Boston Drug Crimes Attorneys Representing Clients In Suffolk County
In the state of Massachusetts, drug offenses are not taken lightly. The courts will use all the tools they have to prosecute these cases as aggressively as possible.
If you have been charged with a drug crime in Boston or the surrounding areas, you could face serious consequences and need to retain an experienced and skilled drug crimes attorney. At Toland Law, LLC, we have helped countless clients with their drug charges and offer a proven record of success.
Because we have a reputation for helping our clients get the best possible outcomes for their cases, we have been asked many questions about drug crimes in Massachusetts. Here are some of the most common questions we have received:
- What are the different types of drug crimes?
- How are controlled substances classified in Massachusetts?
- What are the punishments for drug crimes in Suffolk County?
- How can drug crimes lawyers help with your case?
- What is a Motion To Suppress and how can it be used in your drug case?
- How can a drug lawyer defend my charges?
What Are The Different Types Of Drug Crimes?
In this state, there are a few different types of drug crimes. These include:
- Drug possession: This crime occurs when someone has one or more illegal narcotics in their possession.
- Drug possession with intent to distribute: This crime occurs when someone has one or more illegal narcotics in their possession with the intent of selling those narcotics. If you are found guilty of this crime and intended to sell those drugs to a minor, you will face enhanced charges and sentencing.
- Drug manufacturing: This crime occurs when someone is producing an illegal narcotic.
- Drug distribution: This crime occurs when someone is delivering, smuggling, or transporting illegal narcotics.
Additional drug crimes include:
- Drug trafficking
- Counterfeit substances
- Federal drug crimes
- And more
How Are Controlled Substances Classified In Massachusetts?
According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C, any drug that requires a prescription or is illegal is considered a “controlled substance” and will be classified into five different categories. These categories are based on the chemical composition of the drugs and are categorized as follows:
- Class A: Heroin, Morphine, Ketamine, GHB and other designer drugs.
- Class B: Ecstasy, Cocaine, Amphetamines, PCP, LSD, Methamphetamines, Oxycodone, Percocet and Percodan.
- Class C: Mescaline, Mushrooms and prescription tranquilizers such as Valium, Vicodin, and Clonazepam.
- Class D: Phenobarbital and Marijuana (over an ounce).
- Class E: Prescription drugs that contain smaller amounts of Codeine, Morphine, or other Opiates.
What Are The Punishments For Drug Crimes In Suffolk County?
If someone is charged with a drug crime in Boston, the courts will take several factors into consideration including the type of drugs that were in possession, the quantity possessed, why the drug was in possession, and if minors were involved.
Anyone who is convicted of drug possession, distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, or other drug crimes, there are a variety of consequences they face. These include:
- Fines
- Court-mandated rehab or treatment programs
- Probation
- Registration as a drug offender
- Community service
- Time in jail or prison
In the event that minors were used to distribute the drugs, were sold drugs to or drugs were sold on school property, the defendant will face enhanced consequences.
How Can Drug Crimes Lawyers Help With Your Case?
When it comes to drug crimes, you need an attorney on your side who knows what it takes to get the best outcome to your case. The level of experience and the skill set of the lawyer you employ can directly affect every aspect of your case including how much your bail is, if you will have to go to jail or not, and if your rights will be adhered to and protected throughout the court process. This is why it is vital to have a criminal attorney who practices drug crimes and has a positive reputation in the legal community.
When you work with the top drug lawyers of Toland Law, LLC, you need to know that we will do all we can to protect your constitutional rights. This involves finding weaknesses and legal flaws in your arrest or detention. We explore the legality of the drug’s search and seizure, and if It was legally conducted, as well as if there was probable cause to conduct the search at all.
What Is A Motion To Suppress And How Can It Be Used In Your Drug Case?
One of the first tactics we use to help our clients that are accused of drug crimes is to file a Motion To Suppress, which is a request that is filed to have the judge exclude certain evidence from trial. This includes evidence that is seized by the police and can be used against you in court.
This can be especially beneficial if the evidence was seized in a manner that violates any of your constitutional rights. To put it in simple terms, a Motion To Suppress will get this evidence thrown out of court.
How Can A Drug Lawyer Defend My Charges?
If a Motion To Suppress cannot be used in your case, there are other defenses that our drug attorneys can use to help you with your case. Some examples include whether you were in actual possession of drugs or if the drugs were in a common area that is shared with others, such as a car with passengers in it, or a house that has more than one person living it.
If someone is in possession of a large quantity of drugs, prosecutors will sometimes charge a defendant with intent to distribute. In this situation, our criminal law firm may be able to get the charges reduced to a simple possession charge.
Contact One Of The Top Drug Crimes Law Firms In Boston, Ma
While each circumstance is different, the criminal defense attorneys of Toland Law, LLC will employ a defense strategy that is unique to your case. This is why it is very important to have an attorney on your side that will aggressively protect your rights.
To learn more about your legal options and how we can best represent you, contact our office by phone at (781) 819-3647 or fill out the contact form on our website.