Experienced Drug Crime Attorneys in Lewiston, Maine
Drug crime charges in Maine are not something to take lightly. Whether you are facing a charge for possession, trafficking, or distribution, the consequences can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference in securing a favorable outcome for your case.
Key Takeaways:
- Drug charges in Maine can result in significant penalties, including long prison terms, heavy fines, and lasting consequences on your life and future.
- Our defense strategies may help reduce or dismiss charges based on the specifics of your case.
- With over 80 years of combined experience, our Lewiston drug crime lawyers are committed to helping you get your life back on track.
When facing drug charges, your future is on the line. A conviction could significantly impact your freedom, reputation, and opportunities in life. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, the best course of action is to secure aggressive legal representation that works to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.
Our Lewiston drug crime lawyers at The Maine Criminal Defense Group have extensive experience and are ready to fight for you. Request a consultation today, and let us help you navigate these charges and protect your future.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI, DUI, DWI lawyers, serving Maine, today.
Table of Contents
Drug crime schedules in Lewiston, 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.
What You Need to Know About Drug Charges in Maine
Maine has strict laws regarding drug crimes, which can range from simple possession to more serious offenses like trafficking, distribution, or manufacturing. Depending on the circumstances and type of drug involved, the penalties can vary. For example:
- Possession of illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or marijuana can lead to felony or misdemeanor charges. The severity depends on the amount found and whether you have any prior offenses.
- Trafficking and distribution charges carry severe consequences, including lengthy prison terms, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. These charges are often linked to larger-scale drug operations and come with even harsher penalties.
- Drug manufacturing, such as the production of methamphetamine or large-scale marijuana cultivation, can bring federal charges in addition to state-level penalties.
Maine’s controlled substances are classified into five schedules, with harsher penalties attached to those with a higher potential for abuse. Schedule I and II drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, come with more severe punishments than Schedule IV drugs, like Xanax. The penalties you face depend not only on the drug involved, but also on the amount and whether there were any aggravating factors, such as a prior conviction.
Having a criminal record for drug offenses can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, further your education, and even maintain relationships. It can have lasting impacts on various aspects of your life.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI, DUI, DWI lawyers, serving 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 Lewiston Drug Crime Lawyers Can Defend You
If you are facing drug charges in Lewiston, it’s important to have an experienced and aggressive legal team that understands the intricacies of drug law. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Lewiston drug crime lawyers have the skills and knowledge to build a strong defense. Some of the common defense strategies we may use include:
- Lack of Evidence: If the prosecution fails to provide sufficient evidence that you were in possession of drugs or involved in drug trafficking, we can push to have the charges dropped or reduced.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your rights by conducting a search without a warrant or probable cause, we may challenge the evidence obtained through the search.
- Mistaken Identity: You may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. If we can prove that you were not involved in the crime, we will fight to have the charges dismissed.
- Coercion or Entrapment: If law enforcement encouraged you to commit a crime that you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, we can argue that you were entrapped and push for your case to be dismissed.
Our team is prepared to investigate every aspect of your case, from reviewing evidence to challenging illegal searches. We will explore every avenue to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group Can Help You Fight Drug Charges
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we are committed to providing professional and aggressive criminal defense for those facing drug charges. Our legal team has over 85 years of combined experience, and we’ve helped many clients fight drug charges and protect their future.
If you’re facing drug charges in Lewiston, contact us today to request a consultation and take the first step toward securing your freedom and your future.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI, DUI, DWI lawyers, serving Maine, today.
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