Being charged with a drug-related offense in Massachusetts is a serious matter. You face severe penalties for a drug conviction. At Geraghty Law, LLC, we understand what is at stake. We are here to provide immediate legal help when someone is facing federal or state drug charges in Massachusetts.
Whether you are facing simple possession or a more serious drug offense like drug trafficking, legal representation as early as possible is crucial. A skilled criminal defense lawyer helps you protect your freedom and reputation.
Contact Geraghty Law, LLC now to speak with a Worcester drug crimes attorney. Don’t wait – call now for a free consultation.
How Our Massachusetts Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers Help Accused Individuals Fight Drug Charges
Attorney Conor J. Geraghty has extensive experience in criminal law, including defending all types of drug charges. He has handled thousands of cases in federal and state courts. With mandatory prison sentences as possible penalties for drug-related offenses, it is vital that you speak with an attorney now.
Building a defense to drug charges requires an experienced and skilled attorney. Our Worcester criminal defense firm aggressively defends our clients by:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest, including unlawful search and seizure issues
- Working to obtain a release pending a plea agreement or trial
- Challenging forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony
- Seeking a reduced charge or dismissal
- Negotiating a fair plea deal when that is in the client’s best interest
- Represent our clients at all court hearings and take cases to trial if necessary
In addition to being a skilled defense lawyer, Attorney Geraghty brings his years of experience as a former prosecutor to each case. We are local criminal defense lawyers, so we are familiar with the Worcester court system.
Contact our office today to request a complimentary case evaluation with a Worcester drug crime lawyer.
Common Drug Charges in Worcester County
Massachusetts drug laws can be found in Chapter 94C of the Massachusetts General Laws. The Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act defines the various drug-related offenses a person may be charged with under state law. At Geraghty Law, LLC, we defend clients against a wide range of drug-related charges, including common drug charges like:
- Drug Possession – It is unlawful to be in possession of a controlled substance, including prescription medication without a valid prescription. The severity of the charge depends on the type of drug, the quantity, and the individual’s criminal record.
- Drug Trafficking – Being in possession of specific amounts of a controlled substance can result in a drug trafficking charge. Substances often related to drug trafficking include heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Drug trafficking often carries mandatory minimum sentences, making this drug crime one of the most serious drug-related offenses a person can face.
- Drug Distribution & Sale – A person may be arrested for the sale or distribution of controlled substances even when they have small amounts of the substances in their possession. A prosecutor may use the quantity of drugs in your possession, as well as the possession of packaging materials, scales, or large amounts of cash, as evidence to support the charge.
- Drug Manufacturing – Engaging in the production of illegal drugs covers a wide range of activities. You can be charged with drug manufacturing for cultivating plants, operating a meth lab, creating synthetic substances, and other activities related to making drugs. This offense also includes the possession of equipment or materials used in the manufacture of drugs.
- 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.
Drug offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. The type of drug and the quantity of the substance factor into whether you face a felony or misdemeanor drug charge.
For example, a first offense simple possession charge is usually a misdemeanor. However, suppose you also have materials associated with selling drugs. In that case, you may be charged with possession with intent to distribute, which is a felony.
Many felony drug crimes carry mandatory sentences, but all charges have the potential to affect your future. The earlier you act, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Massachusetts Drug Trafficking Laws
Drug trafficking is one of the most serious drug charges you can face. Massachusetts imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for convictions of drug trafficking. You also have a felony record and the potential for federal charges.
M.G.L. Chapter 94C §32E determines trafficking charges based on the weight of the drugs in your possession and the type of drugs, not your intent to distribute the drugs. The penalties for trafficking charges also vary by weight and type of drug.
For example, trafficking heroin or fentanyl (Class A drugs) carries a minimum sentence of 3.5 years for 18-36g. The minimum prison sentence for trafficking over 200g of a Class A drug increases to 15 years.
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Massachusetts
The penalties for drug crimes in Massachusetts can include:
- Fines ranging from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
- Probation instead of jail time for some individuals.
- Jail time depends on the charges and the individual’s criminal history, but even first-time offenders may receive jail time.
- Mandatory minimum sentences for specific drug crimes, meaning judges have limited discretion to reduce the sentence.
- Loss of license and driving privileges, including revocation of a driver’s license in some cases.
The penalties for a drug conviction may be enhanced, depending on the circumstances. For example, a judge may increase the penalties if the crime takes place in a school zone. The severity of the penalties for drug crime convictions underscores the importance of mounting a solid defense.
Our Approach to Your Defense
You deserve a strong defense. We understand how drug charges can impact a person’s life. Geraghty Law’s personalized approach emphasizes the protection of client rights and freedom. We focus on case dismissal, acquittal, or reduced charges for a fair plea deal.
Client communication is a priority. We keep you updated about the progress of your case. Our Worcester drug crime lawyer tailors a defense strategy that is unique to your case, including preparing your case as if we were going to trial. An early consultation and aggressive defense strategy can significantly impact the final resolution of your case.
Common Defenses Against Drug Charges
At Geraghty Law, LLC, we take an aggressive approach to defending clients against drug charges. We explore all potential defenses to drug charges, including but not limited to:
- 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 the drugs did not belong to you or that you had no knowledge of their presence, such as visiting someone in their home or using a rideshare.
- Challenging the Evidence – We scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence to question its credibility, the chain of custody, and the procedures used to handle the evidence.
- 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.
Worcester District and Superior Courts: What You Need to Know
The Massachusetts Court System includes District and Superior courts. The Worcester District Court handles most misdemeanor drug charges. Drug trafficking and drug felonies are bound over (transferred) to the Worcester Superior Court.
The Worcester District Court and the Worcester County Superior Court can be found at the same location. The courts are at 225 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.
You can expect your criminal case to go through several steps, including a hearing to determine probable cause and an arraignment to enter a plea. Pre-trial proceedings include discovery and motions. A Preliminary Hearing may be held in felony cases.
Hiring a local lawyer gives you an advantage. A Worcester drug defense lawyer is familiar with local laws, prosecutors, court procedures, and judges. Their established relationships and knowledge allow them to tailor a defense that gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
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.
