Annapolis Military Drug Offenses Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Charges of Drug Possession or Use in the Military in Annapolis, MD

Service in the military requires discipline, and strict codes of conduct apply to servicemembers. For people who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, drug-related offenses are a serious violation of these codes of conduct, and they can lead to severe consequences. Charges involving the use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances can lead to disciplinary proceedings, criminal charges, and long-term penalties.

Because of the effects that drug charges can have on a person's military career and their freedom, it is important to secure legal representation in these cases. The Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP provides legal help for military personnel who have been accused of drug-related offenses. We guide servicemembers through the military justice system, advocating on their behalf and fighting to protect their future.

Types of Drug Offenses in the Military

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) prohibits the wrongful use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances. The term "controlled substances" includes a wide array of drugs, including illegal substances like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, as well as prescription drugs that are used without authorization.

Military drug charges may include:

• Use of Controlled Substances: Drug tests performed randomly or due to suspicions by superior officers may uncover the illegal use of drugs.
• Possession: Being found with illegal drugs on one's person, in a barracks room, in a vehicle, or among a servicemember's personal effects may lead to drug possession charges.
• Distribution or Intent to Distribute: Possessing large quantities of a drug, packaging materials, or messages suggesting that drugs are meant to be sold or distributed can lead to more severe charges than for simple possession.

While these offenses may be similar to civilian drug crimes, the military uses its own investigative procedures, and administrative actions or criminal penalties may apply. In many cases, military authorities are much less lenient than civilian courts would be in similar situations.

Consequences of Drug Charges in the Military

Drug offenses can lead to multiple types of immediate and long-term consequences for servicemembers, including:

• Court-Martial Proceedings: Many drug offenses result in trial by court-martial. A conviction may lead to confinement, dishonorable discharge, and other penalties.
• Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP): For lesser offenses, a commander may choose to impose penalties through Article 15. These may include extra duty, loss of rank, and other consequences, and an offense on a person's record may lead to consequences in the future.
• Administrative Separation: A positive drug test or another drug-related incident may lead the military to initiate separation proceedings. This could potentially result in an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge.
• Security Clearance Revocation: Any involvement with illegal substances can lead to the suspension or permanent loss of a person's security clearance. This could limit a servicemember's ability to perform their duties.
• Career Impact: Drug charges can disqualify a service member from promotions, deployments, or reenlistment, which could have a long-term effect on their military career.

Defense Options for Servicemembers Accused of Drug Offenses

While military drug offenses are taken seriously, every service member is entitled to due process and the opportunity to present a defense. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP can provide representation, challenge the accusations, protect the rights of the accused, and explore all possible avenues to resolve charges favorably. Possible defense strategies may include:

• Challenging Testing Procedures: Drug tests must follow strict laboratory procedures and chain-of-custody protocols. Any irregularity in sample handling or testing may lead to the exclusion of drug test results.
• Unknowing Ingestion: A servicemember may have consumed a substance without knowing it was laced with an illegal drug, such as unknowingly ingesting THC in food or drinks.
• Lack of Possession or Knowledge: In cases involving accusations of drug possession, our attorneys may argue that the accused did not know about or control the location of the drugs.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: If military investigators violated a servicemember's rights during a search, the evidence may be suppressed.
• False or Misleading Statements: Testimony from fellow service members may be biased or inaccurate, and our attorneys can work to expose inconsistencies.

Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Options

In certain cases, especially for first-time offenders or those with underlying mental health conditions, the military may allow for rehabilitation instead of punitive action. Eligibility for treatment-based alternatives may be based on factors such as:

• Demonstrating a genuine commitment to recovery
• Having a strong prior service record
• Providing supporting statements from leadership or peers
• Voluntarily seeking help before formal charges are filed

The Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP can advocate for access to these programs and negotiate alternatives to criminal convictions or administrative penalties. Rehabilitation can serve as both a defense strategy and a meaningful opportunity to preserve a person's military career.

Contact Our Annapolis, Maryland Military Drug Charges Defense Lawyers

Servicemembers who are under investigation for drug-related offenses or who may face court-martial proceedings will need to act quickly to address these charges and defend against serious penalties. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our attorneys can review these cases to determine the best defense strategies that will help a person resolve their case while minimizing the penalties that could affect their future. Set up a free consultation by contacting us at 410-280-2500.