Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Serving Auburn, Maine
Whether you’re facing possession, trafficking, or distribution charges, the consequences of a drug crime conviction could include jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. That’s why the right legal representation can make all the difference.
Key Takeaways:
- Drug charges in Maine can result in severe penalties, including prison sentences, significant fines, and long-lasting impacts on your life.
- The defense strategies used by our team can help reduce or dismiss charges based on the circumstances of your case.
- With over 80 years of combined experience, our Auburn drug crime lawyers are committed to helping you get your life back on track.
When you are dealing with high level drug charges, your future is at stake. A conviction can significantly impact your freedom, reputation, and ability to find employment. To protect yourself against severe legal penalties, engaging the help of a qualified legal counsel can help you potentially have your charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our team of experienced Auburn drug crime lawyers has over 80 years of combined legal experience, and our lawyers will work tirelessly to protect your rights and explore every option for defending your case. Reach out to request a consultation and begin discussing your defense strategy today.
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
What You Need to Know About Drug Charges in Maine
In Maine, drug crimes are taken very seriously. These charges can range from simple possession of a controlled substance to more serious crimes like drug trafficking or distribution. The penalties for a conviction can vary depending on the type of drug involved, the amount in question, and whether there are any aggravating circumstances such as prior convictions or involvement in a drug trafficking operation.
Maine law classifies controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Drugs like heroin and cocaine (Schedule I and II substances) are considered more dangerous and carry harsher penalties than drugs like Xanax or Valium (Schedule IV substances), for example.
The type of crime you’re charged with — such as possession, trafficking, or manufacturing — depends on what you allegedly did with the drug, how much you had, and whether there are any aggravating factors. For instance:
- Possession of a controlled substance (such as marijuana, heroin, or cocaine) can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the amount found and whether it’s your first offense.
- Drug trafficking or distribution carries even more severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that can make it difficult to obtain employment in the future.
- Manufacturing drugs, including methamphetamine or growing large quantities of marijuana, is a serious offense that can lead to federal charges in addition to state-level penalties.
A conviction for drug charges can impact your ability to find housing, further your education, access government benefits, and even maintain relationships with loved ones. For many, the consequences are life-altering.
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 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)
How Our Auburn Drug Crime Lawyers Can Defend You
If you’re facing drug charges, it’s crucial to have a strong defense strategy to minimize the potential consequences. The Maine Criminal Defense Group has experience in handling a wide variety of drug-related cases, from simple possession to complex trafficking cases.
Some of the common defense strategies our team might use include:
- Lack of Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove that you were in possession of illegal drugs or involved in drug trafficking, we can argue that the charges should be dropped.
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your rights by searching your property without a warrant or probable cause, we can challenge the evidence obtained during the search.
- Mistaken Identity: In some cases, you may have been wrongly accused of a drug crime. We can argue that you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or that someone else is responsible.
- Coercion or Entrapment: If you were pressured by law enforcement to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, we can argue that you were entrapped.
Our aggressive Auburn drug crime lawyers will carefully examine the facts of your case, investigate any possible defenses, and help you navigate the legal system to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group Can Help You Fight Drug Charges
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we are dedicated to providing professional and aggressive criminal defense representation. Our dedicated lawyers have over 85 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of helping clients fight drug charges. If you’re facing drug charges in Auburn, don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to request a consultation and let us help you explore your options.
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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