Throughout the entire United States, local governments are easing up on charges in relation to drug charges. It seems like it is always changing, so what are the charges if you are caught with drugs in your possession? There are two different categories, marijuana is in it’s own category, and other drugs, such as cocaine, meth, and heroin are in the other category.
Let’s start with marijuana. If you have less than 10 grams of marijuana in your possession, it has a maximum fine $100. If you have less than 50 lbs and over 10 grams, you can be charged with a misdemeanor, up to a year in jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If there is over 50 lbs of marijuana in your possession, it is considered a felony, with up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000. If you are a third time offender, or under 21, there will be a requirement to undergo a clinical assessment for substance abuse and possibly a drug education program. Again this is only possession, so if you are caught selling marijuana, it is a felony with up to 5 years/$15,000 fin, and if you sell over 50 lbs, it is a felony with no less than 40 years. Lastly, if you are caught trafficking marijuana, or better yet, known as a kingpin drug trafficker, you have 20 - 40 years possibly in prison, with an additional $1,000,000 fine.
If you are in possession of a controlled substance, such as heroin, meth, or cocaine, the punishment will be different. For possession, it is a misdemeanor, with a max penalty of up to 4 years, and/or a $25,000 fine. If you bring 28 grams inside the state of Maryland, it is a felony with penalty of $50,000 and/or 25 years in prison. As for the sale of these certain drugs, the sale of cocaine can cost you a penalty of 20 years in prison, with a $25,000 fine. If the sale is more than 448 grams of cocaine, or 50 grams of crack, you will have no less than 40 years in prison. For trafficking, it is the same as marijuana, with 20-40 years in jail, and/or $1,000,000 fine. With heroin, it is almost the same as cocaine. But if you sell over 28 grams of heroin, you will have no less 40 years in jail.
One other thing to note, if you are charged with the crime more than one time, penalties will be harsher. Same goes with selling to minors, their will be much heavier penalties.
If you find yourself in a troubled situation please seek attention immediately. If you find yourself in legal trouble, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo today, so we can help you fight your case, or reduce your sentence.