Columbia Drug Crimes Attorneys
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.
What Are Controlled Substances?
A controlled substance is a mind or body-altering substances that is regulated by the government. This can include things like heroin, various types of anti-anxiety medications, pain killers, amphetamines, and many other drugs. Controlled substances are separated into 5 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.
We Will Protect You
Whether you’re being charged with possession, drug trafficking, or any other drug-related crime, you can depend onAlbers & 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.