Boston Drug Crime Lawyer
Defending Clients Facing Drug Crime Charges in Massachusetts
The circumstances most commonly surrounding a simple arrest – such as in the case of a DUI – often come with additional charges involving drug possession. When a simple arrest is compounded by an additional possession charge, the only way you can hope to fight effectively – and, ultimately, defeat – the charges is to hire DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C.
Attorneys James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin, the premier Boston drug crime lawyers who have earned a reputation for aggressively fighting for your rights and getting you the justice you deserve. You shouldn’t have to face a possession charge alone, and hiring trusted Boston drug lawyers like James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin will tip the scales of justice in your favor.
Have you been arrested for a drug crime? Call DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., today at (617) 941-3666 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our drug crime attorney in Boston.
What are Common Types of Drug Crimes in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law classifies drug offenses based on the type and quantity of the substance involved, as well as the defendant's intent. Some common drug charges include:
- Drug Possession: Possession charges apply when an individual is found with a controlled substance for personal use. Penalties vary depending on the drug classification and whether the defendant has prior offenses.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute: When law enforcement believes that drugs were intended for distribution rather than personal use, the charges become more serious. Evidence such as large quantities, packaging materials, or scales can lead to enhanced penalties.
- Drug Trafficking: Massachusetts imposes harsh penalties on those convicted of drug trafficking, which involves the large-scale distribution of controlled substances. Sentencing guidelines include mandatory minimums based on the type and weight of the drug.
- Prescription Drug Crimes: Prescription drug charges often involve the illegal possession, distribution, or fraudulently obtaining medications like oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax. Even though these substances are legal with a prescription, unauthorized possession or sale can lead to serious legal consequences.
- Federal Drug Charges: If drug offenses involve interstate trafficking, large-scale distribution networks, or drug-related crimes near schools, federal authorities may intervene. Federal charges carry more severe sentences, making it even more critical to work with an experienced Boston drug crime attorney.
What Are The Penalties For Drug Crimes in Massachusetts?
There is no doubt that even the most minor infractions involving drug charges will permanently and irreparably affect your future, for example:
- Prison - the state of Massachusetts imposes harsh sentences upon each person who is caught with drugs. Many of those sentences, even at the lowest level, carry prison time.
- Fines and fees - many of the fines and fees associated with a conviction for drugs are designed to be punitive or specifically designed to punish you. This may mean that the fines will be much more than you can afford at any given time, and paying them will cause an undue financial burden on you.
- Stripping of your rights - if you’re convicted of a felony-level drug charge, you will find yourself losing some of your basic civil rights. Convicted felons lose the right to vote, the right to hold any kind of public office, are barred from obtaining certain jobs (especially jobs that put them in charge of any sort of finances) and are strictly prohibited from owning a gun, whether licensed or not. In addition, convicted felons will find it difficult to travel to some countries and may even find their request for a visa to enter certain countries to be outright denied.
- Losing your job - let’s face it, if you have to go to jail for an extended period of time, it’s not likely that you will find your job waiting for you when you get out. In addition, when you get out of jail, you’ll have a criminal record that will follow you around, which will not make it easy to get another job so quickly. And unless you get an unlikely pardon from the Massachusetts governor, this conviction will follow you for the rest of your life.
Pleas and mitigation opportunities exist in many cases, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Massachusetts courts often consider rehabilitation programs as part of alternative sentencing to reduce prison time. Community service and probation can be potential avenues for first-time offenders.
Furthermore, the mandatory sentences prescribed by state laws highlight the importance of having a skilled legal defense to possibly contest or lessen the charges during trial. Understanding the specific classifications of various drug offenses and their corresponding penalties can better arm you to engage in informed discussions with your legal representative.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession?
If you are convicted of possession, you can face jail time as well as massive fines. When it comes to drug possession, Massachusetts has very specific, and harsh, laws. The penalties associated with drug possession vary, based on whether the drug is designated as a Class A drug (such as heroin), a Class B drug (such as ecstasy and methamphetamine), a Class C drug (such as prescription drugs that aren’t prescribed to you), or a Class D drug (such as marijuana).
While, clearly, a Class D drug carries a lesser penalty than a Class A drug, the end result – extensive fines and jail time – are still the same. In these types of situations, it is best to seek a qualified Boston drug crime lawyer like James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin to assist you. Our office is familiar with the way that possession trials are handled and have strategies that will be instrumental in solving your problems.
What Are the Penalties for Possession With the Intent to Distribute?
While it is more common that those who are arrested for possession will also be arrested for intent to distribute, it is not always the case. Distribution charges are standard because when you are arrested for possession outside of your home or with a larger amount of drugs, the police can usually prove that you had the intent to sell those drugs because you have so many of them.
A possession with intent to distribute charge is much more serious than a simple possession charge. If you’re charged with possession with intent to distribute, no matter what “class” of drug you’re caught with, you’re facing a mandatory jail sentence of at least three years if you are convicted. Fortunately, with the assistance of experienced Boston drug crime attorneys like James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin, you will be able to quickly defeat the possession portion of your charge because there is not enough evidence to prove that you were, in fact, planning to distribute them.
What Makes This Firm Different?
Feel Confident in Choosing Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C.
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Available to Clients 24/7
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Nearly a Decade of Legal Experience
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Successfully Defended Hundreds of Clients
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Former Prosecutors & Knows How That Side Thinks
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Represented Clients in MA District, Superior, & Appellate Courts
Noteworthy Case Results
Focused on Getting You the Best Possible Outcome
James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin take great pride in the high-quality legal representation they are able to provide for their clients. No matter how complex or straightforward your case may be, they are prepared to do everything in their power to protect your rights and seek out a positive outcome. The case results they have achieved speak for themselves – take a look!
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Case Dismissed April 2019 Case Result – Brockton District Court
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Dismissed April 2021 Case Result – Brockton District Court
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Dismissed April 2021 Case Result – Brockton District Court
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Dismissed April 2021 Case Result – Brockton District Court
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Dismissed April 2021 Case Result – Hingham District Court
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Resolved Without Admission of Wrongdoing April 2021 Case Result – Malden District Court