Eastern Shore Drug Charges: Britt Criminal Defense Firm’s Expert Advocacy

In the serene landscapes of the Eastern Shore, a community often perceived as tranquil, the unexpected can occur, including facing drug-related legal challenges. When individuals find themselves entangled in the complexities of Eastern Shore drug charges, having an expert legal defense becomes paramount. Britt Criminal Defense Firm, a stalwart in legal advocacy, stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating these turbulent waters.

Understanding the Eastern Shore’s Legal Landscape

The Eastern Shore, with its picturesque vistas, has stringent drug laws. Being caught in possession or distribution can lead to severe consequences. Britt Criminal Defense Firm understands the local legal nuances and offers strategic legal counsel tailored to the Eastern Shore’s specific regulations. Their expertise encompasses a wide array of drug offenses, from possession to trafficking, ensuring comprehensive defense strategies for their clients.

Expertise Beyond Defense: Holistic Legal Support

Britt Criminal Defense Firm’s approach goes beyond conventional defense. They provide holistic legal support, addressing not only the immediate legal concerns but also the long-term implications. Their experienced attorneys delve into the specifics of each case, understanding the unique circumstances surrounding the charges. With personalized attention, they craft defense strategies that challenge evidence, question procedures, and protect the rights of the accused.

Advocacy Rooted in Experience

Britt Criminal Defense Firm’s advocacy is rooted in experience. Their seasoned lawyers bring years of expertise to the table, having successfully defended numerous clients against Eastern Shore drug charges. They understand the prosecution’s tactics, enabling them to anticipate moves and counter effectively. This knowledge, combined with their dedication to justice, forms the backbone of their defense, ensuring the best possible outcome for their clients.

Navigating the Legal Process: From Arrest to Resolution

Facing drug charges can be overwhelming. The Britt Criminal Defense Firm simplifies the legal process for their clients, guiding them from arrest to resolution. They explain the legal proceedings, potential consequences, and available defense strategies in clear, understandable terms. This transparency empowers clients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their case.

Shielding Futures, Upholding Rights

In the face of Eastern Shore drug charges, the Britt Criminal Defense Firm emerges as a steadfast protector of rights and futures. Their expert advocacy shields individuals from the harsh legal repercussions of drug-related accusations. With a combination of legal acumen, dedication, and a profound understanding of the Eastern Shore’s legal intricacies, they stand as guardians of justice, ensuring that every accused individual receives a fair chance at defense.

For anyone facing drug charges on the Eastern Shore, the Britt Criminal Defense Firm offers not just legal representation but a lifeline. Their commitment to expert advocacy, combined with compassionate understanding, transforms legal battles into navigable waters. If you or someone you know is grappling with drug charges, remember that expert help is at hand. Reach out to Britt Criminal Defense Firm and let their expertise be your shield against legal storms.

Your Defense Starts here.

If you are facing Eastern Shore drug charges, your defense journey begins with a call. 443-944-5705 Contact the Britt Criminal Defense Firm today for a consultation. Let our experienced attorney James L. Britt guide you through the legal complexities, providing expert advocacy that can safeguard your future. Don’t face these charges alone; let Britt Criminal Defense Firm be your steadfast legal partner.

Your rights, your future – We are here to protect You.

FAQ

Q1: What are the potential consequences of drug charges on the Eastern Shore?

A: Drug charges on the Eastern Shore can lead to serious penalties, including fines, probation, and imprisonment. The severity of the consequences depends on the nature of the offense, the quantity of drugs involved, and the defendant’s criminal history.

Q2: Can a defense attorney help reduce the charges or penalties?

A: Yes, a skilled defense attorney can assess the case, challenge evidence, and identify legal defenses that might lead to reduced charges or penalties. They can negotiate with the prosecution, potentially resulting in plea bargains or alternative sentencing options.

Q3: How long does the legal process for drug charges typically take on the Eastern Shore?

A: The duration of legal proceedings can vary widely based on the complexity of the case, court caseload, and negotiations between the parties involved. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly, while others might take several months or even years to reach a resolution.

Marijuana Laws in Maryland

Maryland Marijuana Laws & How They Affect You

The laws on marijuana possession are changing. Marijuana was once illegal throughout the entire United States, regardless of state or local law. However, since 1996, 20 states have passed legislation removing state-level criminal penalties for either medical use, small-time recreational use, or both. Lately, there has been a push to legalize recreational marijuana in Maryland.

Pro-Marijuana Advocates In Maryland

Pro-marijuana supporters believe marijuana legalization in Maryland marijuana laws would provide many benefits to the state’s citizens, including increased tax revenue, new jobs created by marijuana businesses (growers, sellers), and decreased crime rate because marijuana users would no longer need to illegally obtain marijuana.

Anti-Marijuana Advocates Against Cannabis Legalization

Anti-marijuana supporters argue that making it legal, would create more recreational cannabis users and further argue that:

legalizing marijuana would increase marijuana usage among children and teens,
create new marijuana users who would have never used marijuana if it was illegal,
decrease work productivity in users,
introduce marijuana use to an entire population of people who were previously deterred by the legal risks associated with marijuana possession.

