Facing drug charges? Consider rehab.

On Behalf of | Jun 21, 2016 | Drug Charges

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime in Maryland, you are facing serious penalties. The minimum sentence for possessing one ounce of an illegal drug is 90 days in jail and a fine up to $500. If you’re caught in possession of 10 grams to 50 lbs. of marijuana, the penalty is up to one year in prison and a fine up to $1,000. If you are charged with possession with an intent to distribute less than 50 lbs. of marijuana, the maximum penalty is 5 years in jail and a $1,000 fine. The penalties are more serious for other drugs.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect you from these penalties. There may have been irregularities in the way law enforcement handled your case, or faulty equipment may have been used to test your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Your defense may even include a drug treatment or rehabilitation program.

Rehab can be an important part of your defense

If you have been charged with a drug-related crime, you may not realize that entering a rehabilitation program can help your defense. There are various treatments and rehab programs you should consider enrolling in before your case is heard.

  • Out-patient programs including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other group therapy programs
  • In-patient treatment programs such as those found in hospitals and treatment centers
  • One-on-one psychiatric or psychological therapy
  • Medical treatment including naloxone that prevents drug overdose, naltrexone which blocks the euphoric effects of various street drugs, and other prescription pharmaceuticals

Entering an in- or out-patient drug rehab program plays an important part in your criminal defense strategy. It shows the prosecution that you accept some responsibility for your actions yet, at the same time, understand that circumstances may have been beyond your control. It shows that you know you need help, and are serious about making changes that will prevent you from making similar mistakes in the future. Acknowledging this can lead to a more lenient or alternative sentence. Additionally, beginning a program of your own choosing can prevent you from being stuck in an undesirable or ineffective program the judge orders for you.

Contact a defense attorney to learn more

Anyone charged with a drug-related crime in Maryland can benefit from proactively entering a rehab program. It not only helps your defense to show the judge you are serious about preventing relapse, but it helps you improve your health and quality of life. If you are dealing with a drug-related charge, you should seek the advice of experienced legal counsel to learn more about rehab as a defense strategy.

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