An Attorney You Can Count On To Fight Your Drug Possession Charge

It doesn’t take much to be charged with drug possession in Maryland. In many cases, these charges are coupled with DUI/DWI charges. An officer may have pulled you over on suspicion of drunk driving and noticed marijuana paraphernalia in the back seat of the car, for instance.

I am Ryan Atwell, an Easton drug possession attorney with more than 25 years of legal experience. I am a member of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. You can count on me for knowledgeable legal counsel and aggressive representation.

Constitutional Rights Violations And Other Issues

If you are charged with a drug crime, I will ask the important questions in your defense. Did the police violate your Fourth Amendment rights? Did they make any legal mistakes during the search and seizure process? Can the prosecutor prove that you knew about the drugs in your vehicle?

I am experienced in constitutional rights violations and other missteps that may work to your benefit. For instance, if the police illegally obtained evidence against you, I can petition the court to have that evidence suppressed.

Common Questions About Drug Possession In Maryland

Drug possession cases in Maryland can be more complex than expected in the 21st century, often leading to confusion and uncertainty. The answers to frequently asked questions can illuminate your situation more clearly.

Can my drug charges be dismissed if the police searched my car without permission?

Maybe. A lack of consent does not automatically make a vehicle search unlawful. However, it does require the state to justify the search under a recognized exception to the warrant requirement. Maryland law allows officers to search a vehicle without a warrant if:

• Police have probable cause that it contains evidence of a crime
• The search is tied to a lawful arrest
• Contraband or evidence is clearly visible from outside the vehicle

Courts also evaluate whether the officer exceeded the permissible scope of the search or relied on unreliable information. If you can show that the search violated constitutional protections, the evidence found may be suppressed.

What if the drugs found in my vehicle actually belonged to a passenger?

Maryland prosecutors do not need to prove that the drugs were physically on your person to pursue a possession charge. Instead, they may rely on constructive possession, which focuses on whether you knew the drugs were present and had the ability to exercise control over them.

When multiple people are in a vehicle, the state must present facts linking each individual to the substance, such as proximity, statements made during the stop or behavior suggesting awareness. A strong defense may highlight the presence of other occupants, the location of the drugs and the absence of evidence showing that you had any authority over the substance.

Can I still be charged with a drug crime for marijuana in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland has legalized possession of small, personal‑use amounts of recreational cannabis, but certain conduct falls outside the state’s civil limits. Possessing larger quantities, possessing cannabis with the intent to distribute or operating a vehicle while impaired by marijuana remain prosecutable offenses.

These cases are taken seriously in Maryland, including on the Eastern Shore, where law enforcement rigorously pursues distribution‑related and impairment‑based charges. Even seemingly minor situations can escalate if the amount exceeds the legal threshold or if officers believe the circumstances suggest commercial distribution activity.

I’m On Your Side, Fighting For You

I believe that to be a successful criminal defense lawyer, one must be fearless. I never back down from taking a case to trial, and I am not intimidated by the prosecution. I understand that no one else is defending you, so you need me to be your advocate. In addition, I will be your trusted adviser. I can help you determine whether to fight the charges in court or negotiate a plea bargain.

Contact Atwell Law, LLC, at 410-443-0403 or email my Easton office to discuss the drug possession charges you face.