Kennebunk Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers – Local, Experienced, and Aggressive Legal Help
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in or near Kennebunk, Maine, the stakes are high. A conviction for possession, trafficking, or prescription drug fraud can lead to steep fines, jail time, and a lasting criminal record that may affect your job, housing, and future opportunities. Law enforcement and prosecutors in York County aggressively pursue these cases—so having a skilled defense lawyer is critical.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience defending clients under Maine’s tough drug laws. We take a strategic and hands-on approach to every case, examining how the evidence was obtained and challenging any unlawful searches or constitutional violations. Whether you’re seeking a drug defense lawyer “near me” in Kennebunk or need immediate legal support after an arrest, we’re here to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Table of Contents
Drug crime schedules in Maine
Maine classifies controlled substances into four schedules (W, X, Y, and Z) based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and danger to public health. The severity of drug charges and penalties depends on which schedule the substance falls under. Here’s a breakdown of each classification:
Schedule W
Includes the most dangerous and addictive drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methadone, oxycodone, amphetamines, and hallucinogens like MDMA. Crimes involving Schedule W substances carry the harshest penalties.
Schedule X
Covers depressants and hallucinogens not listed under Schedule W, such as chlorhexadol, nalorphine, and hashish. While still serious, offenses involving Schedule X drugs may have slightly lesser penalties.
Schedule Y
Consists of prescription medications like codeine and flurazepam, which are commonly used in medical treatments but can be abused.
Schedule Z
Includes all other prescription drugs not classified under W, X, or Y, as well as marijuana. While some charges related to Schedule Z drugs may be less severe, they can still result in criminal penalties and long-term consequences.
Understanding the drug schedule classification related to your charges is crucial for building an effective defense. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we fight to protect your rights and explore every possible legal avenue to reduce or dismiss charges.
Programs available if you are charged with a drug crime in Maine (Video)
Watch our video explaining what programs and options there are available when being charged with a drug-related crime.
Common Drug Crimes in Kennebunk, Maine
Maine enforces strict drug laws, and being charged with a drug-related offense can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Below are some of the most common drug crimes individuals face in Maine:
Drug Possession
Under Maine Revised Statute Title 17-A, §1107-A, it is illegal to knowingly or intentionally possess a scheduled drug. The severity of possession charges depends on the type and quantity of the drug. Depending on the circumstances, drug possession charges can range from a Class D misdemeanor to a Class B felony, with potential penalties including fines, probation, and incarceration.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking involves the sale, distribution, or transportation of controlled substances. Under Maine Revised Statute Title 17-A, §1103, trafficking charges can escalate based on factors like the type of drug, quantity, prior convictions, and whether minors were involved. If aggravating factors exist, drug trafficking may be classified as a Class A felony, which carries the harshest penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
Cultivation of Marijuana
Maine law prohibits the cultivation or production of controlled substances, such as cannabis or opium poppies, without proper authorization. Illegally growing marijuana outside of the state’s regulated system can result in criminal charges. Cultivation penalties vary but can include fines up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail.
Marijuana
Although Maine legalized recreational marijuana, unauthorized possession, distribution, or cultivation beyond legal limits can still lead to criminal charges. Additionally, individuals without a valid medical marijuana card who attempt to use medical marijuana laws as a defense may face prosecution.
Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud includes forging prescriptions, stealing prescription pads, altering dosages, or doctor shopping to obtain controlled substances. Under Maine Revised Statute Title 17-A, §1108, prescription drug fraud is a serious offense that can result in felony charges, significant fines, and incarceration.
If you’re facing drug crime charges in Maine, The Maine Criminal Defense Group is here to fight for your rights. Our experienced defense attorneys understand the complexities of drug laws and will work to build the strongest possible defense for your case.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Penalties for drug offenses in Maine
Maine imposes strict penalties for drug-related offenses, with certain felony drug crimes carrying mandatory minimum sentences. This means that unless a judge finds exceptional circumstances, they cannot issue a sentence below the mandated jail term.
