Even though Massachusetts now permits marijuana, the state still maintains a complex relationship with drug crimes, which is why facing a drug crime can bring forth a lot of anxiety for defendants. The state has one of the highest opioid deaths in the country. The degree of seriousness that is the opioid crisis results in strict penalties for possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
If you face drug crime charges, you need a team of attorneys who are up for your case. The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan offers Wareham drug crime lawyers to those in need. We stand our ground and hold up on the end of our promises when we say that our clients are our top priority. We treat them as such too. Contacting our team will be in your best interest if you are looking to alleviate or dissolve your drug crime charges.
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What Are the Penalties for Distributing or Possessing Drugs?
The possession of any type of illegal drug in Massachusetts is punishable severely under the law. The amount in your possession, though, can further increase penalties.
Massachusetts uses a multi-tier system that classifies drugs to determine the penalties to assign each class. For example, Class A drugs include heroin and ketamine, while class B drugs are cocaine and meth. These drugs can incur a penalty of ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
All penalties vary depending on the number of drugs in possession and the criminal history of the defendant.
Someone who distributes class A, B, or C drugs to a minor can result in a minimum prison sentence of three years and a fine of up to $25,000. Meanwhile, possession of a controlled substance within 100 feet of a school or playground also requires a minimum prison sentence.
What Are Common Massachusetts Drug Charges?
The following changes are the most common in Massachusetts:
- Possession charges
- Distribution of illegal narcotics, such as cocaine, heroin, or marijuana
- Trafficking narcotics
- Drug arrests involving more than one defendant or joint venture
- Conspiracy charges
- Trafficking of marijuana
As we mentioned earlier, there are drug violations in a school zone. Under this law, anyone who faces conviction of a school zone offense is now subject to parole eligibility. Furthermore, those with a pending case or current charges will face a new charge under the new law, which is responsible for reducing the scope of the school zone statute to only punish an offense within 300 feet of a school zone. Currently, the limit is 100 feet.
Many drug charges involve the issue of forfeiture of property or money too.
You can turn to Wareham drug crime lawyers to help you out of a sticky situation. We present an aggressive defense that involves challenging evidence and seeking a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
With possession crimes, these can sometimes resolve short of admission to the charge with drug treatment or any other district attorney negotiations. Convictions, though, or a guilty finding on a drug charge results in a license loss under Massachusetts law.
The trafficking of narcotics generally consists of distributing a large number of drugs. These charges depend on the type and amount of narcotics and can carry substantial minimal jail sentences. Again, Massachusetts drug crimes carry significant penalties. You don’t want to face the consequences of having a drug conviction on your criminal record because it can last a lifetime.
Call a Wareham Drug Possession Lawyer Today
Contact the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today if you or someone you love is currently facing drug crime charges. We have extensive experience representing criminal defendants and much knowledge of the legal industry. Let us help you by guiding you through the process to achieve the most significant outcome possible for your drug crime case. We support all our clients to favorably resolve their cases while successfully defending clients should their cases go to trial. Since we understand how facing drug crime charges can cause anxiety and distress, we make ourselves readily available to answer all questions.
Call our office today for a quality Wareham drug crimes lawyer. You can reach us at 1-508-558-0422. Or, if you prefer, you can reach out to us through our website. Visit our page, fill out and submit a form detailing your case. After reviewing it, we will take the necessary steps to help you so you can get back to your life.
