According to Maryland Criminal Law Section 5-301, it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance for sale in the state. What does “intent to distribute” mean in the context of drug crimes? It basically means that you have been charged with possessing illegal drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances with the intention of selling or distributing them, with or without the intention of monetary gain.
For more information, contact the law office of Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with our Maryland criminal defense attorneys today at (301) 262-7005. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
Consequences of Drug Distribution
All drug crimes carry serious consequences. However, some may result in far more severe penalties than others. If prosecutors can show evidence that you possessed larger quantities of drugs not just for your own recreational use, but for sale and distribution as well, then you could face more penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence.
If law enforcement officials find that you have a large amount of the controlled substance or that you have supplies and accessories that could be used to separate and distribute the controlled substances in your possession, then prosecutors will very likely try to prove that you had the intention of distributing or selling the drugs. Evidence officials may look for include baggies, a large amount of cash, weighing scales or anything else that may be used in drug sales or transactions. If such evidence stacks up against you, you can be sure that your sentence will be harsher if you are convicted of the more serious crime, which is, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
If you have been convicted of possession with intent to distribute in the state, then you are facing extremely harsh legal consequences. Even a first time offender may be sentenced to prison and be slapped with large fines and lengthy probation. Violation of probation will also result in severe consequences. The potential consequences can also change for the worse depending on other factors such as the quantity and type of drugs involved, your prior criminal record and whether you were located in a school zone when in possession of these drugs.
Penalties
The penalties for an intent to distribute conviction will adversely affect your quality of life for years and decades to come. That is why it is critical that you retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable Maryland drug crime defense attorney to handle your case successfully and effectively. The illegal search and seizure defense can also be effectively used when possession with intent to distribute is charged. If your Constitutional rights are violated or if the arresting officer did not follow proper legal procedures while performing the search and seizure, then the evidence against you can be thrown out and your case, dismissed.
Get Top-Rated Legal Counsel Today
If you have been charged with drug possession with intent to distribute in Maryland, please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 262-7005 for a free initial consultation. We are here to make sure that your constitutional rights as a citizen of the United States of America are preserved and protected – whether you are guilty or not.