Having illegal drugs can get you in trouble with the law. Quite possibly, you will end up with a drug possession charge. However, sometimes a prosecutor will go for the additional count of possessing drugs with an intention to distribute them.
Like any crime, an intent to sell or give away drugs requires evidence to charge and convict you. FindLaw describes examples of possibly incriminating evidence that could lead to this kind of charge.
Possessing a large drug amount
The police might find a small bag of drugs in your car or home. This may be enough for just a possession charge since you only appear to have enough drugs for your own use. On the other hand, having large quantities of a controlled substance indicates that you might be stocking up on drugs to sell them.
Having paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia refers to devices or goods used to analyze, cultivate or store drugs. Different kinds of paraphernalia could help a person weigh, package and send drugs to customers. Examples include scales, packaging material and containers. Finding these devices or goods near illegal drugs could be enough to consider the paraphernalia as evidence.
Cash or transactional messages
Direct evidence of a transaction may also serve as evidence. A large number of dollar bills in your home could indicate recent drug sales. Communications like emails or texts can also uncover transactions. Messages may describe methods of payment and pickup locations for drugs.
A conviction for drug possession with intent to deliver is a Class 2 felony that can land you in prison. You may serve a single year but could end up behind bars for up to 12 years. This does not count other felony convictions that would increase your sentence. Understanding your defense options is crucial to avoiding a significant loss of your freedom.
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
