Simple Possession Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in St. Mary’s County is a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 5-601, punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for personal use charges at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Law on Drug Possession
Maryland classifies drug possession as a misdemeanor for personal use amounts. The severity depends on the substance and quantity. Possession of marijuana under 10 grams is a civil offense with a fine, while possession of other controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription is a criminal misdemeanor. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and intentionally possessed the illegal substance.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 5-601 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court information for St. Mary’s County is available at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
Local Court Process for a Simple Possession Charge
In St. Mary’s County, all misdemeanor simple possession cases are handled at the District Court at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. A critical local disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation.
- Initial Appearance: You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence if the search was illegal.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If found guilty or if you plead, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include PBJ, probation, fines, or jail time.
Potential Penalties for Drug Possession in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, simple possession of a controlled dangerous substance (non-marijuana) is a misdemeanor carrying up to 4 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of CDS (e.g., cocaine, heroin) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Probation, drug treatment, criminal record |
| Possession of Marijuana (10g or more) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | No | Civil fine for under 10g |
| Possession of Paraphernalia | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $500 | No | Fines, probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Maryland Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds a case. For personal use charges, a skilled drug possession defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable results in drug cases. While every case is unique, our approach focuses on challenging the evidence and seeking alternatives to conviction like PBJ. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ cases with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Simple Possession Lawyers
Our Maryland office serves clients in St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. We are accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors, including simple possession, at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County or Circuit Court).
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor drug possession charge in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. A Maryland misdemeanor for drug possession carries penalties of up to 4 years in prison. An attorney at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction on record) or a dismissal. A personal use defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can examine the specifics of your case to identify the best defense strategy.
What are common defenses to a simple possession charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment violation), arguing the substance was not a controlled drug, proving lack of knowledge or intent to possess, or demonstrating the drugs were for personal use versus distribution, which affects charges and penalties.
What happens at an initial appearance for drug possession?
After an arrest in St. Mary’s County, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release. A bail review hearing in District Court occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Anne Arundel County and with related issues such as DUI/DWI in St. Mary’s County.
Last verified: April 2026. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.