Is drug diversion an option for first-time possession of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, ecstacy (MDMA), illegal possession of prescription drugs, etc.?
Drug diversion programs can be hugely beneficial for first-time offenders who are alleged to possess small amounts of marijuana. These programs typically allow the accused to take drug education/treatment classes and have the charges against them dropped upon completion of the classes.
While most Maryland counties have some form of first-time offender marijuana drug diversion, for non-marijuana drugs the situation is different. If you have a first-time possession of non-marijuana case you should contact an experienced defense attorney who has handled these types of cases before. That attorney should be able to tell you if your case will likely be accepted for diversion or if you are ineligible for the county’s program. Even if you are ineligible for the county’s program, an attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to get you approved and entered into a private program that can have the same beneficial effect.
As a first-time offender, keeping your criminal record clean is of utmost importance. It can be the difference between getting or keeping a job, housing, school, etc. If you are charged with possession of any drug, contact a defense attorney who can help you out and keep your perfect record intact.