In Massachusetts if you are convicted of a drug offense you may face time in jail, fines, probation, drug testing, and loss of your driver's license. People who have been charged with drug crimes need an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney on their side.
The legal consequences associated with a drug crime convictions are no laughing matter and can greatly impair your quality of life and freedom. This is why it is important that you hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer who knows how to defend drug crime cases and is extremely familiar with Massachusetts law.
Massachusetts Drug Offense Law Firm
Keegan Law Offices, P.C. has represented clients who have been accused of and charged with drug offenses in Boston and throughout the state of Massachusetts. At Keegan Law Offices, we are committed to aggressively pursuing the best possible outcome for each and every one of our clients.
As a former police officer, Attorney Keegan is well aware of the many legal strategies both law enforcement and district attorneys will use when trying to obtain a drug conviction. Attorney Keegan uses his prior knowledge as a police officer to his clients' advantage by challenging evidence submitted by state attorneys, investigating faulty law enforcement procedures, and ultimately building the strongest case possible for every single one of his clients.
The potential penalties you face depend on the drug that was found and the amount. Controlled substances are classified as Class A-F in Massachusetts with Class A drugs being the most dangerous and the most harshly prosecuted.
Though marijuana possession has been decriminalized for small amounts, larger amounts and distribution still have serious criminal penalties.
Possession of a Class A substance
Class A substances include things like heroin, GHB, and morphine. These drugs are seen as having a high risk of dependency and are punished the most severely.
1st Offense: You will face up to 2 years in jail
2nd Offense: You will face 2 ½ years to 5 years in prison.
Possession of a Class B drug
Class B substances are still very addictive and include cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, oxycontin, and LSD.
1st Offense: Up to 1 year in jail
2nd Offense: Up to 2 years in jail
Possession of Class C-E substances
Typically, if you are caught in possession of one of these lesser drugs, you will be able to serve probation or a continuance without finding (CWOF). However, there are many variables that can change this depending on the drug and the potency of it.
Because many drugs within these lower classifications are prescription drugs, you can face additional charges if you are caught using the prescription of another person or using fraudulently obtained scripts.
Ref: MGL § C. 94C
With any drug possession charge, you will likely lose your driver’s license for a period of one year. however, you may qualify for a hardship license. Call me for details.
When facing charges as serious as these, you need a defense attorney on your side willing to fight for your rights. Contact my offices for a free consultation and some valuable legal advice.
Call Keegan Law Offices, P.C. today for your free initial consultation at 617-472-8400.
