When you’re charged with a drug crime, a lot goes through your mind. It’s normal to experience a volatile spectrum of emotions and thoughts, and to feel lost or overwhelmed.

The thing is, the courts and prosecutors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts don’t treat these charges lightly. Because of how aggressively the District Attorney office prosecutes these cases, it’s absolutely vital that you work with a talented New Bedford drug crimes lawyer who will advocate fervently on your behalf.

Drug Charges

In the state of Massachusetts, you can be charged with several different varieties of drug offenses such as:

• Drug Possession
• Drug Trafficking
• Drug Distribution
• School Zone Drug Violations
• Drug Violations in a Park Zone
• Drug Paraphernalia Charges
• Unlawful Drug Cultivation

Because of the laws in Massachusetts, the punishments and penalties you face with a drug charge vary quite a bit. 

Without a skilled New Bedford drug crimes lawyer by your side, it’s very likely that you’re facing severe legal consequences. Courtney K. Fogarty has over 10 years of experience handling drug-related crimes.

Penalties for Drug Charges in Massachusetts

Since the severity of illicit substances varies so much, so do the penalties for drug crimes in Massachusetts. The first time you’re charged with possession for most substances, you’re looking at up to 1 year in prison or a $1,000 fine.

But heroin and fentanyl, as Class A controlled substances, carry a far heavier punishment. You’re looking at up to 2 years in prison and a $2,000 fine for possession alone. Not only do you have to worry about the type of drug you’re charged with possession of, but the quantity too.

Marijuana laws have shifted quite a bit in the past few years. When you work with an experienced New Bedford drug crimes lawyer like Courtney, you can rest easy knowing she’s up to date on all laws and regulations. This allows her to construct the absolute best defense strategy for your unique situation.

Right now, if you’re charged with possession of an unlawful quantity of marijuana, you’re facing anywhere between 6 months and 15 years in prison. Don’t leave your future up to chance; hire an expert criminal defense attorney as soon as you can.

Potential Defenses for Drug Charges in Massachusetts

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the burden of proof lies on the prosecution. Basically, it’s the state’s responsibility to prove beyond any doubt that you were indeed in possession of an illicit substance.

This gives you and Courtney an advantage. A common and effective strategy is to challenge the evidence the prosecution is using to prove you were in possession. Especially if drugs were never found on your person, it becomes very challenging for the state to win a conviction.

Whether your charges are the result of a search warrant, your personal property being found near the narcotics, a police raid, or something else, she’ll get to know your specific situation to build an effective defense strategy.

Classification of Controlled Substances in MA

There are 5 classifications for controlled substances in Massachusetts.

Class A Substances:

• Morphine
• Heroin
• Designer drugs like GHB
• Ketamine
• Fentanyl and all Fentanyl derivatives

Class B Substances:

• LSD
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy
• PCP
• Methamphetamines
• Amphetamines
• Prescription drugs like Percocet and Oxycodone

Class C Substances:

• Prescription narcotics and tranquilizers like Hydrocodone, Clonazepam, and Diazepam
• Mescaline
• Mushrooms or psilocybin
• Other hallucinogenic drugs

Class D Substances:

• Marijuana
• Phenobarbital

Class E Substances:

• Prescription drugs containing lighter doses of opiates, morphine, or codeine

Regardless of what you’re charged with, this offense is defined by statute. If you didn’t have direct contact with or control of an illicit substance listed above, you and Courtney will work together to dismantle the prosecution’s case.

FAQs

What Are Drug Offenses in MA?

The most common drug offenses in MA are drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, and drug possession with intent to sell.

Drug offenses are defined as having at least one illegal narcotic in your possession for sale, personal use, or distribution. These charges often carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and suspension of your driver’s license.

Can You Beat a Drug Trafficking Charge?

Yes, there are several different avenues you and Courtney could explore to help you beat a drug trafficking charge. She’ll typically start with analyzing and debunking the prosecution’s evidence that you possessed illicit substances in the first place.

If you’re convicted, you face a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Courtney understands how drastically that can negatively impact an individual’s quality of life. My top priority is getting your drug trafficking charge dismissed entirely, when possible.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Hiring a criminal defense attorney can make the difference between losing your freedom and beating your charges.

Being formally charged with any kind of crime is a stressful and overwhelming situation for anyone to be in. As a citizen, you likely aren’t familiar with all the legal resources and proceedings in front of you.

Contacting a New Bedford Drug Lawyer

Courtney is an expert with over a decade of experience handling drug crimes, including the time she spent as an Assistant District Attorney. You need a skilled New Bedford drug crimes lawyer by your side to beat the case the Commonwealth is building against you. Courtney offers free 60-minute initial consults to all potential clients. Just contact her today if you’re ready to get expert criminal defense help in fighting for your freedom.