What Constitutes Possession | The Treatment of Marijuana Under Maryland Law
Though Maryland has “decriminalized” the possession of marijuana, the state still takes a strong stance against the possession of so-called “hard drugs,” such as heroin and methamphetamines. Possession of small amounts of marijuana (less than 10 grams) is now a civil offense, rather than a criminal offense, and is treated much like a moving violation. The possession of other illegal drugs, however, can result in significant fines and incarceration.
The Definition of Possession
In Maryland, a person may not “possess or administer” a controlled dangerous substance unless it has been secured with a prescription or from an authorized provider. Maryland law also specifically criminalizes procuring drugs through fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. The possession of any controlled substances (other than marijuana) is considered a misdemeanor in Maryland, with a potential penalty of up to four years and fines up to $25,000. Possession of excessive amounts also can lead to a charge of possession with intent to distribute, which can carry significantly harsher penalties.
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Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has provided aggressive advocacy to people in Baltimore County and across Maryland for nearly four decades, including individualsfacing prosecution for drug offenses. Named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine, he is also respected by his peers in the legal profession, who have consistently given him an AV-rating, the highest rating possible. He has been the recipient of AVVO’s prestigious Client’s Choice Award, with an average of 5 stars(the highest rating possible) in his client reviews. A longtime Maryland SuperLawyer, he also has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigator from AVVO.
Attorney Smith fights for men and women facing criminal prosecution, zealously representing clients throughout the legal process, from investigation, arrest, and arraignment to trial. He’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your case, ensuring that law enforcement officers legally obtained all evidence, and that you were madeaware of your constitutional rights. An effective trial attorney, he knows how to make compelling arguments in your defense before a judge and jury.
Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
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In Maryland, as in all states, the possession of certain controlled substances is a violation of the law. That includes not only “street drugs,” such as marijuana, meth, cocaine, and heroin, but also prescription medication. Maryland has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, treating the offense like a moving violation. Accordingly, marijuana is no longer classified as a controlled dangerous substance under Maryland law.
A 60-year-old Edgewood woman has been arrested and charged with three counts of1st degree murder, two counts of attempted first degree murder and first degree arson after three people died in a fire at a home on the 1800 block of Simons Court in Edgewood. Two residents survived the fire, but one sustained burns to 70% of herbody. Police say they found evidence shortly after the May 9 fire suggesting that it was intentionally set, but needed to conduct further investigation. The suspect was arrested and formally charged in July.
In 2018, Baltimore registered more than 300 murders for the fourth consecutive year, but the 300th did not occur until December 20. The city is well ahead of that pace this year, with police recording the 300th homicide on November 14.The number of non-fatal shootings in the city is also up, with more than 700 reported as of mid-November. The city has seen as many as 342 homicides—in both 2015 and 2017.
Baltimore police reported two dead and four more injured in three shootings Monday night, October 28, 2019:
Four men were arrested in southeast Baltimore this week, and have been jailed and charged with human trafficking and prostitution. Law enforcement officers say the arrests come as the culmination of a three-month investigation, initially triggered bya tip from the neighborhood. The prostitution operation allegedly targeted undocumented Hispanic women. Police say they found two females during the raid and have moved them to a safe house. They believe that there may be additional perpetrators and victims who were not at the location at the time of the raid, and have asked community members for information.
A Baltimore woman has been charged with murder in the death of her 7-year-old son, after the boy died earlier this year. The child was just 11 months old when his parents brought him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2012. Doctors at Johns Hopkins diagnosed the infant as suffering from severe and prolonged malnutrition, bone deformity caused by a lack of calcium, brain injury due to lack of nutrition, and other associated medical conditions. At the time, his mother was charged with 
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Earlier this month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland announced the creation of the Baltimore Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a combined effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to try to reduce 
A 35-year-old Baltimore man is in custody after be arrested for firing shots at a Baltimore police officer on Thursday, August 15. Officers say the defendant was walking in the middle of the road around 2:30 am, near the intersection of Marglenn and Springwood in Overlea, carrying a handgun. After being ordered to put his hands up, the defendant fled, with the officer in pursuit. As the pursuing officer took cover behind a vehicle, the defendant fired a shot. Another officer then apprehended the defendant. Police found two loaded handguns on the scene, as well as the casing from the fired bullet.
