DRUG OFFENSES

Drug charges range in size and scope from the smallest possession of marijuana paraphernalia up to a major drug trafficking case. My office handles all types of drug cases, small and large, including:

Possession of Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Methamphetamines, PCP, Ecstacy, Prescription Drugs, etc.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Drug Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute
Drug Trafficking or Production

Drug crimes in Maryland carry a possible jail sentence. But just because you are charged with a drug crime does not mean that all hope is lost. I will take all the necessary steps and utilize all possible defenses to get the best result possible for you in your drug case. In some cases, I may be able to negotiate a drug diversion program in lieu of a trial or arrange that a client gets a probation before judgment, keeping a guilty conviction off of a client’s criminal record. Often, I am able to negotiate a deal so that the most significant charges are dropped or lowered, or so that a client avoids or limits jail time.

Just because the prosecution is accusing you of possessing or distributing drugs does not mean that your case cannot be won at trial. There are a number of defenses available in drug cases. For instance, there is always the chance that the police acted illegally in their search or seizure of the evidence and if so, I will seek to prevent that evidence from coming in at trial. Also, the prosecution needs to prove that the drugs are in fact what they say they are and needs to show a complete chain of custody from the time the drugs were seized until they arrive at trial. I will put the prosecution through their steps and if they are unable to prove these things, I will move to dismiss the charges against my client. Further, there may be a defense that the drugs were not in a client’s possession if they were found in a house or a vehicle, or that the drugs were for the client’s personal use and not for distribution.

Don't delay! Get the help you need today!

SUPPRESSION OF DRUG EVIDENCE

Under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, everyone has a right to be free from illegal police searches and seizures. If your person, your house, or your vehicle was searched I may be able to get that evidence suppressed if the police acted improperly and without authority under the Constitution. If there was a search or arrest warrant issued, I may be able to challenge the warrant. Each situation is different, and I will thoroughly investigate and research your case based on the facts. If the drugs were discovered because of an illegal search or seizure, I will move to have the drug evidence suppressed so that it cannot be used against you in court.

DRUG DIVERSION PROGRAMS

Everyone deserves a second chance to fix a mistake, and a drug diversion program can help avoid a conviction and keep your record clean. If this is first time you’ve been charged with drug possession, I may be able to negotiate an arrangement with the prosecutor where in exchange for you successfully completing a drug education or treatment program or some community service, the charges against you will be dismissed. That way you can help improve yourself and your community, while also being able to quickly move on with your life by having your case dropped. If you have a drug possession or a paraphernalia possession charge, contact the Law Offices of Christopher L. Peretti today and I can tell you more about drug diversion programs and whether that option may be available for your case.

“NO MAN IS ABOVE THE LAW AND NO MAN BELOW IT.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

Our Professional Services Include:

Criminal Defense – We represent persons charged with any kinds of misdemeanor and felony charges.
DUI/DWI Defense – Representation in court for DUI/DWI cases and in MVA or DMV license suspension hearings.
Traffic Defense – Representation for traffic citations such as driving suspended, driving without a license, speeding, or any other infraction.
Criminal Appeals – Post-conviction representation at Circuit Court or Appellate Court.
Personal Injury – We represent persons injured by others in motor vehicle or other accidents.
Where We Practice – Representation in the District Court and Circuit Court in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.

Issues That May Arise in Criminal Court:

We will discuss these issues in depth during our meetings.

CONTACT ME FOR A CONSULTATION REGARDING YOUR CASE

Whatever your case is, big or small, I can help you. I’m an experienced Maryland and DC criminal defense attorney who has helped out many individuals in similar or worse predicaments. Call me today for a free consultation at (301) 875-3472. Don’t hesitate because there may be some proactive or remedial steps we can take in your case before going to court, or there may be witnesses we need to locate, or evidence in your favor that needs to be preserved before it is lost. Not to mention the sooner we begin working on your case, the sooner you can have some piece of mind that you have an attorney working for your best interests and protecting your rights.