How do Maryland and federal drug offenses differ?
Most drug offenses are state crimes. However, there are some circumstances where the federal government may bring drug charges against you. What is the difference between Maryland and federal drug offenses? Maryland vs. federal drug offenses The state of Maryland...
Can you go to jail for a first-time drug charge?
Maryland has strict laws prohibiting drug possession, purchase or distribution. You can face criminal charges for drug crimes, even if it is your first offense or the substance amount is small. The penalties for first-time offenders vary based on the circumstances of...
Can a teen be tried as an adult?
Juvenile courts exist because it would be unfair, in most cases, for the justice system to treat children the same as adults. Minors have their lives ahead of them, and they can make mistakes because they are still learning about how the world works. However, the...
Actions on legalization of marijuana in Maryland
The trend in many states is in the direction of reduced penalties for the use of marijuana. Toward this end, a majority of states allow either medicinal or recreational marijuana use without any legal consequences. Maryland now shows a few signs of contributing to...
Maryland considering recreational marijuana legislation
Maryland's medical marijuana program has operated since 2017, and the state decriminalized possession for small amounts of marijuana in 2014. Possession of large amounts is still a crime amounting to large fines and jail time if convicted. According to The Baltimore...
Should I plead guilty to drug crimes to get a deal?
If you are facing drug charges in Maryland, you may be considering whether to accept a plea deal. This may be one way to avoid a harsh sentence, but there may be other viable options that can avoid a conviction altogether with a strong defense. Before pleading...
What are the penalties for marijuana possession in Maryland?
While marijuana is decriminalized in Maryland to some degree, there are still penalties for possession of even small amounts of the substance, and these can increase with subsequent offenses. Whether you have a medical permit or not, you should understand the...
Can college students lose financial aid after a drug conviction?
If you are charged with a drug offense, it is critical to seek legal counsel. A drug conviction can have collateral consequences in addition to the court case itself. Student loan eligibility can be terminated. When filling out the Free Application for Federal...
How does state law define prescription drug fraud?
Some drugs and medicines are not available to the public except by prescription from a doctor. This is to make sure these substances do not end up in the hands of people who would abuse them. To discourage people from obtaining prescription drugs that they should not...
Explaining the point of decriminalizing drugs
Decriminalization of drugs is often a topic of discussion among lawmakers, but that does not mean that people understand what it means. The topic is very easy to misunderstand because it seems as if it means legalizing drugs, which is not the idea at all. According to...
