Charged With a Drug Offense in Falmouth, Maine? Protect Your Rights With a Skilled Defense Attorney.
If you’ve been arrested for a drug-related offense in or near Falmouth, Maine, you’re facing more than just criminal charges—you’re facing serious, long-term consequences. A conviction for drug possession, trafficking, distribution, or prescription drug fraud can lead to steep fines, incarceration, probation, and a permanent criminal record that could impact your employment, housing, education, and reputation.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we defend individuals in Falmouth and throughout Cumberland County who are facing state or federal drug charges. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities of Maine’s drug laws and the aggressive tactics used by law enforcement and prosecutors. We dig deep into the facts of your case, challenge unlawful searches or seizures, and build smart, strategic defenses tailored to your situation. Whether you’re searching for a “drug crimes lawyer near me” or need immediate help with a pending charge, we are ready to fight for your future and your freedom.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Table of Contents
Drug crime schedules in Maine
Maine classifies controlled substances into four schedules (W, X, Y, and Z) based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and danger to public health. The severity of drug charges and penalties depends on which schedule the substance falls under. Here’s a breakdown of each classification:
Schedule W
Includes the most dangerous and addictive drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methadone, oxycodone, amphetamines, and hallucinogens like MDMA. Crimes involving Schedule W substances carry the harshest penalties.
Schedule X
Covers depressants and hallucinogens not listed under Schedule W, such as chlorhexadol, nalorphine, and hashish. While still serious, offenses involving Schedule X drugs may have slightly lesser penalties.
Schedule Y
Consists of prescription medications like codeine and flurazepam, which are commonly used in medical treatments but can be abused.
Schedule Z
Includes all other prescription drugs not classified under W, X, or Y, as well as marijuana. While some charges related to Schedule Z drugs may be less severe, they can still result in criminal penalties and long-term consequences.
Understanding the drug schedule classification related to your charges is crucial for building an effective defense. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we fight to protect your rights and explore every possible legal avenue to reduce or dismiss charges.
Programs available if you are charged with a drug crime in Maine (Video)
Watch our video explaining what programs and options there are available when being charged with a drug-related crime.
Common Drug Crimes in Falmouth, Maine
Maine enforces strict drug laws, and being charged with a drug-related offense can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Below are some of the most common drug crimes individuals face in Maine:
Drug Possession
Under Maine Revised Statute Title 17-A, §1107-A, it is illegal to knowingly or intentionally possess a scheduled drug. The severity of possession charges depends on the type and quantity of the drug. Depending on the circumstances, drug possession charges can range from a Class D misdemeanor to a Class B felony, with potential penalties including fines, probation, and incarceration.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking involves the sale, distribution, or transportation of controlled substances. Under Maine Revised Statute Title 17-A, §1103, trafficking charges can escalate based on factors like the type of drug, quantity, prior convictions, and whether minors were involved. If aggravating factors exist, drug trafficking may be classified as a Class A felony, which carries the harshest penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
Cultivation of Marijuana
Maine law prohibits the cultivation or production of controlled substances, such as cannabis or opium poppies, without proper authorization. Illegally growing marijuana outside of the state’s regulated system can result in criminal charges. Cultivation penalties vary but can include fines up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail.
Marijuana
Although Maine legalized recreational marijuana, unauthorized possession, distribution, or cultivation beyond legal limits can still lead to criminal charges. Additionally, individuals without a valid medical marijuana card who attempt to use medical marijuana laws as a defense may face prosecution.
Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud includes forging prescriptions, stealing prescription pads, altering dosages, or doctor shopping to obtain controlled substances. Under Maine Revised Statute Title 17-A, §1108, prescription drug fraud is a serious offense that can result in felony charges, significant fines, and incarceration.
