Charged With a Drug Crime in Augusta, Maine? Get the Defense You Deserve.
Being arrested for a drug-related offense in or around Augusta, Maine, is a serious matter with potentially life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean steep fines, jail or prison time, and a permanent criminal record that impacts your employment, housing, and future opportunities. Whether you’re facing charges for drug possession, trafficking, distribution, or prescription drug offenses, the stakes are high—and so is the prosecution’s determination to secure a conviction.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we provide trusted, experienced legal defense for individuals charged with drug crimes in Augusta and surrounding areas. Our criminal defense attorneys have a deep understanding of Maine’s drug laws and a proven track record of protecting clients’ rights. We carefully analyze the evidence, challenge unlawful searches or police mistakes, and build a tailored legal strategy aimed at reducing charges, getting your case dismissed, or negotiating the best possible outcome.
If you’re searching for a drug crimes lawyer near Augusta, Maine, we’re ready to fight for you.
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 Augusta, 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 Augusta, Maine
Being charged with a drug crime in Maine does not mean you are automatically guilty. Law enforcement must follow strict legal procedures, and any violation of your constitutional rights can be used to challenge the charges against you. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we focus on identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to protect your freedom and future.
Key Defense Strategies for Fighting Drug Charges
- Unlawful Search and Seizure – Police must have a valid search warrant or legal justification for searching your home, vehicle, or person. If they conducted a search without proper authority, evidence obtained may be suppressed.
- Violation of Your Rights – You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you. If officers coerced you into making statements, your defense attorney can challenge their admissibility in court.
- Faulty or Inconclusive Evidence – The prosecution must prove possession, intent, or distribution beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are gaps in the evidence, a strong defense strategy can expose them.
- Chain of Custody Issues – Drug evidence must be handled properly from the moment it is seized. If there are errors in documentation or testing, the integrity of the evidence can be questioned.
If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Maine, it’s critical to act quickly. Our experienced defense attorneys will analyze your case, challenge police actions, and fight to protect your rights. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today for a confidential consultation.
Contact our Augusta Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers Today
If you’ve been charged with a drug offense in Augusta or anywhere in Kennebec County, the decisions you make right now could impact the rest of your life. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we provide aggressive, personalized defense strategies for individuals facing drug charges in central Maine. You don’t have to face the legal system alone—our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Why Clients in Augusta Trust Our Drug Crime Defense Team
- Deep Knowledge of Maine Drug Laws – From simple possession to felony-level trafficking, we’ve successfully defended a wide range of drug cases throughout Maine, including Augusta.
- Constitutional Defense Strategies – If law enforcement violated your rights during a search or arrest, we’ll fight to have that evidence suppressed—and your charges reduced or dismissed.
- Relentless Protection Against Unlawful Police Conduct – Illegal searches of your home, vehicle, or person can make or break a case. We don’t let violations slide.
- Focused on Your Future – A drug conviction in Maine can harm your career, housing, and reputation. We work to protect your record and minimize long-term consequences.
If you’re searching for a drug defense attorney near Augusta, Maine, don’t wait. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re ready to start building your defense and help you move forward with confidence.
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.
Blog Articles
If you are convicted of a drug crime in Maine, your sentence will depend on four main factors: the type of drug involved (classified into four schedules), the amount of[...]
Any criminal charge for a drug-related offense is a serious matter in Maine,but how consequential the outcomes can get may depend on whether the charge is filed at the state[...]
Search and seizure rules are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and are intended to discourage the government (and law enforcement officials) from overstepping their powers and invading people’s privacy. They[...]
When most people think of drug crime classifications, they automatically assume it references the worst types of drugs (heroin, cocaine, LSD, etc.). But the word “drugs” also includes lots of[...]
In this post, we will survey Maine’s laws on the possession and trafficking of “scheduled drugs,” and then discuss the classification and possible punishments for drug related crimes. Drug crimes[...]
When people hear the term “drug trafficking,” they tend to think of organized crime. Many Hollywood films feature stories of drug cartels, or mafia drug trafficking involving millions of dollars[...]
A recent traffic stop in Maine bears a sharp resemblance to a traffic stop that the Supreme Court of the United States had decided was a violation of the Fourth[...]
One of the most polarized and confusing aspects of the American criminal justice system today has to do with marijuana. In the past 20 years alone, 28 states in the[...]
While policy decisions from the White House have been vague or difficult to follow, the new statement on the enforcement of federal drug laws is pretty clear: The Department of[...]
Out of all of the cabinet appointments that president-elect Donald Trump has made, none is more important to the freedom of the people of Maine than that of Senator Jeff[...]
