Maryland man sentenced for drug possession and DUI

In April 2011, a police officer noticed cars on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway slowing down and swerving out of the right lane to avoid hitting something. As the officer got closer, he discovered a vehicle stopped in the right lane with the driver asleep behind the wheel.

Although the interstate is no place to take a nap, it was fortunate that the driver had his foot on the brake and did not cause an accident. However, the man was arrested when the police officer determined that the man had been drinking and was in possession of drugs and a stolen handgun.

This week, the 35-year-old Laurel man, who had a previous felony conviction in Virginia, was sentenced in federal court to four years in prison for the drug possession, six months in prison for driving under the influence and two years of supervised probation.

As you can see, drug and DUI charges are not taken lightly in Maryland. Drug possession can result in serious fines, jail time and a criminal record. Drug trafficking and distribution charges can result in even harsher consequences such as prison time.

In Maryland, DUI charges can lead to fines, loss of driving privileges and jail time. Multiple DUI charges can lead to a felony conviction and significant jail time.

The sentences related to these convictions get even more serious when the person has a prior record or is charged with more than one crime. Whatever the situation may be, it’s extremely important to be represented by a competent criminal defense lawyer who will stand up for your rights.

Source: Baltimore Sun, “Man busted for drugs after falling asleep in car sentenced to prison,” Peter Hermann, May 30, 2012