Maryland Criminal Defense - Attorneys Association

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (C.D.S.)

Attorney William A. Stavros understands that people charged with illegal drug possession are concerned about the potential consequences in court. Penalties in both the State and Federal courts can include, but are not limited to incarceration, fines, probation and a permanent criminal record. There can also be additional collateral consequences. It is important that as soon as possible after your arrest that you contact an experienced criminal lawyer, so that you can start exploring available options and defenses to your possession charges.

William A. Stavros is lawyer experienced at handling possession cases in both State and Federal Court. He serves the entire Eastern Shore, including Ocean City, through his office in Centreville, Maryland. He serves the Baltimore Metropolitan area and surrounding counties, including the Maryland D.C. suburbs from his office in Towson, Maryland. You may contact attorney William A. Stavros at (410) 825-3300 to set up a free consultation to discuss your State or Federal possession charges. If you live on the Maryland Eastern Shore call today at (410) 739-0794.

Possession of Illegal Drugs in Maryland State Court

Maryland Criminal Law Article section 5-601 refers to illegal drug possession charges as possession of a controlled dangerous substance or possession of C.D.S. This section prohibits a person from both possessing, or administering to another, any controlled dangerous substance unless the substance was obtained for a reason authorized by law such as a prescription or order from an authorized provider acting in the course of a professional practice. Section 5-601 goes on to further criminalize any attempt to obtain C.D.S. or procure or attempt to procure the administration of any C.D.S. by various means and methods of deception.

Possession of C.D.S. Not Marijuana in Maryland State Court

There are many chemicals considered controlled dangerous substances under Maryland law that may be designated under their official name, common name, chemical name or trade name into four separate schedules or categories. Commonly charged cases include: heroin, cocaine, L.S.D., spice, methamphetamine and a variety of allegedly illegally possessed prescription drugs. Under Maryland law a charge of Possession of C.D.S. other than marijuana carries a maximum possible penalty of one year of incarceration and up to a five thousand dollar fine for a first conviction, and up to eighteen months and a five thousand dollar fine for a second or third conviction. A fourth or subsequent conviction carries a potential sentence of two years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of five thousand dollars. Despite these differences in the potential amount of jail time, based upon the number of prior convictions, simple possession is considered a misdemeanor in the Maryland state court system.

Possession of Marijuana in Maryland State Court

Maryland law as it applies to possession of marijuana (sometimes spelled marihuana in charging documents) is more complicated in that there are numerous potential penalties depending on a variety of factors. Depending on the amount possessed a person may be charged criminally or under a civil citation. The maximum possible penalty for a first time offender charged with criminal misdemeanor possession of marijuana can be up to six months of incarceration and a one thousand dollar fine; those issued a citation for a civil offense do not face potential jail time or a criminal conviction under Maryland law but may face different potential penalties depending upon the number of prior offenses. There are also other special considerations and defenses that may apply to some people suffering from certain medical conditions.

Experienced With Possession Cases in Both the State and Federal Courts in Maryland

Attorney William A. Stavros is experienced at handling possession cases in both the State and Federal Court systems in Maryland. Simple possession on Federal property is subject to Federal procedures and Federal law. Some options and outcomes available in State Court are not available in Federal Court and vise versa. Contact Mr. Stavros today to discuss your particular situation.

Client Reviews

Mr. Will Stavros is an excellent attorney. He represented me on my dui charge. He was very professional and had immense knowledge about the existing law and how it worked. I, in total had about 18 citations and the state was asking for jail time. I was amazed by his proficiency in logical reasoning...

S.T.

Will Stavros is a outstanding criminal defense attorney. He is responsive, thorough and creative in his advice. I immediately developed trust and confidence in him due to his vast wealth of knowledge and experience. I found him to be extremely efficient and cost effective given my complex situation...

M.R.

Attorney William Stavros is "Simply The Best". He represented me a few years ago on the Eastern Shore in Ocean City for minor drug offense. Great outcome. Recently had a nerve wrecking serious offense 3rd time DUI on the upper Eastern Shore. There was no doubt whatsoever that I wanted Mr. Stavros as...

K.T.

A few months back my daughter found herself in some legal trouble. A friend of ours suggested we contact Mr. Stavros. We set up a consultation with Mr. Stavros were he outline all of the potential pitfalls in our case. Once we retained Mr. Stavros on our case he immediately went into high gear...

T.E.

Mr. Stavros was the answer to my prayer! This was for us, a first time experience with a serious traffic offense for my son, so of course we were unnerved at the prospect of going to court. Mr. Stavros was very professional, knowledgeable and sincerely interested in helping us through the process...

A.F.

As most people probably are, I was scared at the thought of being in need of an attorney. Will Stavros calmed my fears professionally and delicately. I am a young mother that had little time to deal with the seriousness of my case. Will was incredibly informative and made sure I understood what my...

S.V.

We were all very pleased with the outcome of my son’s case. I wanted to thank you for all of your help with my son’s case. I was very impressed when we met with you the first time for our free consultation. You had already done a lot of background research and informed us of what to expect and...

N.M.

Mr. Stavros proved himself a master strategist In the course of many years, I have been associated with several attorneys on a professional basis. None of those can even come close to William Stavros. This exceptional attorney assisted me in a serious traffic matter that could have ruined my...

P.G.

I will certainly recommend his services in the future to anyone who finds themselves in a legal bind "Mr Stavros is very knowledgeable and respectful to his clients. When I hired him as my attorney, he was always willing to make time to discuss my case with me. He put forth a great amount of time...

P.P.

Mr. Stavros, you have my highest recommendation -- "Dear Mr. Stavros I want to thank you so much for the time and effort you applied towards my case. You took extra time and discussed all of my concerns on several occasions before court. You also provided excellent suggestions for me to complete...

J.C.

I can confidently recommend Mr. Stavros' legal professional services "As a Maryland attorney, I can confidently recommend Mr. Stavros' legal professional services. He is been my number one referral source for individuals who have a need for traffic or criminal cases, in large part due to his...

Anonymous

I would gladly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a lawyer. Will made what was a terrible situation better by being available and attentive. My questions and concerns were always answered and addressed, and complex issues were explained and options presented. His thorough knowledge of law...

J.R.

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