Facing Misdemeanor Drug Charges in Ocean City?

One of the most commonly charged misdemeanor crimes in Ocean City, MD is drug possession. The severity of punishment for misdemeanor drug crimes is based on the type and amount of drugs found in your possession, your prior criminal history, and whether the drugs were for your own personal consumption, or you intended to sell or distribute the drugs to others. You could be facing penalties, fines and jail time. As a former prosecutor and drug charge lawyer, Rich Brueckner can help you.

Navigating Misdemeanor Drug Charges in Ocean City, Maryland

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor drug offense in Ocean City, Maryland, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It’s crucial to understand your rights, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate this challenging situation.

Understanding Misdemeanor Drug Charges in Ocean City, MD

Misdemeanor drug charges, such as possession of a controlled substance, are among the most common criminal offenses in Ocean City. While these charges may seem minor compared to felonies, they can still carry significant penalties and long-lasting consequences.

Penalties for misdemeanor drug possession may include:

• Jail time
• Fines and court costs
• Probation
• Mandatory drug treatment or education programs

In addition to these legal penalties, a drug conviction can have far-reaching effects on your personal and professional life. It may appear on background checks, making it difficult to secure employment, housing, or financial assistance.

Protecting Your Rights and Future After Misdemeanor Drug Charges

When facing misdemeanor drug charges, it’s essential to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. A skilled lawyer can help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Criminal Defense & DWI Lawyer Richard Brueckner

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Charlotte Jenkins

1 year ago

Five stars!! the best attorney. Mr. Brueckner was very patient with my son and explained every detail needed for his case.

Derrick Fernandez

2 years ago

Richard is s refreshing he listens and cares
To top it off he delivers

Paul Wooster

2 years ago

Thayne Stieg

2 years ago

Excellent representation, good communication and easy to get in contact with. Got me the deal he told me we would get.

Samantha Sheehy

2 years ago

Was very informative and supportive with our case. He did a great job, would highly recommend.

aleashea Marie

2 years ago

Mr. Brueckner is hands down the best lawyer I've EVER worked with. I can't stress enough how this man has saved my family from legal troubles on multiple occasions. He is a down to earth no nonsense type of guy and we loved that. He's honest, real, and hilarious at the same time. He is worth every penny. I wish I could have him represent my family everywhere a lawyer may be needed. He gets the job done! No need to look for another lawyer or stress about where to find one just call Mr. Brueckner. Stop sifting through Google because your lawyer is right here! Mr. Brueckner we can't thank you enough for all you've done. Thank you thank you thank you!

K s

2 years ago

Rich represented me for traffic offenses and achieved a FAR better end result than I was expecting. A+

Joseph Carroll

2 years ago

Rich, was amazing. I had a problem and called attorney Brueckner, and he immediately told me I would be okay. I was afraid my life was over. He assured me it was not. He worked harder than any lawyer I have had. He always called me and updated me on what was happening and when we got to court he had a positive attitude. Rich Brueckner is the best lawyer you could need. Always on time and only wants the best for you. His professionalism and dedication is there. Thanks to Rich, I have gotten a second chance at life and a new start. His attitude is always uplifting and positive. If you need a criminal defense attorney Rich Brueckner is the man for you.

DeAndre Howard

2 years ago

I cannot recommend Richard Brueckner highly enough! Richard recently represented me for a traffic citation, and thanks to his incredible expertise and professionalism, I walked away with no convictions. From the very first consultation, Richard put me at ease with his clear communication and deep knowledge of traffic law. He handled everything efficiently, kept me informed throughout the process, and fought hard on my behalf. Richard’s attention to detail and strategic approach were truly impressive. If you need a lawyer who delivers results, Richard Brueckner is the one to call!

James Gallo

2 years ago

Gets the job done right. Nuff said

Emily Stambaugh

3 years ago

Richard is experienced, caring, and worth every penny! My outcome was better than I expected.

Breanne Todd

3 years ago

Rich was great to work with ! Easy to talk to. Explained everything thoroughly and do what he said he would do. Highly recommend!

Prateek Kumar

3 years ago

Got us better than expected settlement

Rob Allen

3 years ago

Rich is the best! Look no further! I did the research and called him. He immediately called me back, discussed my concerns and put me at ease. All worked out exactly as he said and perfectly. His excellent communication, knowledge and experience is second to none.

Connie Angerome

3 years ago

Brian Jamiolkowski

3 years ago

I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney or outcome. Rich’s level of professionalism and responsiveness is unmatched! I would highly recommend Rich to anyone needing help in his field! He literally had my son’s case dismissed in about two weeks.

Susan Buttery

3 years ago

Highly recommend!! Rich was absolutely wonderful with our daughter's case. He was very responsive, answered all of our questions and certainly achieved a favorable outcome with the court. We couldn't have asked for a better experience under the circumstances. Thank you again Rich!

andre melo

3 years ago

We hired the lawyer Dr Richard to take care of our case, we were impressed with the attention, willingness, availability, speed and the result. You answered all of our questions, were extremely polite and efficient. I highly recommend. Thank you so much, our family got back to normal after that!

