Drug Crime Defense Attorneys in Woburn, MA
Drug Crimes Attorneys From Woburn Aiding Your Fight for Freedom
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts takes drug possession, distribution, and trafficking very seriously. So do we. Contant Law specializes in criminal defense, protecting your rights when charged with drug possession or drug distribution.
If you have been charged with a drug crime, your future and freedom could be in jeopardy. Hiring a highly-trained criminal defense attorney is the best way to safeguard your legal rights and protect your ability to achieve your life goals. Even first-time drug convictions can result in steep fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record.
Contant Law, P.C. is a law firm dedicated to helping clients avoid severe criminal penalties by providing them with skilled legal representation. Our Woburn drug crimes lawyers have extensive experience and will gladly meet with you to review your legal options. Contact our Woburn law offices immediately to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about our legal services.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer if I Have Been Charged With a Drug Crime?
Being charged with any crime can result in fines and damage your personal and professional reputation. However, Massachusetts has strict drug laws, and convictions can result in defendants receiving lengthy prison sentences.
Some of the most critical legal services that a criminal defense lawyer provides to clients include:
- Professional evaluations of the state’s evidence to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the case
- Conducting independent investigations and gathering evidence, including police reports, dash or body cam footage, and witness statements
- Keeping clients informed of changes or progress in their cases and guiding them through the complex criminal justice system
- Files legal paperwork, including motions to suppress evidence or to have the case dismissed
- Negotiates with prosecutors to have evidence excluded or work out a plea deal
- Provides legal representation should the case need to go to trial to be resolved
The potential penalties for drug offenses in Massachusetts are significant. Failure to hire an attorney could result in losing your freedom. Do not take the risk of not having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Woburn District Court protecting your rights.
Is Drug Possession a Felony in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, any type of drug possession is treated as a serious offense. Under state laws, drug possession may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts of the case. Some of the factors that determine how drug possession will be charged depend on the type and quantity of the substance involved.
Massachusetts categorizes drugs into five classifications. For example, Class A drugs include highly addictive substances such as heroin or Ketamine, with marijuana being considered a Class D drug.
For prosecutors to pursue a drug possession charge, they must demonstrate that the defendant had direct control of a drug or chemical substance belonging to one of the five classifications.
One of the advantages of hiring a drug crime lawyer is they can build a solid defense case that demonstrates the defendant did not knowingly or intentionally possess the drugs in question.
If you need further clarification regarding drug possession laws, contact our law office to speak with a Woburn criminal defense lawyer today.
What Determines the Severity of Penalties in Drug Possession Cases?
The severity and penalty imposed on an individual who has been convicted of drug possession will depend on several factors. For example, the court will consider the type of drug and whether this is your first or repeat offense.
One of the most critical factors courts use when determining penalties is the drug classification. Massachusetts law categorizes controlled substances into classes A through E, and possible sentences include:
- Class A: Possession of opioid drugs, including heroin and ketamine, can result in a sentence of up to two years in jail with a possible $2,000 fine
- Class B: Possession of LSD or cocaine can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail with a possible $1,000 fine
- Class C Possession of Ativan or Vicodin can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail with a possible $1,000 fine
- Class D: Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana or phenobarbital can result in a sentence of up to six months in jail and a possible $500 fine
- Class E: Possession of lower doses of prescription drugs, such as opium or codeine, can result in a sentence of up to six months in jail and a possible $500 fine
When Can a Person Be Charged With Drug Distribution?
There is a common misconception that an individual must have a specific quantity of narcotics to be charged with drug distribution. Under state law, a person can be charged with drug distribution based on other factors involved in the case.
For example, you could be charged with drug distribution if you sell or transfer controlled substances to another individual. Drug distribution should not be confused with the crime of drug possession with the intent to distribute, which may be charged if the facts suggest you intended to sell the drugs. Possession of certain things, like scales or controlled substances packaged individually, may be used to support such an intent.
If you have been charged with drug distribution in Woburn district court, you must immediately hire a criminal defense lawyer. The sooner you consult a criminal defense lawyer; the sooner they can begin to build a strong defense case.
Our criminal defense law firm has a proven record of helping clients navigate their criminal cases and knows what it takes to get results.
What are the Penalties for Drug Distribution?
The penalties for drug trafficking or distribution in Massachusetts are severe, including the risk of prison time. If you are found with baggies, a scale, small amounts of drugs in separate packages, or other paraphernalia suggestive of drug dealing, you might be charged with intent to distribute.
Convictions for drug distribution can have life-altering consequences. For example, suppose you are charged with drug possession with intent to distribute Class A or B drugs. You could be sentenced to up to 10 years in state prison and a possible $10,000 fine if convicted.
Individuals convicted of possession with intent to distribute Class C drugs could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and a possible fine of $5,000. Penalties for possession with intent to distribute Class D and E drugs can result in defendants being sentenced to two years in the House of Correction or county jail. A Class D conviction can result in a $5,000 fine and a $500 fine for Class E violations.
Due to the potentially severe penalties involved with drug distribution convictions, you need a defense attorney unafraid to stand up to the assistant district attorney handling your case. Allow a Woburn criminal defense attorney from our law office to evaluate your case and determine your legal options.
Why Should I Trust Your Criminal Defense Law Firm to Defend Me Against Drug Charges?
Contant Law, P.C. understands the intricacies of drug charges and criminal defense cases. When you come to us for help, our criminal defense attorneys review all aspects of the drug case to identify possible strategies to defend you and your rights.
We will turn over every possible stone, including analyzing the search and seizure process and reviewing an informant’s credibility. You can count on Contant Law P.C. to thoroughly investigate your case so we may protect your rights and uncover ways to build your defense. The legal strategies and defense we choose depend on the circumstances involved in the case.
As criminal defense attorneys, we have in-depth experience with the Massachusetts legal system, including drug possession and trafficking charges. We have defended numerous clients who have emerged from the other side with their liberty and dignity intact.
We listen. Our criminal defense lawyers are with you every step of the way, explaining your options clearly and straightforwardly. If you have been charged with a criminal offense such as drug possession or distribution, contact Contant Law, P.C. today at (617) 221-8221 to schedule a free case evaluation if you have been charged with a criminal offense such as drug possession or distribution.