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Drug Charges Based On Paraphernalia Carry Significant Penalties
Drug charges based on paraphernalia carry significant penalties
In Maryland, drug charges can carry very serious penalties that can have long term consequences on the lives of those charged if they are convicted. Depending on the type of drug that the individual is accused of possessing or selling, they may face hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, and other significant reductions in their rights if they are convicted of their alleged crimes. In fact, a person does not even have to have drugs in their possession to face a drug crime in Maryland. They can be charged with the serious crime of drug paraphernalia possession.
What is drug paraphernalia?
Drug paraphernalia is not actual illegal drugs. Rather, it is the equipment or items a person might need to produce, manufacture, or use illegal drugs. Many different objects may be considered drug paraphernalia by law enforcement officials but may actually be legal items with no drug-related uses. When charged with a drug paraphernalia crime, an individual can seek legal help from a criminal defense attorney to sort out the mistaken identification of their property as drug paraphernalia.
What Are The Consequences For An Underage DUI In Maryland?
What are the consequences for an underage DUI in Maryland?
Parents of teens in the Annapolis area know that their kids do not always make good decisions. In fact, it can seem like they rarely think before they act. A person’s brain doesn’t fully develop until they are in their 20s, so it is expected that there can be many mistakes a teen makes. Most of the time these mistakes do not cause serious consequences but when a teen winds up facing a DUI, there can be serious consequences.
The state of Maryland has very severe consequences for those who drink and drive. Anyone who is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol can face a DUI. But those who are under the age of 21 may face different consequences.
Maryland underage DUI
Maryland has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving. A person who is under the age of 21 and has a blood alcohol content of 0.02 or more can be charged with a DUI. The consequences for an underage DUI may include:
Points Associated With Impaired Driving Convictions In Maryland
Points associated with impaired driving convictions in Maryland
Accusations of drunk or impaired driving are serious legal matters for Annapolis residents. When an individual is stopped and arrested for alleged DUI or DWI, they may not fully understand the sanctions that can accompany their legal troubles if they are convicted of their alleged crimes. An impaired driving conviction can bring with it the loss of a person’s driver’s license, fines, and even time in jail, depending on the charge.
This post will look at the points that a driver may accrue on their license when they are convicted of DUI or DWI. This post is informational, and readers should not use any part of it as legal advice or guidance on their own unique cases. When facing impaired driving charges, it is best to seek help from a Maryland-based criminal defense attorney for support.
DUI: Points for convictions
Driving under the influence is a serious criminal charge. A conviction for DUI can result in 12 points assessed to a driver’s license for both a first and second charge. The accumulation of 12 or more points on a person’s license in two years can result in the revocation of their driving privileges.
Possible Criminal Defense Strategies For Drug Possession Charges
Possible criminal defense strategies for drug possession charges
Facing allegations for a drug crime can carry with it serious repercussions. Thus, individuals in Maryland and elsewhere should fully understand the situation surrounding these allegations. For drug charges, this means not only taking note of the charges one is accused of but the steps that led to these charges. The search and seizure process is often involved in such allegations, making it an important factor to consider, but not the only one, when devising a criminal defense strategy against the charges.
Drug possession
A drug possession charge could stem from allegations that the drug in question was for personal use or was intended to sell. Depending on the circumstances, such as type of drug, the quantity and other items found with the drugs, such as money, scales and baggies, drug possession charges could be very severe and carry with it significant penalties. Thus, exploring the following 7 common defense strategies may be beneficial.
What Is The Difference Between DUI And DWI In Maryland?
What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Maryland?
You may have had a couple drinks at a local bar during happy hour or over dinner at a restaurant in Annapolis. You are on your way home when you suddenly see police lights flashing in your rear-view mirror. Soon, you find yourself being arrested on drunk driving charges.
This is a situation no one wants to be in, but it does happen. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of drunk driving laws in Maryland, including the difference between a DUI and a DWI.
When will I be charged with DUI?
You will be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or greater. This is known as being under the influence "per se." Basically, this means that, besides obtaining your BAC, police do not need to collect any other evidence to prove that you are under the influence of alcohol.
When will I be charged with DWI?
However, even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you still could face the lesser drunk driving charge, driving while impaired (DWI). A person can be charged with DWI based on observation, for example, if the driver is swerving, has alcohol on their breath or does not a field sobriety test. If, based on these observations, the arresting officer believes you are under the influence and cannot drive safely, you can be charged with DWI, even if your BAC is below the legal limit.
Arrestee In Nearby Howard County Faces 25 Different Charges
Arrestee in nearby Howard County faces 25 different charges
Being arrested and facing a criminal charge is hard enough. Facing 25 different criminal charges can be overwhelming for anyone. For one man who was arrested recently in nearby Howard County, that is exactly his current situation.
