Drug charges in Massachusetts are taken seriously. What begins as a Boston traffic stop or a search outside a Quincy apartment can quickly turn into criminal charges with serious consequences.
Even first-time possession can mean probation, fines, and lasting consequences. Distribution or trafficking charges bring mandatory jail sentences that judges cannot reduce. For non-citizens, a single conviction can also lead to immigration issues.
Attorney Anthony R. Riccio understands both sides of these cases, having served as a former Bristol County prosecutor who tried over 60 cases to verdict. Now, as a Massachusetts drug crime lawyer, he uses that courtroom experience to challenge searches, question evidence, and protect clients across Boston, Quincy, and Attleboro.
Contact Riccio Law for a confidential consultation today. Text or call 24/7, and let Attorney Riccio personally review your case.
Massachusetts prosecutes drug crimes in District, Municipal, and Superior Courts. Charges range from possession to large-scale trafficking, with penalties that escalate quickly depending on substance, weight, and circumstances.
Even prescription drugs such as OxyContin or Percocet can result in felony charges without a valid prescription.
The Commonwealth must show beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant:
For distribution or trafficking, prosecutors must also prove intent and the weight of the drug. Since 2024, lab chemists have been required to testify in court about testing procedures, creating opportunities to challenge the reliability of their findings.
Massachusetts drug laws are strict. Even first-time possession can leave a mark on your record, while distribution or trafficking may bring mandatory prison terms.
First-Time vs. Repeat Offenders
Collateral Consequences
Drug convictions go beyond fines or jail. They can result in losing your driver’s license, facing immigration issues, strict probation conditions, and long-term barriers to employment or housing.
Sample Penalty Ranges
|
Charge |
Penalties |
Notes |
| Possession (1st offense) | Probation, CWOF, fines | Dismissal possible |
| Possession w/ intent | Up to 2.5 yrs jail | Harsher in school zone |
| Distribution (Class B) | Up to 10 yrs prison | Mandatory minimums |
| Trafficking (18–36g coke) | 2–15 yrs prison | Mandatory sentence |
Penalties are severe, but the outcome depends on how the case is handled in court. A skilled Massachusetts criminal defense attorney can often reduce the impact by challenging evidence and exposing flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Drug cases aren’t always as strong as they look on paper. Many turn on whether the police followed the rules, how evidence was handled, and whether the prosecution can actually prove its claims. The most effective defenses often focus on these weaknesses.
If police search your car or home without a valid warrant or probable cause, the evidence may be inadmissible. A Boston traffic stop, for example, can’t turn into a drug search without legal grounds.
Prosecutors must prove drugs were collected and tested correctly. When officers cut corners or labs mishandle samples, a skilled Massachusetts drug crimes lawyer can often move to suppress the evidence, which can result in the case being dismissed.
Attorney Anthony Riccio’s background as a former prosecutor means he knows where drug cases break down. His approach has helped clients suppress evidence, avoid jail, and protect their records through dismissals or favorable agreements.
When your future is on the line, the lawyer you hire matters. Riccio Law brings trial-tested experience and a client-centered approach to every case.
Why clients trust Attorney Anthony Riccio:
Choosing Riccio Law means having a dedicated Massachusetts drug crimes attorney who combines prosecutorial insight with defense experience.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and we’ll discuss the best course of action for your case.
The first step is the arraignment. This is where the charges are formally read in court, and the judge may decide whether to set bail or impose conditions for release.
Next comes the pre-trial stage. Here, your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence, challenges illegal searches, and raises questions about how drugs were tested or handled.
In many cases, negotiations take place before trial. Depending on the facts and your record, options like probation, diversion, or plea agreements may be available.
If the case proceeds to trial, the prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. With so much at stake, preparation matters at every step. Attorney Riccio guides clients through the process from start to finish, making sure nothing is overlooked.
First-time possession may result in probation, drug education, or a CWOF. If completed, charges can be dismissed and later sealed.
Trafficking charges carry mandatory minimums based on drug type and weight. For example, trafficking cocaine (18–36 grams) still requires a minimum two-year state prison sentence in 2025. Judges cannot reduce these terms.
Yes. Even minor possession may trigger deportation or denial of citizenship. Non-citizens should seek immediate legal help.
Recreational marijuana is legal in small amounts. Unlicensed distribution or possession above the legal limit remains a crime, and large-scale sales can bring trafficking charges.
Remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced Massachusetts drug crimes attorney quickly. Early legal guidance is critical to protect your rights and start building a strong defense.
No two drug cases are the same. The facts, the evidence, and the court all play a role in what happens next. What doesn’t change is the need for an attorney who takes your case seriously.
Anthony Riccio handles every case personally, from the initial consultation to the final court date. Each client gets the time, preparation, and courtroom strategy needed to fight back effectively. That’s how real results are built.
For those facing drug allegations, time matters. Contact Riccio Law today to schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Riccio and discuss the next steps in building a strong defense.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This content is informational only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
