Maryland Cocaine Laws
By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 29, 2024
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Possessing even a few grams of cocaine in Maryland can lead to years of incarceration and thousands of dollars in fines. The state imposes stricter penalties, such as mandatory minimum sentences and double penalties, for selling or trafficking cocaine across its borders.
The state of Maryland classifies cocaine as a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. Schedule II substances are those that have a high potential for abuse and addiction. They also have limited accepted medical uses in the United States.
In addition to Maryland's state laws, federal laws prohibit simple cocaine possession along with manufacturing and cultivation and trafficking and distribution. Criminal penalties vary depending on whether the defendant has prior drug convictions on their criminal record and the quantity of drugs involved.
In some cases, prosecutors can offer a plea bargain to a lower-level offender in exchange for helping to build a case against higher-level producers and dealers. Some jurisdictions have specialized drug courts that allow first- or second-time drug offenders to spend time in treatment instead of jail.
Cocaine Statutes in Maryland
The chart below contains information about Maryland's cocaine charges. For more information, visit Maryland Drug Laws or FindLaw's Drug Charges section.
Maryland Cocaine Law Code Sections |
Maryland Code
|
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Maryland Possession of Cocaine Charges and Penalties |
Possessing any amount of cocaine is at least a misdemeanor. Penalties vary based on the amount of cocaine and prior drug convictions on one's criminal record. Criminal penalties for a misdemeanor drug possession charge are as follows:
The court can apply penalties including incarceration, fines, or both. |
Maryland Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Penalties |
Possessing drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it to plant, grow, manufacture, produce, pack, or otherwise introduce cocaine into the body is a misdemeanor. Penalties are:
If the offender is an adult (18 years old or older) and delivers drug paraphernalia to a minor who is at least three years their junior, they are guilty of a misdemeanor. If convicted, they face up to eight years of incarceration and a fine of up to $15,000 (§ 5-619). |
Maryland Sale of Cocaine Charges and Penalties |
A conviction for selling, distributing, or otherwise dispensing cocaine in violation of § 5-602 or possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it imposes the following penalties:
|
Maryland Cocaine Trafficking Charges and Penalties |
A person who brings 28 or more grams of cocaine into the state of Maryland is guilty of a felony. They face up to 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine (§ 5-614). |
Maryland Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Cocaine Crimes |
If someone is convicted of possessing, manufacturing, or distributing 448 grams of cocaine or more, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a fine of up to $100,000 (§ 5-612). If the person convicted is a "drug kingpin" as defined in § 5-613, they face the following:
|
Maryland Cocaine Sentencing Aggravating Factors |
If a person commits a drug trafficking crime involving the possession, distribution, manufacture, or importation of cocaine, and during the crime, they possess, use, wear, carry, or transport a firearm, the following penalties apply:
Depending on the firearm involved in the crime (such as a machine gun or an attached silencer to the firearm), the court may double the mandatory minimum sentence. (§ 5-621) |
Note: Maryland state laws change through new legislation, court opinions, and other means. Consult with a Maryland drug lawyer, criminal defense attorney, or conduct your own legal research to verify the current Maryland laws.
Maryland Cocaine Laws: Related Resources
For more information about Maryland's drug laws and dangerous drugs, visit the following links:
- Maryland Law
- Maryland Criminal Laws
- Maryland Criminal Statute of Limitations
- Maryland Drug Laws
- Maryland Marijuana Laws
- Maryland Heroin Laws
- Maryland Drug Possession Laws
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution
- Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing
- Drug Possession Penalties and Sentencing
- Drug Possession Overview
- State Cocaine Laws
- State Heroin Laws
- State Marijuana Laws
For information about other states' cocaine-related laws and penalties, visit FindLaw's Official State Codes page.
Issues With Cocaine Charges in Maryland? Speak With an Attorney
If law enforcement has charged you with possession of cocaine or a Schedule I or II controlled substance, contact a drug crime attorney in Maryland. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can provide helpful legal advice and representation in your case, such as:
- Specific legal defenses to possession of marijuana or LSD charges in Maryland
- The consequences of felony charges and a conviction
- More information about criminal law and the criminal justice system, including plea bargain negotiations and prison sentences
Contact an experienced Maryland drug crime attorney to get started on your legal defense. They'll put their expertise to work to ensure the best outcome possible.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
- Experienced drug crime lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many Maryland attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
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