Still An Ilegal Drug Under Federal Law

Nevertheless, marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug under federal law. This means marijuana is illegal to grow, distribute, or use under federal law.

Maryland marijuana laws differ depending on the county and city you live in so, it’s important to understand that Marijuana is still considered a controlled substance, and that possessing marijuana, even if it’s only for your own personal possession, is still a punishable offense.

Medical Marijuana In Maryland

In May of 2013, Maryland marijuana laws changed to allow seriously ill patients with certain qualifying conditions to legally possess marijuana for medical purposes (medical marijuana). The law allows marijuana users to register at a dispensary and receive medical cannabis (marijuana) from the dispensary.

Maryland’s Medical Marijuana Program

The Department of Health in each Maryland county can determine which illnesses qualify for medical cannabis use in their respective counties. For example, in Baltimore County, marijuana can only be used for glaucoma and cancer. In Harford County, marijuana can only be used for Crohn’s disease or the treatment of a chronic or debilitating medical condition that produces wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, or persistent muscle spasms.

Legal Medical Cannabis Registration

In order to register as a medical marijuana user in Maryland, a marijuana user must go to a dispensary and complete an application form. The marijuana user will then have the marijuana caregiver submit the application for medical marijuana to the Department of Health in their county.

Once approved, medical marijuana users can possess up to a thirty-day supply of marijuana at any given time if they are not registered with a marijuana dispensary.

Registered marijuana users can possess up to a ninety-day supply at any given time, depending on the state-approved marijuana dosage amount for each patient.

Maryland Marijuana Laws For Marijuana Dispensaries

Maryland marijuana law allows each county to decide whether or not to allow marijuana dispensaries (dispensaries) within the county. Currently, Baltimore County forbids marijuana dispensaries.

Maryland Marijuana Penalties and Criminal Charges

Marijuana users who are caught in possession of marijuana without a medical marijuana card will be sentenced to up to 90 days in prison or a fine. Marijuana Possession

Criminal marijuana possession charges are punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the marijuana user has marijuana packaged for distribution purposes, marijuana possession is punishable by up to five years incarceration and/or a maximum fine not exceeding $5,000.

First Offense (less than 10 grams marijuana)

Unlawfully using or possessing marijuana (Maryland marijuana laws do not allow marijuana to be used for any reason other than medical purpose. This is punishable by up to 90 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $500.)

Second Offense (10-49 grams marijuana)

– marijuana use or possession (punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a fine of $500)
marijuana distribution charges (punishable by up to three years incarceration and/or a maximum fine not exceeding $25,000).

Third Offense (50 grams or more marijuana)

marijuana distribution (punishable by up to five years incarceration and/or a maximum fine not exceeding $50,000).
marijuana sale (punishable by up to 15 years incarceration and/or a maximum fine not exceeding $15,000)
marijuana cultivation (punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a maximum fine not exceeding $100,000).

When dealing with any type of criminal offense, even one like Marijuana where you feel as though the consequences will be small, it is absolutely vital to get informative and accurate advice from a criminal defense lawyer. Contact Britt Criminal Defense for experienced Marijuana Criminal Charge Defense today.

Can the Smell of Weed Justify a Vehicle Search?

The Smell Of Marijuana During A Traffic Stop

The Maryland Court of Appeals — the state’s highest-ranking court recently ruled that law enforcement cannot use the smell of marijuana alone as justification for conducting a personal search during a vehicle stop.

State of Maryland vs. Michael Pacheco

The ruling stems from a 2016 case in which two Montgomery County cops asked a man named Michael Pacheco to step out of his vehicle after detecting the smell of “fresh burnt” marijuana and seeing a joint on the center console. They proceeded to search Mr. Pacheco and ended up finding cocaine in his pocket. As a result, the police charged him with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute it. They also issued a citation for possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis.

The Court of Appeals ultimately determined that while the car search was permissable, the personal search was not. This is based on the “heightened expectation of privacy one enjoys in his or her person as compared to the diminished expectation of privacy one has in an automobile.”

Marijuana Laws in Maryland — “The Times They Are a-Changin”

In 2014, Maryland decriminalized the possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana. The Court of Appeals cited this law when making its decision in the Michael Pacheco case. The Court stated that the discovery of cocaine found in Mr. Pacheco’s pockets was the result of an illegal search because the officers had no probable cause to believe he was in possession of more than 10 grams of weed.

Understanding Search and Seizures

A police officer has the right to search a vehicle if they have probable cause to believe it contains contraband or evidence of a crime. A search can lead to an arrest if officers have probable cause to think a person committed a crime in their presence. When an officer conducts a search without probable cause, it is a violation of a person’s Fourth Amendment rights and any evidence obtained will be thrown out.

Get Help From a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one are facing drug charges in Maryland, it’s important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Britt Criminal Defense, we offer a free initial consultation. Call us today at (443) 614-6881.