Skilled Frederick Attorneys Defend Clients Facing Drug and Sex Crimes

Dedicated Maryland lawyers provide a diligent defense for serious charges

Even when completely unfounded, allegations of criminal behavior involving drugs or sexual misconduct can exact a heavy toll. If you’re facing one of these charges, you need skilled criminal defense counsel that can take immediate, aggressive action to assert your rights and protect your reputation. At Haspel, McLeod & Drawbaugh, P.C., our Maryland defense attorneys have 100 years of combined legal experience representing clients throughout Frederick, Washington and Montgomery counties on these charges. We draw on that extensive knowledge to challenge the prosecution’s case and identify flaws in the law enforcement process. No matter how difficult your situation might seem, we will stand up for you and develop a comprehensive strategy to obtain the best possible outcome, whether that’s an acquittal, dismissal or favorable plea agreement.

Diligent Frederick firm handles charges involving substance sale and possession

Maryland law prohibits various types of conduct associated with the creation, use and sale of controlled substances. We provide the strongest possible defense against each type of charge, including:

• Possession — Possessing just a small amount of marijuana in Maryland is a civil offense, punishable by a fine of $100. However, selling pot or possessing more than 10 grams subjects you to potential jail time. Drug possession charges for other substances such as cocaine or heroin are classified as felonies, potentially leading to a four-year prison sentence. We know the effect that these harsh penalties can have on our clients and challenge questionable evidence that is often used to justify possession allegations.
• Distribution —The illegal sale of drugs is a felony, triggering sentences that can run from three years to life imprisonment. Determining whether there was intent to sell is often based on subjective evidence or improperly seized materials. In cases involving prescription drugs, sending a few pills might be twisted into a trafficking accusation. Our lawyers challenge the assertions made by authorities and work to exclude items that were gathered unlawfully.
• Paraphernalia — Maryland’s drug paraphernalia law criminalizes the possession of certain products that are associated with the manufacture and sale of methamphetamines or other drugs. Sometimes, these are common household items that have nothing to do with illegal activity.

Our criminal defense lawyers take a personalized approach to your drug case and work vigorously to secure an appropriate result. For many individuals accused of drug-related offenses, this means substance abuse treatment or other alternatives to incarceration.

Incisive advocates defend clients charged with sex crimes

Rape and sexual offense charges are extremely serious and can lead to a life sentence upon conviction. To confront these allegations effectively, you need a seasoned attorney who can handle the emotional nature of these cases and unearth the truth when witnesses disagree about issues such as consent. Our firm provides comprehensive counsel so that you can overcome false accusations and preserve both your fundamental rights and your reputation.

Contact a knowledgeable Maryland lawyer for assistance with a drug or sex crime charge

Haspel, McLeod & Drawbaugh, P.C. defends Maryland clients in criminal defense matters involving alleged drug and sexual offenses. Please call 301-631-0592 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our locations. We have offices in Frederick, Hagerstown and Rockville.