Benefits of a DC Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Lawyer

Prosecutors tend to treat possession with intent to distribute charges much more harshly than simple possession charges. Therefore, when facing these charges, a person may benefit from a DC possession of cocaine with intent to distribute lawyer.

A dedicated possession with intent to distribute lawyer can advocate on your behalf and explain any extenuating circumstances to the prosecutor that may affect your case. With the help of an experienced attorney, you may be able to reach a more positive outcome.

Defenses to Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Charges

When someone is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the prosecutors do not have to prove the person consumed cocaine or had cocaine in their system. However, if a person submits to a urine sample and is found to have cocaine in their system, a well-versed defense attorney could argue that the results are evidence that the person’s intent was not to distribute the drug and was instead to have it for personal use. Depending on the circumstances, this could reduce the charges to simple possession.

There are other circumstances that could result in a person who suffers from cocaine addiction participating in distribution. Usually this is so they are able to feed their own addiction. In these circumstances, the individual may benefit more from treatment for their addiction rather than jail time. Helping the prosecution and court understand the medical issues the accused suffers from could result in alternatives to the harsh penalties that come with a felony conviction.

Diversion Programs and Alternate Sentencing in DC

When someone is charged with possession of a controlled substance for their own personal use, they may be eligible for diversion programs. That includes community service programs and drug court probation without adjudication of guilt. The programs minimize a person’s penalties and can help them avoid a criminal conviction.

Possession with intent to distribute is treated differently by prosecutors because they are felony charges as opposed to possession cases that are misdemeanor charges. This is because prosecutors consider having the intent to distribute a controlled substance to be a more criminal act than possessing a drug for one’s own personal use. Consequently, most possession with intent to distribute charges are not eligible for diversion or alternative sentencing programs. However, there are some exceptions such as if the individual alleged to be involved in a drug distribution suffers from s drug addiction.

People in those circumstances may be eligible for amended sentencing agreements. Amended sentencing agreements involve the ability to undergo regular drug testing and drug treatment programs in exchange for having a felony possession with intent to distribute charge reduced to a misdemeanor simple possession charge. The availability of amended sentencing depends on the specific circumstances. A lawyer need to be aware of the accused’s needs as they relate to addiction or treatment and should advocate for those needs when defending them.

Discuss the Benefits of a Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Attorney

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine charges carry far more serious consequences than simple possession charges. A person can be saddled with a felony criminal record and could face serious prison time. Anyone facing these charges needs to understand the harsh consequences and find an attorney who understands these charges, how prosecutors approach these cases, and can anticipate the prosecutor’s arguments.

Possession with intent to distribute relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and assumptions that may be outdated or not specific to the individual facing the charges. There are several benefits to having an experienced possession of cocaine with intent to distribute lawyer who can challenge the testimony offered by drug enforcement officers. Call today to discuss your case.