Drug laws are some of the most stringently enforced criminal regulations in Massachusetts. If you've been arrested on a drugs-related charge, it can consume your life and feel inescapable. Despite their serious nature, depending on the specifics of your case, there exist numerous defenses which can be presented on your behalf. The criminal defense attorneys at Bellotti Law have tried hundreds of drug charge cases and have obtained countless not guilty verdicts and dismissals. Don't face the complex legal system alone. Trust the experienced defense lawyers at Bellotti Law to protect your constitutional and legal rights. Twenty percent of Massachusetts inmates are incarcerated on drug-related charges. Another twenty percent are incarcerated for property crimes related to drugs and drug-use. That equates to nearly half of all inmates in Massachusetts. Without skilled legal representation, it is very easy to fall prey to the system.

Charges and Penalties: The type of drug, quantity involved, and surrounding circumstances dictate the correlating charges and penalties in Massachusetts. Depending on the situation, police can bring charges for Drug Possession, Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute, Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute in a School Zone, and Drug Trafficking. The penalties for convictions of these charges vary according to the type, amount, and circumstances surrounding each charge. The attorneys at Bellotti Law have successfully handled hundreds of these cases. Each case, however, has unique particularities and nuances that require skilled, experienced representation.

Drug Classifications: Drugs in Massachusetts are classified under 5 different substance classes, each with its own variations of laws, charges, and sentencing guidelines, often with mandatory minimum and maximum incarceration times if convicted.

Class A: Heroine, morphine, opiates, GHB, Ketamine (Special K)

Class B: Cocaine, Oxycontin, Oxycodone (Percocet), LSD, MDMA, Ecstasy, Methamphetamines (Meth), Amphetamines (Speed)

Class C: Valium, Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Anexia), Mushrooms, hallucinogens.

Class D: Marijuana, small doses of prescription narcotics

Class E: Small doses of prescription narcotics containing codeine, opium, or morphine (Tylenol)

Consequences of a Drug Conviction: The Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy drug crimes lawyers at Bellotti Law Group understand that a drug conviction in Massachusetts can have a profound effect on an individual's life. The consequences of a drug charge can be severe and range from heavy fines to incarceration. However, being arrested does not always translate into an eventual conviction. With skilled criminal defense lawyers working on your case, many of these penalties can be minimized, if not avoided altogether. We have achieved countless not guilty verdicts and dismissals in the hundreds of cases we've handled.

Diminished Employment Opportunities: Along with possible lengthy jail sentence and hefty fines, a felony conviction will greatly hurt your ability to find gainful employment in the future. Even minor convictions like marijuana charges will remain on your criminal record. This criminal record is readily accessible for prospective employers, who are often dissuaded from hiring convicted felons.

College Students and Drug Crimes: If you are a young adult or college student convicted of a drug charge, your ability to obtain federal student aid or college loans may be hindered for many years after a conviction. Further, in addition to criminal charges, you may face disciplinary measures, including suspension and/or expulsion from school without recouping tuition. We will work with the college and attend any disciplinary hearings you may face.

Deportation: If you are not a United States citizen, a drug offense conviction may lead to deportation and a permanent restriction against returning to the US.

The drug crimes lawyers at Bellotti Law Group know that a drug conviction can have life-long and life-changing effects on an individual's life. Whether you want to fight a drug charge head-on at trial or work with the DA on a plea agreement, we are experienced and skilled in achieving the best legal solutions for our clients.

Experienced, Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney Tactics: The Boston and Cambridge drug crimes lawyers at BELLOTTI LAW GROUP know that drug cases are often decided before trial. Thus, we will often recommend hiring a private investigator to collect as much information about your case as possible. The Massachusetts drug offense attorneys know also that many drug charges involve unfair, illegal, unconstitutional, or at least questionable police practices. In short, we examine every possible avenue to minimizing and/or avoiding a conviction. Our practices may include the following legal actions.

Filing and arguing Motions to Suppress Evidence: We will file and argue motions to suppress any evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches, seizures, arrests, traffic stops, wiretaps, or unreliable informant information. These motions have the potential to help illegally obtained incriminating evidence from being introduced against you and can completely alter the complexion of the case against you.

Challenging Search Warrants and Consents to Search: We will actively challenge any improperly obtained or wrongfully executed search warrant by the police. We will then work to suppress any evidence obtained as a result of this improper search and even fight to have charges against you dismissed.

Arguing Against Probable Cause: Often, will we argue that the police lacked the requisite probable cause to search and arrest you, which can deeply weaken their case against you, perhaps resulting in a dismissal of charges.

The drug crimes attorneys at Bellotti Law Group know the Massachusetts drug offenses laws and will use our knowledge and experience in building the strongest defense possible against any charge.  We will assess your individual case and tailor a plan of action to best defend you.  Whether you are charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine, or other drugs, manufacture or delivery of drugs, or trafficking, we will work tirelessly to lessen the impact on your life and future endeavors.

Bellotti Law Group serves Greater Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore, and all of Massachusetts.  Our offices are located in Cambridge and Quincy.  Contact us today at 617-225-2100 or toll-free at 800-334-3476. You can also contact us through our online form and we will promptly respond.