Intent to distribute is drug possession for more than self-use. It is having more drugs than someone personally would use. The police must show evidence that a person intended to sell or distribute these drugs.
This charge is classified as intent, not just possession. However, it is possession with the intent to distribute. The police can show circumstantially that an individual intended to sell the drugs, based on the quantity found, even though they did not catch that person selling drugs.
If you are facing an intent to distribute drug charges in Georgia, it is crucial that you consult with an experienced attorney immediately. A knowledgeable Georgia intent to distribute lawyer will be able to help reduce or dismiss any consequences associated with your charge.
Severity of the ChargeIntent to possess and distribute drugs is the same thing in Georgia, and can both be effectively defending using a Georgia intent to distribute attorney with experience in defending charges of the sort.
Intent to distribute is a felony and precludes an individual from using the Conditional Discharge Act under O.C.G.A § 16-13-2. The penalties are ratcheted up for possession with intent to distribute. The police officer at the side of the road makes the initial determination and turns it over to the district attorney’s office to file charges or look at the case and decide what is appropriate.
When someone gives drugs to other people, it is viewed more negatively than simply using the drugs themselves. It is one thing to use drugs yourself, but another thing entirely to give them to others. When an individual makes a bad decision to use drugs, that is their choice. When someone sells them to other people, they can be punished a lot more severely.
An intent to distribute lawyer in Georgia can help an individual lessen the seriousness of the charge.
Investigative ProcessThere are ways the case is investigated to specifically assess intent as it relates to drug possession based upon the quantity found. Oftentimes, police investigate those who are selling through a higher level.
Some people are caught with small quantities of drugs. The police can use them as confidential informants and try to turn them against the people who sold them the drugs. There is an intricate network that the authorities use to go forward and prosecute people.
Potential PenaltiesThe penalties for being caught with possessing illegal drugs are severe in Georgia, depending on the substance. For the most part, Georgia has penalties from one to 15 years depending upon the drug and quantity. Simple possession is not as severe as possession with intent to distribute or trafficking. Possession with intent to distribute means someone has more drugs than for their personal consumption. Generally, there is some evidence of sale or distribution.
A seasoned Georgia drug possession with intent to distribute attorney can aid in mounting a strong case to help dispute the prosecution’s claims, and minimize the severity of the penalties associated with the charge.