Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

ok i live in Maryland and i just got my second drug paraphernalia citation (pipe). i wasnt driving, i was in front of my friends house and some underage kid was drinking so they searched us. my first citation i got was 3 years ago for the same exact thing, but got expunged. does that make this a second and subsequent offense?. the citation says 500 bucks but apparently in Maryland second and subsequent could go up to 2 years ago 2000 dollar fine. Id rather plead guilty because it was mine and i dont want to waste the judge times with a small case. i also cant afford a lawyer. im a resident not an american citizen so i dont know how this affects. thank you


Asked on 3/16/12, 5:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

This would be a subsequent offense, if the court entered probation before judgment or guilty previously. Otherwise, this would be your "first offense" so to speak.

You should apply to the Public Defender, if you cannot afford a lawyer. Although the criminal penalties might not be severe, you do not want this case to cause immigration problems for you.

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Answered on 3/17/12, 8:22 am


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