Drugs can be found all over the country, in small towns and big cities alike. Just because drugs are commonplace does not make them legal. While medical marijuana is legal in Maryland and the state has decriminalized recreational marijuana in small amounts, the law is still strict when it comes to larger amounts, since this often points to distribution. Drug distribution is a felony crime in Maryland and can result in harsh penalties.
A 30-year-old woman was recently arrested by Anne Arundel County police for her role in a drug distribution case in Odenton. In December 2019, officers responded to a home on Edwards Drive after receiving reports of drug distribution at the residence. Officers executed a search warrant on January 8.
Police officers recovered numerous items from the home. They found 61 grams of marijuana, 11 THC cartridges, packaging materials, digital scales and $1,992 in cash. They also recovered firearms and ammunition, including a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun, a.32 caliber semi-automatic handgun and several rounds of handgun ammunition.
The woman was arrested and taken to Western District. She now faces several criminal charges, including possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana, possession of drugs other than marijuana, possession with intent to distribute, possession of a handgun, use of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm while committing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) offense.
In Maryland, small amounts of marijuana are decriminalized. However, possession of large amounts is not allowed. That’s because large quantities of drugs are often associated with drug trafficking, which is illegal everywhere.
Maryland’s decriminalization law, Section 5-601, allows residents to have under 10 grams of marijuana in their possession. If caught, the penalty is a $100 fine. However, if you are in possession of an amount between 10g and 50 lbs., the penalties increase to a $1,000 fine and one year in prison. If you are in possession of more than 50 pounds, the penalties increase even more.
Larger amounts or subsequent convictions can result in up to 40 years of prison time. Your penalties are determined by the amount of drugs and the type of drugs in your possession. For example, Schedule I drugs such as heroin and cocaine are punished more severely than steroids, opioids and other prescription drugs. Believe it or not, marijuana is also considered a Schedule I drug because it is still illegal at the federal level.
It may seem as though marijuana is decriminalized in much of the United States. However, many states still punish marijuana-related crimes harshly, especially when they involve distribution.
Drug trafficking is a felony, so if you are considered a suspect, you have a reason to be nervous about your future. The aggressive representation from the Columbia drug trafficking attorneys at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. will put you at ease. We have defenses that can help. To schedule a free consultation, call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form.
Resource:
baltimore.cbslocal.com/2020/01/09/maryland-woman-charged-in-alleged-drug-distribution-in-odenton/
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