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2 categories of drug possession charges

On Behalf of | Dec 13, 2019 | Drug Charges

Drug possession charges are one of the tools that the criminal justice system has in the war on drugs. Unfortunately, this means that many people face them for even small quantities of substances like marijuana and other drugs. If you are in this position, you should know a few basic points about drug possession charges.

Many people don’t realize this, but there are typically two categories of drug possession charges. One of these is for quantities that could be construed as being for personal use. The other is reserved for higher quantities of the drugs, which is said to be for an intent to distribute.

Prosecutors might try to prove that you intended to distribute the drugs by introducing other evidence that was found with the drugs. This can include things like baggies, digital scales or considerable cash in the form of small bills. Items such as those are known as paraphernalia, and they can lead to additional charges, which can mean more penalties for you.

For people who are facing a possession charge, finding out their defense options becomes a priority. Looking at the circumstances might reveal the options. One of the more common defense strategies that’s used for these cases is calling ownership of the drugs into question. This is possible if they were found in a location that was accessible to multiple people. For example, the ownership drugs found in a drawer of a living room where there is a party is questionable, but ones in the nightstand of a single person’s bedroom might not be.

You should review the defense strategies that apply to your case so you can determine how to proceed. Remember, your defense must be based on the truth and the facts of the case.