One of the most common crimes drug possession attorneys see charged by prosecutors is possession with the intent to distribute. Prosecutors like this charge because with just the slightest bit of extra evidence, they can turn a simple possession case into a more severe case. The penalties you might face for these charges can be severe, but a Newnan possession with the intent to distribute lawyer can help you fight for a favorable outcome.

The Law Regarding Intent to Distribute

State law prohibits anyone to possess, manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, sell drugs with the intent to distribute. This intent to distribute sets this drug charge away from others. In possession and trafficking cases, the government must only prove that you possessed a certain amount of drugs. The amount is determinative of what penalties you will face and prosecutors must prove the weight if they want to enhance the charges beyond simple possession.

In possession with the intent to distribute cases, the prosecutors must actually prove your mental state in regards to the drugs. They have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to distribute the illegal drugs. With the help of a lawyer in Newnan, you can fight to avoid this outcome in your possession with the intent to distribute case.

How Do Prosecutors Prove the Intent to Distribute?

There are few ways that prosecutors try to prove the intent to distribute. Some of them are more credible than others:

  • The presence of multiple plastic baggies.
  • The drugs are split up and packaged individually.
  • There is cell phone data that shows text messages (or other messages) indicative of drug sales.
  • The suspect/defendant tells the cop they were planning on selling the drugs. (Yes, I’ve seen this).
  • The weight of the drugs is not indicative of personal use (because cops are experts on this).
  • Cash on the suspect’s person.
  • Packaging Drugs in Disposable Containers.

These can seem like unreasonable ways to prove an intent to distribute in a drug possession case, but prosecutors will try to do so if you don’t have a skilled attorney in Newnan defending you.

Penalties in Newnan

If convicted of possessing a schedule I or II drug with the intent to distribute, you may face five to thirty years. If convicted for a second time, then your face ten to forty years, or, possibly even life in prison. Any person convicted of possessing a Schedule III, IV, or V drug faces anywhere from one to ten years in prison.

Don’t Wait: Call a Newnan Possession with the Intent to Distribute Attorney

Possession with intent charges are no joke. Do not fight against these charges alone because the prosecutors are certainly taking your case seriously. All defenses must be explored, warrants must be examined, and a strategy must be developed. Contact us today. A Newnan possession with the intent to distribute lawyer is waiting for your call.

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
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