Cambridge police recently announced that they had made an arrest of a Boston man who was wanted on charges relating to two break-ins in Cambridge.State police and members of a U.S. Marshals task force seized cocaine, bath salts, oxycodone and more than $8,000 in cash. The man was arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant for the housebreaks.
In addition to the charges stemming from the warrant, the man was also charged with two counts of possession of a class B drug and trafficking of cocaine. These charges were based on police stating that they seized 18 grams of cocaine, nine ounces of “bath salts,” and 38 grams of oxycodone pills that had been packaged for distribution pursuant to the arrest. Police also reportedly seized drug paraphernalia, items believed to have been taken during break-ins, and more than $8,000 in cash.
Massachusetts State Law has a system of harsh mandatory minimum sentences for charges relating to trafficking of Class B controlled substances, which include cocaine. The law provides that anyone who traffics a Class B controlled substance by knowingly or intentionally manufacturing, distributing, dispensing or cultivating or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, cultivate, or by bringing in a Class B controlled substance is punishable based upon the amount with which they are charged.
For example, in this case, the man reportedly was in possession of 18 grams, which falls within the lowest range (14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams) so the potential charges would be:
- A mandatory minimum state prison sentence of 3 years, up to 15 years, AND
- A fine of $2,500-$25,000
Additionally, the penalty for possession of a class B controlled substance, which likely stems from the alleged possession of the other drugs found, carries a potential prison sentence of up to 1 year in prison, and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
The manner in which evidence was collected in these types of cases is crucial. An experienced drug charges defense attorney may be able to have evidence excluded if law enforcement officers did not follow the proper procedures, or committed violations of your constitutional rights. Consult with an experienced drug crimes defense attorney to learn how you may possibly have your charges reduced, or in some cases even dismissed.
If you have been charged with possession of marijuana, meth, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, or prescription drugs, you should speak with a Massachusetts drug crimes defense attorney as soon as possible. The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy is a deeply experienced, practical and resourceful drug possession lawyer representing individuals in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. Contact us today by calling 617-367-0450 or submitting the contact form on our website in order to discuss your case.
More Blog Posts:
Freetown Police Make Arrest After Finding Marijuana at Car Dealership, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published November 6, 2013
Massachusetts Motorcyclist Arrested for Reckless Driving, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published October 24, 2013