Experienced Marijuana Defense Attorney in Bowie and Dunkirk

Fighting for the rights of those accused of drug crimes in throughout Maryland

Since July 1, 2023, marijuana has been legal for personal use in Maryland. However, there are still some criminal charges you can face related to marijuana.

At Carey Law Office, we are your partner in facing criminal charges, building a strong defense, and finding a way to achieve your goals. We offer a confidential consultation at our offices in Crofton and Dunkirk, so that you can get the answers you need regarding your case. When you need help, we are there.

What does “personal use” mean when it comes to marijuana?

In Maryland, anyone aged 21 or older can possess up to 1.5 oz of marijuana, and up to two (2) cannabis plants, for their own personal use. Adults who are agreed 21 or over can also “share,” meaning that you can have the following amounts of cannabis without fear of penalty or charges:

  • Up to 1.5 ounces cannabis
  • Up to 12 grams concentrated cannabis
  • Cannabis products containing up to 750 mg strength delta-9-THC

You can also possess drug paraphernalia for consuming cannabis.

Civil penalties for marijuana possession

Under the law, possession of the following can lead to civil penalties:

  • More than 1.5 ounces, but less than 2.5 ounces cannabis
  • More than 12 grams, but less than 20 grams concentrated cannabis
  • Cannabis products containing more than 750 mg, but less than 1250 strength delta-9-THC

The civil penalty is $250. You can also face a civil penalty for public consumption.

Criminal penalties for marijuana

If you possess more than allowed personal use amounts of marijuana, you can face more severe penalties and fines. The crime of possession of between 2.5 ounces and less than 50 pounds of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor, and the punishment is up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

If your misdemeanor marijuana charges were recently pardoned by Governor Wes Moore, call Carey Law Office today. We can assist you with seeking the expungement of these charges.

The possession of more than 50 pounds is a felony. Penalties include up to five years in jail, and fines up to $100,000.

Depending on how much marijuana is found on your person or in your possession, you may also be charged with intent to sell or distribute the drug. The penalties can range anywhere from one year to 40 years (if you have been convicted before), and fines can range between $1,000 and $1,000,000.

Trafficking marijuana is a felony, with sentence enhancements when a firearm is involved. Marijuana trafficking has a penalty of anywhere from five to 20 years in jail, and fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

Possessing drug paraphernalia can be a civil offense or a misdemeanor, with a jail term of between two and eight years and fines of up to $15,000.

Working with an experienced drug crimes attorney in Bowie or Dunkirk is the right step

Maryland takes drug crimes seriously, and the penalties can be steep when it is a second or subsequent offense, or when drugs are sold in a school zone. Regardless of the nature of the charges against you, you have rights both under Maryland law and the U.S. Constitution. At Carey Law Office, our primary goal is to get your charges dropped. If that is not possible, we build a strong defense on your behalf to get your charges reduced and focus on alternatives to jail time, like rehabilitation.

If this is your first offense, you may be able to enter a treatment program, or be granted probation. At Carey Law Office, we will aggressively defend you and propose alternatives to the court to keep you out of jail if possible. In other cases, there may be an option to consider a plea bargain. When you work with a skilled Bowie criminal defense attorney, you will never feel alone and unsure of which option to choose. With nearly four decades of experience helping countless people in situations similar to yours, you can rest assured that we will help you work things out. We are not here to judge your actions or decisions; we are here to protect your rights when you have been accused of a drug crime.

Schedule a consultation with a skilled Bowie and Dunkirk drug crime attorney

If you have been charged with marijuana possession or any other drug crimes, Carey Law Office is here to fight for your rights. From our office locations in Bowie and Dunkirk, we serve clients throughout Calvert County and across Maryland. You may call 301-464-2500 or fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation today.