Chesapeake Drug Possession With Intent to Distribute Lawyer

The criminal justice system responds to drug possession by penalizing people, placing them in jails and prisons where they can still get access to drugs, and not addressing underlying issues. The approach is not only detrimental to individuals struggling with substance use disorders but also to a society that is negatively impacted by people who are hooked on substances.

If you are charged with drug possession with intent to distribute, the state may try to make an example of you. They consider you a drug dealer and want to cut off drugs at the source. The reality is that this charge does not depend on what you were doing with the drugs but only on the amount of drugs in your possession. Plus, because of how criminal laws treat drug offenders, many people who struggle with addiction and have been caught up in the criminal justice system may not have other alternatives to support themselves or their families. A Chesapeake drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer can explore potential remedies for your case. Our drug attorneys are here to help.

Understanding Drug Charges

Virginia Code § 18.2-248 criminalizes manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing controlled substances or imitation controlled substances with the intent to sell, give, or distribute them. Collectively known as possession with intent to distribute, the offenses covered by the statute run the gamut from relatively minor offenses to major offenses that can lead to extreme prison sentences and hefty fines.

In addition to looking at the quantity of drugs a person possesses, the police also examine other factors to determine whether they want to file possession charges. They might look at whether the drugs were in individually wrapped packages or if an accused also had possession of items commonly used in drug distribution, such as packaging, scales, or even large amounts of cash. If the accused does not possess items that they would use to intake the drugs, that evidence can also support the possession charges.

While the term possession seems to imply ownership, a person does not have to be the actual owner of the drugs to be found guilty of a possession charge. Being in the exact location as a large amount of drugs can be enough to support a possession charge. That can even lead to a conviction. If an accused shares a location with a substantial amount of drugs, it is vital to get the help of a drug possession with intent to dispute attorney in Chesapeake.

Getting Bond After a Possession Charge

The point of bail is to ensure a defendant appears at trial. However, there is a long history of prosecutors misusing the bail process to punish defendants by holding them in jail. Historically, they did this to keep violent criminals off the street before trial. However, they have really expanded this approach. In Chesapeake, the state often pushes for denial of bail or excessively high bail when someone has been charged with possession of heroin or fentanyl.

An attorney will fight to try to get reasonable bail because it is easier for a defendant to participate in case preparation and defense strategy if they are out of jail. However, if the court denies bail, an attorney can still work with the person when they are incarcerated.

Talk to a Chesapeake Drug Possession With Intent to Distribute Attorney

Getting charged with possession with intent to distribute is serious. The potential punishment can be years in jail. Even if you avoid serving time in prison, a felony conviction will follow you for most of your life, interfering with employment opportunities and more.

The best strategy is to consult with an attorney before speaking to the police. Schedule a consultation with Parks Zeigler, PLLC. When you talk to a Chesapeake drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer, they can explain the charges against you, evaluate the evidence, and help you determine your best defense strategies.