Police officers can arrest anyone they encounter who possesses illicit substances. They can also arrest people for the unauthorized possession of prescription medication. Anyone accused of drug possession could face a variety of penalties depending on the specific drug and the amount of the drug that police officers find. In some cases, prosecutors may pursue more serious charges. They may allege that an individual possessed the drugs with the intent of distributing them to others.
What situations often lead to accusations of possession with intent?
Possessing large quantities of drugs
Purchasing large quantities of drugs can seem like a cost-effective or efficient choice. Instead of conducting frequent transactions with people selling drugs on the unregulated market, those who use drugs can minimize the transactions that occur.
They may view this as a means of limiting their legal exposure. However, possessing large quantities of drugs can raise questions about whether a person intended to consume them or distribute them to others. Especially when the substance in question is a dangerous narcotic, even a seemingly small amount could be enough to warrant allegations of possession with intent to distribute.
Personal communications and social media use
Posts on social media or electronic communications with individuals who have a known association with drug distribution can support allegations of an intent to distribute. Even jokes shared online or in private messages with friends could look suspicious to law enforcement professionals and the courts.
Paraphernalia possession
Many drug users regularly carry various types of paraphernalia with them or in their vehicles. They may want to weigh what they receive to ensure that they don’t overpay or may have single-use consumption tools that they can throw away after using.
Those accessories used for drug consumption and purchase transactions may look suspicious to state authorities. Scales and consumption tools can contribute to the narrative that an individual possessed the drugs for the purpose of selling them rather than for personal use.
Possession with intent is usually a felony charge, while some simple possession offenses might be misdemeanors. Additionally, the penalties for possession with intent are generally much more serious than the penalties for simple possession.
Anyone facing felony drug charges may require insight into the law and assistance as they begin developing a criminal defense strategy. Working with a lawyer can help people limit the risk of the worst-case scenario when they face drug charges due to a misunderstanding.