Prince George’s County Drug Possession with Intent Lawyer

Possession with intent to distribute is different than many other drug related charges. In most situations, when a person is charged with possession, it is for personal use. These charges can be confusing due to the recent changes in regarding marijuana laws, so it is important to consult with an experienced drug attorney.

If an officer sees somebody with a large quantity of marijuana, the officer will assume that the person intends to distribute it, and charges them accordingly. Distribution does not always refer to distribution for monetary gain. Someone who intends to share marijuana or give it away can be charged with a felony distribution. It does not matter that the person is not profiting from the distribution of marijuana. If charged with possession with intent to distribute, the charges can have lasting effects. It is important to contact a Prince George’s County drug possession lawyer right away.

Actual and Constructive Possession

There are two kinds of possession that Prince George’s County drug possession with intent lawyers see regularly: actual and constructive. Both of these charges can be very serious if someone is caught with drugs, and it is crucial to contact a drug possession with intent lawyer in Prince George’s County as soon as possible.

Actual Possession

Actual possession is when someone has the drug in their hand, on their person, in their pocket or backpack that they are carrying.

Very rarely is somebody charged and caught carrying a large quantity of marijuana on their person. Usually, it is hidden somewhere. However, a person is still in possession, albeit constructive possession if the marijuana is not on their person. It makes no difference in finding a person guilty if that person is going to be prosecuted.

Constructive Possession

Constructive possession is when the drug is not on the person, but the person controls it and knows where it is.

The implications of constructive possession are far more serious than possession and it is a felony. They can be disqualified from doing numerous things. Sometimes, they can be disqualified from voting or owning/being around firearms. There are many problems that can go along with being a convicted felon aside from the stigma and the repercussions of trying to find employment, housing, schooling, or whatever it may be.

Possession With Intent vs. Possession

Prince George’s County frequently charges possession with intent in cases where there is any evidence of intent to distribute. If a police officer sees a small quantity of marijuana, one will not be charged with possession with intent. However, if a person has a large amount of marijuana, a couple baggies, and maybe some cash or a few cellphones, the police can argue that it looks like possession with intent and the person is charged.

How the Court Proves Intent

The government proves state of mind by the surrounding circumstances. When they see a large amount of marijuana, a scale, empty sandwich baggies, a ledger or notebook with names and amounts of money next to their names, it looks like someone intends to package the drugs to sell to other people. The government proves intent by these types of circumstances. It is fair because how else can someone prove a person’s state of mind? They are only able to prove it by the circumstances. There is no diversion for possession.

Contact a Prince George’s County Possession with Intent Lawyer

It is important to have an attorney, especially with felony charges, because of the repercussions of going to prison and being a convicted felon.  There are sanctions and severe consequences. It is imperative to have an attorney represent you throughout the process. Getting charged with possession with intent is extremely serious. This charge, if convicted can lead to large fines and possible jail time. It is crucial to consult with an experienced Prince George’s County possession with intent attorney can analyze all of the evidence and build a case.