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Drug Crimes / Drug Distribution Defense

Protect Your Rights for Drug-Related Crimes in Utah

Drug distribution charges or charges of possession with the intent to distribute come with life-altering consequences that can ruin your social, family, and work relations. The first thing you need to consider when you are facing these charges is choosing the right criminal defense attorney. You need an expert attorney who knows your rights and knows drug distribution law. Don’t hesitate when your future is at stake.

Contact Wasatch Defense Attorneys today at 801.980.9965. Drug distributions defense lawyers with proven experience.

 

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Drug Distribution Penalties

If you were caught with a large amount of illegal or controlled substances, or if you were caught sharing prescribed medication, you can face drug distribution charges. While any form of drug-related crime in Utah is typically punished harshly, distribution charges are the worst to face because you could be facing prison time of up to twenty years. Depending on the situation, you could even be facing a sentence of life in prison.

The problem is that drug distribution charges multiply the penalties you would face if you were being charged with just possession of an illegal substance. For example, possession of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, which means you can only be fined up to $1,000 and serve no more than 6 months in jail. However, marijuana distribution or possession with the intent to distribute is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

What most people think of when it comes to the distribution of drugs is a person selling drugs on the street like crack cocaine or heroin—stuff that is completely and understandably illegal. However, according to U.S. law, even sharing a prescription drug such as Adderall with a friend can be classified as drug distribution. It’s even a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years prison and $10,000 in fines. If the offense occurs in a drug-free zone, the charge can be enhanced to a first-degree felony, which comes with a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum of up to life as well as up to $10,000 in fines.

When Possession Becomes Intent to Distribute

When a person is caught with a large amount of a controlled substance, an amount considered too large to be only for personal use, that is sometimes enough to increase the charge from possession to intent to distribute. In this situation, the likelihood of false accusations increases because of the opinionated nature of the charge. If you have been charged with distribution of or the intent to distribute drugs, it is important to speak with an experienced drug defense attorney as soon as possible to make sure the charge is fair.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Drug Crimes and Drug Distribution Defense

When someone is being investigated for potential drug crimes, it is normal to have questions about the situation. At Wasatch Criminal Defense Lawyers, we are here to help you answer any and all questions you might have. We will listen to your questions without judgment or reservation. Some of the common questions people have regarding drug crimes and drug distribution implications include:

What Is a Drug Distribution Crime in Utah?

Drug distribution in Utah involves penalties for the illegal import, transportation, and selling of drugs. Drug crime abuse may involve levying harsh charges against an individual user that is designed to punish professional drug dealers. The penalties for a conviction can be steep.

What Drugs Are Illegal to Distribute in Utah?

Depending on the actual drugs that someone has been charged with possession, the crimes will vary. Therefore, it is important to know which drugs are illegal to distribute in the state of Utah. The drugs that are illegal to distribute include marijuana and any drugs found on the various schedules (I, II, III, and IV). The penalties for distributing drugs in Utah will depend on the identity of the drugs themselves.

How Can an Attorney Help with Utah Drug Distribution Charges?

Anyone who is facing drug-related crimes in Utah should rely on the experience of a Utah criminal defense attorney. A lawyer knows how to work with the courts, the police, and the district attorney to not only guide a client through the process but also work to get the charges reduced or dismissed altogether.

How Serious Are Drug Distribution Penalties in Utah?

The drug distribution penalties in Utah can be severe. This is typically defined as a second-degree felony with up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Marijuana distribution is a third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines

Is Drug Distribution a Felony in Utah?

Drug distribution in Utah is a drug crime felony in the state of Utah. This may include prison time and hefty fines depending on the identity of the substance.

How Does Utah Law Define Intent to Distribute?

In the state of Utah, the definition of drug “distribution” or an “intent to distribute” has a very broad definition. If someone has been discovered to possess more than what the typical “dealer” might have, an individual might be facing not only a drug possession crime but also a drug crime with the intent to distribute. This intent can be punished at the same level as an actual drug distribution crime.

How Does an Attorney Defend Drug Trafficking Crime Charges?

Drug trafficking charges in Utah are always serious and might even imply a violent drug crime. Felony drug crimes are always serious and an experienced attorney will know how to analyze all the evidence and come up with a coherent defense. This might include negotiating a plea deal that might avoid jail time and hefty fines, getting key pieces of evidence ruled inadmissible under United States Law, or even get the entire case dismissed altogether.

Contact an Experienced Drug Related Crime Attorney in Utah

If you or a loved one has been charged with drug distribution or with intent to distribute, you need to contact the lawyers at Wasatch Defense Attorneys. Our attorneys have the experience needed to reduce or even eliminate charges against you and we know the law. We will work with you every step of the way to insure you feel supported and informed.

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Do NOT Waive Your Right to Legal Counsel! Authorities will try get you to incriminate yourself and suggest there is no need for an attorney. Stay calm and call us immediately: 801.980.9965

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