If you’re facing drug crime charges in Maine, The Maine Criminal Defense Group is here to fight for your rights. Our experienced defense attorneys understand the complexities of drug laws and will work to build the strongest possible defense for your case.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Penalties for drug offenses in Maine
Maine imposes strict penalties for drug-related offenses, with certain felony drug crimes carrying mandatory minimum sentences. This means that unless a judge finds exceptional circumstances, they cannot issue a sentence below the mandated jail term.
- Class A crime: A class A drug conviction is a felony offense and the most serious of drug crimes, which can lead to a 30-year jail sentence and $50,000 in fines.
- Class B crime: A class B drug conviction is a felony offense and can lead to 10 years in jail and $20,000 in fines.
- Class C crime: A class C convictions is a felony and has a maximum sentence of 5 years in jail and $5,000 in fines,
- Class D crime: A class D drug conviction is a misdemeanor crime that is punishable by one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
- Class E crime: A class E drug conviction is a misdemeanor crime that is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Felonies in Maine
For severe drug crimes, including aggravated drug trafficking or offenses involving firearms, the following mandatory minimum sentences apply:
- Class A Felony – Minimum 4 years in prison.
- Class B Felony – Minimum 2 years in prison.
- Class C Felony – Minimum 1 year in prison if:
- A firearm was used during the commission of the drug crime.
- The offense involved aggravated drug trafficking (as defined by Maine law).
- The crime was related to marijuana trafficking.
While judges in Maine have some discretion in sentencing, these minimum penalties must be enforced unless a legal exception applies. If you’re facing drug charges, an experienced criminal defense attorney can explore options to reduce your charges, challenge evidence, or seek sentencing alternatives to avoid these harsh penalties.
What is the typical sentence for drug possession, trafficking or distribution in Maine? (Video)
Challenging your drug charges in Falmouth, Maine
Being arrested for a drug offense in Falmouth doesn’t mean you’re guilty. The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and any violation of your constitutional rights can lead to suppressed evidence or dismissed charges. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we focus on exposing weaknesses in the state’s case and building a strategic, aggressive defense tailored to your situation.
Proven Legal Strategies to Fight Drug Charges
- Unlawful Search and Seizure – Law enforcement must follow strict legal procedures when searching your home, vehicle, or person. If police in Falmouth conducted a search without a valid warrant or legal justification, we will fight to have that evidence thrown out.
- Violation of Constitutional Rights – If officers failed to read your Miranda rights or coerced a confession, those statements may be inadmissible in court. We hold law enforcement accountable for procedural violations.
- Weak or Inconclusive Evidence – Prosecutors must prove you knowingly possessed or intended to distribute illegal substances. If the evidence is circumstantial, incomplete, or unreliable, we will challenge it aggressively.
- Chain of Custody Errors – Drug evidence must be properly collected, tested, and documented. Any mishandling or gaps in the chain of custody can undermine the prosecution’s case and lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
If you’ve been charged with a drug offense in Falmouth or anywhere in southern Maine, acting quickly is essential. The sooner you contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group, the sooner we can start protecting your rights, challenging the state’s evidence, and working toward the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Falmouth Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Today
Being charged with a drug crime in or near Falmouth, Maine, can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we understand that no two drug cases are the same. That’s why we take a personalized, aggressive approach to defending your rights and protecting your future.
Why Clients in Falmouth Trust Our Drug Crime Defense Team:
- Decades of Experience with Maine Drug Laws – From misdemeanor possession to felony trafficking, we’ve successfully defended clients in Falmouth and throughout Cumberland County.
- Strategic, Constitutionally-Based Defenses – If law enforcement violated your rights during a search or seizure, we’ll work to have that evidence suppressed and the charges reduced or dismissed.
- Aggressive Challenges to Police Misconduct – We scrutinize every step law enforcement took to ensure your rights weren’t violated. If they were, we take action.
- Focused on Your Future – A drug conviction can impact everything from your job and housing to your professional licensing. We fight to minimize the consequences and protect your long-term opportunities.
If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a drug-related offense in Falmouth, now is the time to act. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward building a strong, effective legal defense.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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