A simple drug possession charge carries harsh penalties. If the person has a significant amount of drugs on them when they’re arrested or certain paraphernalia, this charge could be an intent to sell instead. Criminal lawyers in Sycamore, IL will be able to help the person defend against these charges to try to help them avoid the more serious penalties they can have.
Basic Charge of Possession of Drugs
A basic possession of drugs charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the type of drug and how much the person has on them when they’re caught and arrested. In some cases, a person will face a misdemeanor or felony charge for each of the drugs they have on them. If they have prescription medication that is not actually prescribed to them, they could face a charge for each pill they have.
Possession with Intent to Sell
A person can be charged with intent to sell if they have a significant amount of drugs on them or if they have it split into smaller packages to make it easier to sell. Having paraphernalia like scales and baggies will also lead to an intent to sell charge as they have the means to split the drugs into smaller quantities to sell. This charge is more severe than a simple possession charge and leads to a felony charge.
Defending Against the Charges
It is possible for a person to defend against these charges even if they were caught with the drugs on them. In some cases, the charges can be dismissed due to lack of evidence if their lawyer can have the evidence suppressed based on improper procedure, improper handling, or other issues with the evidence. The person will need to contact a lawyer to learn about their options to defend themselves against the charges as this can be complicated.
Criminal lawyers in Sycamore, IL are ready to help those who have been arrested and charged with possession of drugs or the intent to sell. If you’ve been arrested for either of these charges, be sure to avoid speaking with the police about your situation and instead contact a lawyer for help right away.
