Facing Possession with Intent Charges? Hire a Skilled Drug Defense Lawyer
In the state of California, simply possessing a controlled substance is a crime in and of itself. Possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, however, is a much more serious offense. A conviction of this type of charge can bring serious penalties, including jail time, steep fines, and irreparable damage to a person’s reputation. If you have been charged with drug possession with intent to sell in Sonoma County, it is vital you retain the services of a Santa Rosa attorney from the Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C. as soon as possible to protect yourself against serving these harsh consequences.
Having earned a 2015 Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ inclusion and a Martindale-Hubbell® Client Distinction Award for our powerful advocacy, our firm can provide the results-driven defense you need during this difficult time. With more than 10 years of successful legal experience, we are prepared to ensure no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of a desirable outcome for your situation.
Call (707) 636-3204 to get started towards retaining the defense you deserve.
What Determines “Intent to Sell” in Sonoma County?
A number of different factors can lead to the escalation of a possession charge to possession with intent to sell. Being caught with large quantities of a drug along with scales for weighing drugs, small packages of premeasured drugs, and large amounts of cash in small denominations are often seen as evidence of drug sales. Evidence of several people visiting a defendant’s address for only a few minutes at a time can also be a red flag to police of possible drug dealing.
The prosecution must be able to prove the following elements to secure a conviction:
- The defendant unlawfully possessed a controlled substance
- The defendant knew about its presence
- The defendant knew it was a controlled substance
- The defendant intended to sell the substance
- The controlled substance was in a usable amount
If convicted, a person can face up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. A conviction of this type can also greatly inhibit a person’s ability to find employment and housing, as well as eliminate them from receiving certain public benefits.
Retain an Award-Winning Defense Today
If you are facing charges of this nature, it is crucial you retain the services of a trusted attorney who can defend your rights in a court of law. At the Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C., our Santa Rosa drug crime lawyers know your rights and can provide the powerful advocacy you need to maximize your chances of securing a reduction or dismissal of your charges. Protecting your wellbeing is our top priority, and we are prepared to do everything within our power to help you pursue a favorable outcome for your situation.
A free case evaluation is the best way to get started. Contact our office online today to schedule an appointment.