Alex

3 years ago

Amazing outcome from Richard, couldnt have been any better. Richard is an outstanding lawyer highly recommend, with pride in all of his work, dedication, extremely respectful, and confident. I came in nervous and he promised me the best outcome from the start and end! All went well, couldn’t be anymore happy.

Attorney Richard Brueckner at ocdwilawyer.com is a former prosecutor with over a decade of experience defending clients facing drug charges in Ocean City and throughout Maryland. His unique background gives him valuable insights into how the state builds cases against defendants, allowing him to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and develop effective counter-arguments.

Misdemeanor Drug Charges FAQs

Q: What should I do if I’m arrested for a misdemeanor drug charge in Ocean City, MD?
A: If you’re arrested, remain calm and polite, but exercise your right to remain silent. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your defense.

Q: Can I represent myself in a misdemeanor drug case?
A: While you have the right to represent yourself, it’s highly advisable to seek the help of an experienced attorney. Drug laws can be complex, and a skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome.

Q: How can I find a reputable criminal defense attorney in Ocean City, MD?
A: Look for an attorney with experience handling misdemeanor drug cases, a track record of success, and positive reviews from clients. You can also consult with local legal organizations or the Maryland State Bar Association for referrals.

Resources

• Maryland State Bar Association
• Ocean City Police Department
•  Worcestor County Courts
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Locator

Remember, depending on your situation, you could be facing incarceration, fines, court costs, probation, treatment/education classes, and any other conditions the court deems appropriate. A conviction for drug possession will be a blemish on your record that could negatively impact your life and future. Every time you apply for a job, financial loan, or apartment, a background check will reveal your troubles with the law.

If you have been arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance in Ocean City, consult with an Ocean County criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect and defend your reputation, freedom, and rights, freedom, and reputation.  Attorney Richard J. Brueckner has over a decade of criminal trial experience. As a former prosecutor, he has a working knowledge of both state and federal drug laws and will devote all his resources to providing you with the best defense possible. His ultimate goal will always be to get the case dismissed outright but will pursue a plea deal if it is in your best interests. Mr. Brueckner has terrific negotiating skills which he will utilize to propose alternative sentencing options such as a drug diversion program in lieu of jail or prison.

Call today to schedule a free initial consultation to learn about your legal options.

Simple Drug Charges For Possession 

According to Maryland Criminal Code §5-601, it is a misdemeanor offense to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) or drug that has the potential for abuse. The Law Office of Richard J. Brueckner has defended individuals charged with being in possession of a wide variety of controlled substances including but not limited to:

• Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)
• Crack
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• Pharmaceutical drugs (obtained without a valid prescription) such as Oxycodone, (OxyContin, Percocet), Hydrocodone, Vicodin, fentanyl

A charge of simple possession carries a lesser potential sentence than manufacturing, distributing, or trafficking a CDS but is still very serious. The penalties associated with possession of any controlled substance include an incarceration term of up to four years along with a maximum of $25,000 in fines.  To be charged with possession, the prosecutor needs to prove that you exercised control over the drug and were therefore in possession of it.

The following is a list of marijuana offenses that are deemed criminal:

• Possession of between 10 grams and less than 50 pounds of marijuana
  •  punishment of up to one-year imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $1,000.
• Possession of 50 pounds or more of marijuana carries
  • a punishment of a minimum of 5 years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $100,000.
• Possession of controlled paraphernalia and marijuana,
  •  imprisonment not exceeding 1 year and a fine not exceeding $1,000
• Selling drug paraphernalia
  • fine not exceeding $500, and for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 2 years and a fine not exceeding $2,000.
• Delivering drug paraphernalia to a minor who is at least 3 years younger than you
  • imprisonment not exceeding 8 years and a fine not exceeding $15,000

Defending a Drug Possession Charge

Richard Brueckner’s job as a drug possession lawyer is to hold a prosecutor to their responsibility of meeting

the burden of proof needed to convict you. He will examine your case and develop a compelling defense strategy that creates enough reasonable doubt to avoid a conviction or mitigate negative consequences.

• Argue Constructive vs. Actual Possession: Attorney Brueckner can attack the prosecution’s theory of how you possessed the drug. If the drugs were not found on your person when the police arrested you, he may be able to argue that the drugs were not in the area of your immediate control and therefore you were not in possession
• Dispute your knowledge of the presence of drugs: It’s possible you did not know that a controlled substance was in your presence. You may have just been at the wrong place at the wrong time.
• Not actually a controlled substance: The drugs collected from the crime scene may not be an illegal controlled substance. We may request chemical lab tests to prove that the substance wasn’t the drug the prosecution is alleging.

For more information on the ways to challenge a Drug Possession charge, see here