Class A crime
A class A drug conviction is a felony offense and the most serious of drug crimes, which can lead to a 30-year jail sentence and $50,000 in fines.
Class B crime
A class B drug conviction is a felony offense and can lead to 10 years in jail and $20,000 in fines.
Class C crime
A class C convictions is a felony and has a maximum sentence of 5 years in jail and $5,000 in fines,
Class D crime
A class D drug conviction is a misdemeanor crime that is punishable by one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class E crime
A class E drug conviction is a misdemeanor crime that is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Felonies in Maine
For severe drug crimes, including aggravated drug trafficking or offenses involving firearms, the following mandatory minimum sentences apply:
- Class A Felony – Minimum 4 years in prison.
- Class B Felony – Minimum 2 years in prison.
- Class C Felony – Minimum 1 year in prison if:
- A firearm was used during the commission of the drug crime.
- The offense involved aggravated drug trafficking (as defined by Maine law).
- The crime was related to marijuana trafficking.
While judges in Maine have some discretion in sentencing, these minimum penalties must be enforced unless a legal exception applies. If you’re facing drug charges, an experienced criminal defense attorney can explore options to reduce your charges, challenge evidence, or seek sentencing alternatives to avoid these harsh penalties.
What is the typical sentence for drug possession, trafficking or distribution in Maine? (Video)
Challenging your drug charges in Kennebunk, Maine
Being charged with a drug offense in Kennebunk—or anywhere in York County—does not mean you’re guilty. Prosecutors must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and law enforcement must follow strict legal procedures. If your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest or investigation, the charges against you may be significantly weakened or even dismissed.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our drug crimes defense attorneys have decades of experience identifying flaws in the prosecution’s case. We aggressively challenge evidence, expose procedural errors, and work to protect your freedom and future.
Key Legal Strategies Used to Fight Drug Charges
- Unlawful Search and Seizure – Police need a valid warrant or legal justification to search your home, car, or person. If they overstepped their authority, any evidence they gathered may be inadmissible in court.
- Violation of Your Constitutional Rights – If you were not properly informed of your rights—or if law enforcement used coercive tactics to obtain statements—we can challenge the admissibility of that evidence.
- Faulty or Inconclusive Evidence – Drug charges often rely on physical evidence and lab testing. If the prosecution’s case is built on weak, contaminated, or improperly tested substances, we’ll work to have that evidence discredited.
- Chain of Custody Errors – Proper documentation is required from the moment drugs are seized. If there’s a break in the chain of custody or irregularities in testing, we’ll challenge the reliability of the evidence.
If you’ve been arrested on drug charges in or near Kennebunk, time is of the essence. The sooner you contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group, the sooner we can begin building your defense. Call today for a confidential consultation with a local attorney who knows how to fight drug charges in Southern Maine.
Contact our Maine Drug Crime Lawyers Today
Being charged with a drug crime in Maine—especially in smaller communities like Kennebunk—can be intimidating and isolating. But you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we bring decades of combined experience and a track record of success to every case we handle. We know how to build strong defenses that protect our clients’ rights, freedom, and future.
Why Clients in Kennebunk Trust Our Drug Crime Defense Lawyers
- Deep Knowledge of Maine Drug Laws – We’ve defended clients throughout York County against charges like drug possession, trafficking, and prescription drug fraud. We know how to spot weak points in the prosecution’s case.
- Strategic Challenges to Illegal Searches – If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a traffic stop, home search, or arrest, we’ll move to suppress the evidence—often leading to dismissed or reduced charges.
- Proven Legal Defense Strategies – Whether it’s questioning lab results or revealing inconsistencies in the chain of custody, we use tested legal tactics to weaken the case against you.
- Focused on Protecting Your Future – A drug conviction can derail job prospects, housing, education, and professional licensing. We fight hard to keep your record clean and your options open.
If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug charges in or around Kennebunk, don’t wait. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today for a confidential case review. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your defense will be.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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