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 classifies drug offenses into several categories, each carrying its own set of penalties. Some of the most common drug charges our firm handles include:
- Possession – Possession refers to knowingly having a controlled substance in your possession or control. Depending on the drug type and quantity, you could face fines and jail time, even for a first offense.
- Trafficking – Trafficking involves the possession or transportation of large quantities of drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, or cocaine. This charge carries severe penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences.
- Distribution and sale – Distributing or selling drugs—even in small amounts—can lead to serious legal consequences. Intent to distribute can sometimes be inferred from the amount of drugs or paraphernalia in your possession.
- Manufacturing – Drug manufacturing includes producing illegal substances or possessing the equipment and materials needed. This can apply to growing marijuana beyond legal limits or making synthetic drugs.
- Prescription fraud – Prescription fraud occurs when someone uses dishonest means to obtain controlled substances, such as forging prescriptions or doctor shopping.
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.
Drug Crime Penalties 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.
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 confused 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.
Talk To A Worcester County Drug Crimes Attorney Now!
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.