Ventura Drug Distribution Attorney
Understanding Your Drug Distribution Charges
When an individual is found in possession of illegal drugs, this is a serious criminal offense. However, if they are found to be in possession of a large quantity of the drugs, they may be in even worse trouble. Generally, when someone is found with a large quantity of drugs in their possession, they will be charged not only with possession, but also with distribution or intent to distribute. Being charged with distribution is a serious felony crime that can result in severe penalties and punishments if you are convicted.
If you or a loved one has been accused of drug distribution or intent to distribute, get in touch with our Ventura drug crime lawyers at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP right away. We can fight for you in your legal proceedings.
Required Elements to Establish Conviction
Before an individual can be fully convicted, the prosecuting attorney must prove that:
- The individual had knowledge of the drug substance
- The drug is legally defined as a controlled substance
- The individual actually or constructively possessed the controlled substance
- The individual intended to sell, deliver, or manufacture, sell, or deliver the controlled substance
Oftentimes, accused individuals do not actually have an intention to sell the controlled substances he or she possesses, but prosecuting attorneys will utilize the “intent to sell” in possession cases to worsen the individuals charges.
Jail and prison sentences, fines, and other consequences may be enhanced by a variety of mitigating factors, including the presence of a weapon, whether the incident took place near a school, and whether the individual possessed prior criminal convictions.
Call Our Ventura Drug Crime Lawyers Today
An experienced drug distribution attorney from our team can help you devise a defense strategy to fight these charges. In many instances, law enforcement officers are overzealous when searching for drugs, and if they violate your civil rights by performing an illegal search, your case may be thrown out altogether. This is just one possible defense that may be applicable to your case, which can result in having your charges reduced or altogether dropped. If your case goes to trial, we can aggressively and effectively fight for your reputation and freedom.
Do not wait to get the legal guidance you need. Call a Ventura drug crime lawyer today!
