There is a difference between charges of possession of drugs and possession with intent to distribute. The legal consequences of intending to distribute illegal drugs that are found in your possession can be significantly greater, even if there’s no evidence that a person actually gave or sold them to other people. The degree of severity of the charges, however, depends on what kind of illegal drugs are found.
Prosecutors have to prove that you intended to distribute illegal drugs found in your possession to others to convict you on that charge. How do they do that? Sometimes, if you are caught with a large quantity of illegal drugs, that in and of itself can be grounds for an intent to distribute charge.
There are multiple possible defenses for why a person may be caught with a substantial amount of drugs, but had no intent to distribute them:
- A person may have had no knowledge that the drugs were at their residence, car or other property belonging to them. The drugs could belong to someone else or have even been planted.
- A person may have simply been in the presence of someone in possession of the drugs.
- The drugs may have been for their own personal use.
The attorneys at Michael A. Gottlieb, P.A. work to defend Floridians on a number of drug charges, including intent to distribute. Our state drug laws are harsh, as law enforcement agencies and prosecutors seek to break up trafficking rings and others who add to the widespread illegal drug problem.
If you or a loved one has been charged with intending to distribute illegal drugs, it’s essential to seek legal guidance immediately. The potential consequences of a conviction are too serious to risk.