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DC Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Lawyer

Possession of cocaine is always a serious offense that can carry heavy penalties. However, in an effort to control the drug trade, prosecutors are even harsher on people they believe intend to distribute cocaine. Therefore, if you are facing these allegations, it is crucial that you reach out to a DC possession of cocaine with intent to distribute lawyer who can help.

A knowledgeable drug lawyer can help you fight the prosecution’s claims and tell your side of the story. With their help, you may be able to achieve a more positive outcome in your case.

Understanding Cocaine Possession with Intent Charges

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine is defined as possessing a measurable amount of cocaine voluntarily and having the intent to transfer it to another person. The prosecutors do not need to prove that the individual received or expected to receive money or anything of value in exchange for the cocaine. They need only prove that the person possessed the cocaine and that they intended to transfer it to another individual.

Anyone convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine could receive up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $75,000. A DC possession of cocaine with intent to distribute lawyer can further explain these charges as well as the potential penalties.

What Does Possession Mean in DC Offenses?

A prosecutor must be able to prove possession to be successful. They can prove this in two ways. The first is proving actual possession which means the person physically possessed cocaine by holding it or carrying it on their body. They could also prove constructive possession which means they prove a person exercised control over the cocaine.

Exercising control can happen even if a person does not have cocaine physically on their person. Prosecutors often use the circumstances to prove or connect someone to the cocaine. For example, whether the driver owned the car, whether other occupants were in the car, and whether the driver had other items on their person that suggested the possession of cocaine such as baggies, large amounts of cash, scales, or other types of paraphernalia. A DC possession of cocaine with intent to distribute attorney can further explain how a prosecutor may prove possession.

Proving Intent to Distribute Cocaine

Because prosecutors are required to prove the person intended to transfer cocaine to another person, intent is an essential element in these cases. One of the most common ways prosecutors prove intent to distribute is by proving someone was in possession of paraphernalia commonly used in drug distribution. If prosecutors submit evidence that the defendant was in possession of a scale and multiple empty baggies in addition to the possession of cocaine, the prosecutors could use that evidence to argue the cocaine was not for their own personal use and that the other items in the individual’s possession were used to measure out quantities of cocaine, bag them separately, and distribute them to other people.

It is not uncommon for prosecutors to argue that someone had the intent to distribute cocaine based on the amount of cocaine they were allegedly in possession of. Prosecutors commonly use police officers who are considered experts in drug distribution to argue that a certain amount of cocaine is not consistent with what is commonly seen in cases of personal use.

Since prosecutors rely on circumstantial evidence to prove a defendant’s intentions, it is important to have defense counsel who can anticipate these types of arguments. The lawyer should be able to anticipate the circumstances prosecutors commonly use to prove intent and know how to challenge the assumptions that accompany this type of circumstantial evidence. For instance, prosecutors may have police officers testify that certain amounts of cocaine are consistent with the intent to distribute and are not for personal possession. However, these arguments may be subjective and often do not take into account the level of someone’s possible addiction.

Learn More From a DC Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Attorney

If you are facing charges, having an experienced DC possession of cocaine with intent to distribute attorney on your side is critical. A qualified attorney knows how to dispute the prosecution’s allegations of intent and can use that knowledge to help build a strong defense in your case. To discuss your options, call today for a free consultation.