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Drug Crimes

Massachusetts Drug Defense Lawyer

Massachusetts Drug Crimes and Penalties

Drug crimes are treated as a serious offense, with serious potential penalties here in Massachusetts. If you are facing a drug charge, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. There may be legal issues surrounding your case that could require the charges to be dismissed. You may have a case worth fighting, or you may wish to consult with a lawyer known for working out the best plea deals allowed by law. Only a skilled criminal defense attorney can properly analyze and help you decide how to handle your case.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your driver’s license for one to five years on your first conviction for a drug offense. Other potential penalties include:

  • Jail
  • Heavy fines
  • Court-mandated treatment programs (many are inpatient)
  • Probation
  • Drug Offender Registration
  • Community Service
  • Forfeiture of assets believed to be related to drug activity (cell phone, car- in more serious cases, even your home)

In Massachusetts, there are different types of drug charges:

Drug possession: Having illegal narcotics in your possession or control for personal use, sale, or distribution

Possession of a Class A substance (heroin, morphine, GHB, special K) carries the following potential penalties:

  • Up to 2 years in jail (1st offense)
  • Up to 5 years in state prison (2nd offense)

Possession of a Class B substance (cocaine, crack, LSD, oxydodone, oxycontin, ecstasy, hydrochloride, amphetamine, methamphetamine) carries the following potential penalties:

  • Up to 1 year in jail (1st offense)
  • Up to 2 ½ years in jail (2nd offense)

Drug Possession with intent to distribute: Having illegal narcotics in your possession with the intention of selling those narcotics

Possession of a Class A substance w/ intent to distribute carries the following potential penalties:

  • Up to 2 ½ years in jail (1st offense)*
  • Minimum mandatory of 5 years in state prison (2nd offense)

Possession of a Class B substance w/ intent to distribute carries the following potential penalties:

  • Up to 2 ½ years in jail (1st offense)*
  • Minimum mandatory of 3 years in state prison (2nd offense)

Possession of a Class D substance (marijuana) w/ intent to distribute carries the following potential penalties:

  • Up to 2 ½ years in jail (1st offense)*
  • Minimum Mandatory 2 years in state prison (2nd offense)

* If you are charged with possession with intent to distribute within a school zone, you face a minimum mandatory of 2 years in jail, even on a first offense. You can be charged with a school zone violation if you were found to be within 1000 feet of any school, park, or playground.

Drug Manufacturing: Producing unlawful controlled substances

Drug Distribution: Smuggling, transporting, or delivering illegal narcotics.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Massachusetts, contact my office for your free initial phone consultation:

Urbelis Law, LLC

50 Milk St 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 830-2188

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Ben Urbelis recently represented me in an OUI case in which I had crashed my car. I honestly did not believe I had any chance of beating it, but fortunately for me Ben was outstanding and all charges were dropped. In my first hearing he was calm, assertive and straight to the point. I was extremely impressed and satisfied. I left my hearing feeling confident that I had made the right choice of hiring him. I am positive I would have lost this case and walked away with an OUI if I hadn't. I am very happy with how he handled my case and how reassured I felt having him as my lawyer." MC
★★★★★
"When I found myself charged with my 3rd DUI I was certain without a doubt that I was facing 6 months to 2 1/2 years in state prison. I can’t believe you were able to guide me calmly through the whole nerve wracking process, never sugar coating anything, staying honest and always keeping me informed the whole time. I still can’t believe that in the end you pulled off a miracle to avoidany jail time. I would recommend you to anyone in the same situation. Thank you so much. You saved me.” JL
★★★★★
"I want to personally thank Ben and his wonderful a staff at Urbelis Law for what an outstanding job they did for my son and his friends! Ben went above and beyond for them, with a successful outcome. I would highly recommend Ben to anyone that would need his services, he was wonderful!" Gina
★★★★★
"Huge thank you to not only my friend, but my lawyer,Ben Urbelis..I presented him with a case that at first was a bit tricky on paper... but we worked hard together and got all information we needed to prove i was innocent! He knew from the get go a year ago that he was gonna smash this case, and he did!! Cant thank you enough man! If anyone needs a lawyer, hes your guy... no question" PB
★★★★★
"Thank you for your excellent representation in this matter. Coming from out of town, it wasreassuringto have an attorney who was so well organized and on top of the process. It was very clear that the judge was not only familiar with you, but had a great deal of respect for you in the courtroom. I appreciate all the effort you put into my case, and thank you again for a successful representation!" RC