Massachusetts law establishes varying levels of penalties for charges associated with illicit or misused prescription or recreational drugs. The seriousness of the charges correlates with the severity of the consequences and may impact employment, education, or family life.
Learn about Lowell drug penalties and how working with a drug defense attorney at Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. can provide the best opportunity to move forward. With over 42 years of combined experience, we have the knowledge and resources to destroy the state’s case against you. Let us fight for your rights and freedom today.
Penalties for drug charges in Lowell are related to how the drug is classified. In Massachusetts, controlled substances are broken down into five classes, with Class A producing the most severe consequences for possession, sale, and trafficking.
Drugs that are known to cause serious harm, such as fentanyl, heroin, and morphine, are classified as Class A. First-time offenders may face the following penalties:
Cocaine, methamphetamine, and similar drugs are organized into Class B substances. The penalties for these charges include:
Class C substances are harmful but have a lower potential for misuse or addiction than Class A and Class B. This group includes benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium. The penalties for possession are up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of $1,000.
These substances have a lower likelihood of causing long-term addiction and include inhalants, barbiturates, and possession of more than one ounce of marijuana. The penalties for possession may include probation, up to 6 months in jail, a $500 fine, and a 1-year driver’s license suspension. Although marijuana has been decriminalized in some contexts, trafficking has not. Just like trafficking in other drugs, trafficking in marijuana can carry severe minimum mandatory penalties ranging from two to eight years, depending on quantity.
Class E substances include controlled substances not categorized in Class A, B, or C that are available for prescription use. Violating the intended use by possessing any quantity not prescribed can result in up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a loss of your driver’s license for one year.
Penalties for drug charges become more serious for subsequent offenses. Rather than leaving your future up to fate, enlist the help of our aggressive attorneys at Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. We know how prosecutors approach drug cases, and we know how to challenge their tactics and find holes in their arguments.
Often, individuals in Lowell who are charged with drug-related offenses are unaware of the potential consequences they may face. The legal ramifications of various charges can be confusing, so if you have questions about the charges you are facing, consult with our experienced drug defense team. We are here to answer your questions, build a bulletproof case, and fight tirelessly for you.
If you face charges related to possession, sale, or trafficking of controlled substances, contact one of our lawyers to discuss Lowell drug penalties as soon as possible.
You deserve an aggressive defense to navigate the serious penalties Massachusetts pursues in drug-related cases. Speak with the team at Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., today to schedule a confidential consultation.
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