of marijuana is much lower, the penalty is up to 5 years.

With regards to heroin, penalties are a little different. If it is a misdemeanor, the penalty is 4 years. However, if the possession of heroin also involves distribution and trafficking, the penalty becomes much more serious – from 20 to 40 years of jail time plus $1,000,000 fine.

What Should You Do If You Are Arrested For Drug Trafficking In Maryland?

Here is what you should and can do:

Contact a Maryland drug crime lawyer immediately

You should never underestimate a drug trafficking crime, and you need aggressive and professional legal representation in order to protect your rights. Therefore, you should hire a Maryland criminal defense attorney, who will guide you through the process.

Know Your Rights

During your arrest, you do not have to answer any questions. You can remain silent until your attorney arrives to assist you.  It is also important to know that police officers cannot search you unlawfully.  This means they have no right to search you randomly just because you look suspicious. If they do, you can use it in your defense later.

Gather Evidence

With the help of a professional experienced Maryland criminal lawyer, you should collect as much evidence as you can. Any evidence should be secured and cannot be ignored – from the proof that you were somewhere to the results of the test showing that the substances were not drugs.

How To Dismiss Or Reduce a Drug Trafficking Charge?

Once you hired a professional criminal defense attorney, you can discuss with them a route to either minimize or drop your charges and penalties.

Insufficient Evidence

One of the most effective defense strategies is to prove that the evidence provided by the state is insufficient. If your attorney is experienced and skilled enough, he or she can challenge any holes in the state’s evidence by proving that it is not sufficient.

Challenge The Way Evidence Was Acquired

If the evidence was collected illegally, it can be challenged as well. For example, if police searched you inappropriately, then the evidence that was received can be excluded from the case. Another example is a home being searched without a proper search warrant.

Reliability Of Witnesses and Informants

It is another common defense that may be quite effective. For example, if a witness was promised to receive a reduction for their own penalties in exchange for a testimony, then their words are questionable.

Entrapment Defense

Entrapment means that a police officer or government official has convinced you to commit a crime that you would not have committed under other circumstances. Even though it is a quite rare defense mechanism, it still can be used if you have an experienced attorney working with you.

Law Office of Robert Castro – Your Professional Legal Help And Support In Maryland

If you are involved in drug trafficking, you need professional legal help and an aggressive lawyer to protect you and your rights. If you live in Waldorf or St. Charles MD or any other nearby town, you should contact the Law Office of Robert Castro. Robert Castro is a professional St. Charles drug crime lawyer who has helped hundreds of clients and is ready to help you.

If you have any questions, or you want to discuss your case, feel free to contact the Law Office of Robert Castro and schedule your initial consultation with St. Charles drug crime attorney.