Information About Massachusetts Drug Charges
In Massachusetts, criminal drug charges come down to either possession or distribution cases. While the type and amount of prescription drug or controlled substance can make a difference, simple possession cases are often resolved without the need for a trial. As seriousness increases, any amount of cocaine or heroin will be prosecuted more aggressively and can result in prison time, a court record and even the loss of your driver's license.
Drug Classifications in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, drug types are classified under five substance categories: Class A, B, C, D and E:
Class A substances include heroin and other opiates such as morphine and some designer drugs like GHB and ketamine (called "Special K").
Class B substances include cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, XTC, amphetamines, speed, methamphetamine and prescription opiates such as oxycodone.
Class C substances are prescription tranquilizers, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, peyote and some medium doses of prescription narcotics.
Class D substances are pot, marijuana, chloral hydrate and lesser doses of prescription narcotics.
Class E substances are the lighter doses of prescription narcotics.
Distribution and Drug Trafficking Cases
Drug possession charges are one thing, but if you face distribution or drug trafficking charges or allegations that you were involved in a drug-related motor vehicle accident, that you operate a meth lab or that you sold drugs in a school zone, you have a difficult fight on your hands.
Defending Drug Cases in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts DUI Defense Group has assembled a tough team of defense lawyers related to drug charges all over the Commonwealth. We will defend doctors, medical students, lawyers, law school students, mothers, fathers, divorced parents and law enforcement professionals on any type of drug charge. When a conviction for even a minor possession charge, such as possession of marijuana, cocaine or speed, can mean loss of your professional license, removal from school or even the end of a promising career, you need a skilled defense.
Our position is clear: If police do not have a search warrant, they have to establish probable cause for the search. They must have what are called articulable facts to assume that you have drugs in your possession or on your person.
During motion to suppress hearings, police officers must take the stand and explain why they wanted to search a defendant and for what reason they suspected the defendant would have drugs.
