Being charged with a drug crime in Massachusetts can upend your life. The stakes are high, from potential jail time to lasting damage to your reputation. Whether it’s a charge of simple possession or a more severe offense like trafficking, the penalties can be severe.
At Geraghty Law, LLC, we understand the gravity of drug charges. Attorney Conor J. Geraghty brings years of experience, a background as a former prosecutor, and a commitment to aggressive defense in every case. When you partner with us, we will work to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to consult with an experienced drug crimes attorney.
Common Drug Charges in Worcester County
Massachusetts law categorizes drug offenses based on the type of substance involved, the quantity, and the intent behind possession. Each charge carries unique legal consequences, ranging from fines to lengthy prison sentences. At Geraghty Law, LLC, we defend clients against a wide range of drug-related charges, including:
- Drug Possession – Being found in possession of a controlled substance—whether illegal drugs or prescription medication without a valid prescription—can result in serious penalties. The severity of the charge depends on the drug type, the quantity, and whether there is a history of prior offenses.
- Drug Trafficking – This charge applies when an individual is found with large quantities of substances like heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Drug trafficking often carries mandatory minimum sentences, making it one of the most serious drug-related offenses.
- Drug Distribution & Sale – The sale or distribution of controlled substances, even in small amounts, can lead to harsh penalties. Prosecutors may infer intent to distribute based on the quantity of drugs, packaging materials, scales, or large amounts of cash.
- Drug Manufacturing – Engaging in the production of illegal drugs—whether by cultivating plants, operating a meth lab, or creating synthetic substances—can lead to severe felony charges. This also includes possessing equipment or materials used in the manufacturing process.
- Prescription Drug Fraud – Illegally obtaining prescription medications through forgery, doctor shopping, or altering prescriptions can lead to serious criminal charges. This offense often involves painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, which are highly regulated.
These charges all carry different penalties, but each one has the potential to affect your future seriously. The earlier you act, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Massachusetts
Penalties for drug crimes in Massachusetts vary depending on the type of offense, the substance involved, and the amount in question. The penalties can range from minor fines to lengthy prison sentences, and some offenses include mandatory minimum sentences. Here’s what you could be facing:
- Fines–Penalties often include fines ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the drug and the offense.
- Probation–First-time offenders may face probation instead of jail time, but violating probation terms can result in further legal consequences.
- Jail time–Even for a first offense, you could be looking at time behind bars. Repeat offenders and more severe charges like trafficking can lead to years in prison.
- Mandatory minimum sentences–For crimes like trafficking, the law imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences, meaning the judge has limited discretion to reduce the sentence.
- Loss of license–In some cases, being convicted of a drug crime can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of mounting a solid defense from the beginning.
Common Defenses Against Drug Charges
At Geraghty Law, we take an aggressive approach to defending against drug charges. Every case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategies to the specifics of each situation. Common defenses in drug crime cases include:
- Unlawful search and seizure–If law enforcement obtained the drugs through an illegal search, we may be able to get the evidence suppressed.
- Lack of possession–In some cases, we can argue that the drugs did not belong to you or that you had no knowledge of their presence.
- Challenging the evidence–We will scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, questioning its credibility, the chain of custody, and the procedures used to handle it.
- Entrapment–If you were induced to commit a drug-related crime by law enforcement, we may be able to raise entrapment as a defense.
- Mistaken identity–In cases involving multiple suspects, mistaken identity can be a viable defense if law enforcement or witnesses confuse you with someone else.
We will look to exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and achieve the best possible outcome, whether that’s a dismissal of charges or a reduction in penalties.
Contact Our Worcester County Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Today
Being charged with a drug crime is overwhelming and frightening. At Geraghty Law, we will take the time to understand your situation and tailor a defense strategy to the specific facts of your case. Whether negotiating for reduced charges or winning an acquittal, we don’t stop fighting until we’ve explored every option. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation, and let us start building your defense.
