Drug laws in Massachusetts can be harsh. If you think MA DUI/OUI charges are complicated to navigate, you’ll soon realize that drug possession is penalized as an even harsher crime. Consider the following details:
- If convicted of drug possession, you may lose the right to obtain licenses, including professional ones such as liquor licenses and restaurant licenses.
- Drug possession can involve the unlawful possession of substances such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, opium, etc., among others.
- Possession is defined as being in physical control or custody of a controlled substance.
- A controlled substance is a chemical or drug that is regulated by the government.
Penalties for Drug Possession in MA
| Class A (Heroin, Morphine, GHB, etc.) | Class B (Cocaine, LSD, Oxycodone, Ecstasy, Methamphitamine, etc.) | Class C (includes prescription tranquilizers, hallucinogens, narcotics) | Class D (includes Marijuana, Phenobarbitals) & Class E (includes prescription drugs and weaker opiates) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense | Jail term of 2 years | Jail term of 1 year | Jail term of 1 year | Jail term of 6 months |
| $2000 fine | $1000 fine | $1000 fine | $500 fine | |
| Second Offense | 5 years imprisonment in state prison | Jail term of 2 years | Jail term of 2 years | |
| $5000 fine | $2000 fine | $2000 fine |
Why You Must Consult a Professional
One of the conditions for obtaining a conviction under a drug charge in MA is being able to prove the willingness or intentional possession of the controlled substance. In addition, the drug under suspicion must be proven, beyond any doubt, as a controlled substance. These are just some of the reasons why an individual must have a criminal lawyer experienced in MA by their side.
Further, very few people know that individuals charged for first-time drug possession or related offenses, but not violent crimes, may find recourse into a treatment program as opposed to serving a jail term. A treatment program may include a period of probation and fulfillment of an addiction treatment program as ordained by a court. In some cities in MA, there is a provision for drug diversion programs that allow individuals to get addiction treatment instead of being charged with a crime.
These are some of the facts known only to a professional, especially one who works at protecting consumer rights in the face of a complex legal landscape such as that involving drug possession.
At YLRA, we are committed to protecting the rights of our clients through information and pertinent communication. Our professional drug lawyers sift through the circumstances of every case, analyzing and verifying the charges and raising issues regarding the legality of steps taken. Given the seriousness of drug charges, it is vital to confirm the legality of evidence and the manner in which the evidence was gathered to charge the individual with drug possession or involvement in a drug-related crime.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with a drug charge. Contact us at (855) 254-7841 for immediate assistance.
(855) 254-7841
(855) 254-7841
