Drug Crimes

Massachusetts Drug Defense Lawyer

Massachusetts Drug Crimes and Penalties

Drug crimes are treated as a serious offense, with serious potential penalties here in Massachusetts. If you are facing a drug charge, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. There may be legal issues surrounding your case that could require the charges to be dismissed. You may have a case worth fighting, or you may wish to consult with a lawyer known for working out the best plea deals allowed by law. Only a skilled criminal defense attorney can properly analyze and help you decide how to handle your case.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your driver’s license for one to five years on your first conviction for a drug offense. Other potential penalties include:

• Jail
• Heavy fines
• Court-mandated treatment programs (many are inpatient)
• Probation
• Drug Offender Registration
• Community Service
• Forfeiture of assets believed to be related to drug activity (cell phone, car- in more serious cases, even your home)

In Massachusetts, there are different types of drug charges:

Drug possession: Having illegal narcotics in your possession or control for personal use, sale, or distribution

Possession of a Class A substance (heroin, morphine, GHB, special K) carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to 2 years in jail (1st offense)
• Up to 5 years in state prison (2nd offense)

Possession of a Class B substance (cocaine, crack, LSD, oxydodone, oxycontin, ecstasy, hydrochloride, amphetamine, methamphetamine) carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to 1 year in jail (1st offense)
• Up to 2 ½ years in jail (2nd offense)

Drug Possession with intent to distribute: Having illegal narcotics in your possession with the intention of selling those narcotics

Possession of a Class A substance w/ intent to distribute carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to 2 ½ years in jail (1st offense)*
• Minimum mandatory of 5 years in state prison (2nd offense)

Possession of a Class B substance w/ intent to distribute carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to 2 ½ years in jail (1st offense)*
• Minimum mandatory of 3 years in state prison (2nd offense)

Possession of a Class D substance (marijuana) w/ intent to distribute carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to 2 ½ years in jail (1st offense)*
• Minimum Mandatory 2 years in state prison (2nd offense)

* If you are charged with possession with intent to distribute within a school zone, you face a minimum mandatory of 2 years in jail, even on a first offense. You can be charged with a school zone violation if you were found to be within 1000 feet of any school, park, or playground.

Drug Manufacturing: Producing unlawful controlled substances

Drug Distribution: Smuggling, transporting, or delivering illegal narcotics.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Massachusetts, contact my office for your free initial phone consultation:

Urbelis Law, LLC

50 Milk St 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 830-2188