Human trafficking and prostitution charges
According to a recent report, all of the charges against the suspect – a 36-year-old man – were announced on February 5 after the man was previously arrested on February 3. Among the many charges the man faces are charges of prostitution, resisting arrest, drug distribution and human trafficking.
The reports indicate that the investigation in the case began from tips received by local law enforcement about prostitution taking place at a hotel. From there, law enforcement officials reportedly tracked the alleged illegal activity to the suspect who, at the time of his arrest, was alleged to have been found in possession of cocaine and heroin. The amount of illegal drugs allegedly found in the suspect’s possession led law enforcement officials to believe that he intended to distribute the drugs.
Will I Be Required To Install An Ignition Interlock Device?
Will I be required to install an ignition interlock device?
As part of drunk driving charges in Massachusetts, an accused driver may be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. For that reason, accused drivers should be aware of the requirements this will place on them, how ignition interlock devices work and how to protect themselves from drunk driving charges.
Who has to install an ignition interlock device?
Accused drivers who have multiple drunk driving offenses may be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. Accused drivers may wonder how they work:
- Once an ignition interlock device has been placed on the driver’s vehicle, drivers will need to turn on the ignition of the vehicle and wait for the instructions displayed by the ignition interlock device. It will typically require them to take an initial breath alcohol test.
- The driver will then need to blow into the ignition interlock device until they have provided an acceptable breath alcohol test sample. If the driver passes the breath alcohol test, the ignition interlock device will allow them to start the vehicle’s ignition.
Parents Charged After Infant Ingests Opioid
Parents charged after infant ingests opioid
Parenting is hard. It is something that all new parents quickly realize that regardless of how many books we read or YouTube videos we watch, there simply is no clear-cut way to be the ideal parent. Unfortunately, things happen, and sometimes, our kids get into things they should not and ingest things that are not for them. After all, kids stick everything in their mouths. Though, for one local couple, a possible inadvertent ingestion has led to criminal charges.
The disturbing story
Last November, a South County couple called 9-1-1 for their sick child. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to the call for the Lothian 10-month-old child. The child was having trouble breathing, and EMS suspected that the child’s symptoms may have been a reaction to opioids. As such, they administered Narcan, and the infant began to get better. And, the infant recovered.
The alleged crime
Since Narcan only effects those experiencing an opioid overdose, they reported the incident to the police. The police found that the infant had indeed ingested an opioid. As a result, the parents were recently charged with child neglect and reckless endangerment and arrested. Though, the same day they were arrested, they were both released.
Local Arrested On Drug Charges After Traffic Stop In Westminster
Local arrested on drug charges after traffic stop in Westminster
If there is anything that we learned from 2020 and the beginning of 2021, it is that bad can always go to worse, even if we already think we are at the bottom. This is what one local is facing after his bad day of traffic stop turned into a devastating day marred by an arrest.
The traffic stop
The Annapolis man, aged 32, was driving last Tuesday when he was pulled over by the police. According to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the traffic stop was initiated on the eastbound lane of Md. 140 near Old Westminster Pike. CCSO claims that the man was speeding.
The search
During the stop, CCSO claims that they "observed" indicators of controlled substances and/or criminal activity. As a result, they searched the vehicle, and this is when they allegedly discovered capsules containing white powdery residue, which they "suspected" was heroin.
During the initial contact, the man allegedly told the officer that there was a piece of an AR-15 rifle in the trunk of the vehicle. After a search of the trunk, police claim they found AR-15 pieces, a handgun and ammunition.
Man Faces Charges For Theft Assault On A Police Officer And More
Man faces charges for theft, assault on a police officer and more
Any criminal charge in Annapolis and across Maryland can result in severe consequences. Of course, some will be harsher than others. This depends on the circumstances. Often, one small incident like shoplifting items of limited value can escalate into serious charges if the person who is accused commits other acts like assault and resisting arrest. Even with the stigma attached, there could be extenuating circumstances and avenues to explore a plea agreement or getting an acquittal. A key is to have legal assistance from the start.
Man accused of shoplifting said to have assaulted law enforcement officer
Officers were called to investigate a man who was allegedly shoplifting shortly after 5 p.m. When they arrived, they confronted the man and tried to bring him into custody. He is said to have resisted arrest, assaulted the officer and tried to take her weapon. As other officers tried to help her, the man was eventually subdued and arrested. The officer was taken to the hospital where she was diagnosed as having minor injuries. The man was charged with theft of items worth less than $1,500, resisting arrest, and first-degree and second-degree assault.
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