Possessing drugs with the intent to distribute (PWID) is a serious offense in Maryland. A conviction can result in years of jail time as well as significant fines.
If you are charged with possessing drugs with the intent to distribute, you need to explore your defense options immediately.
What is possession with intent to distribute?
If you are arrested with drugs, the prosecution will decide whether they should charge you with possession only or possession with intent to distribute. If circumstantial evidence shows that you were planning to sell (or otherwise distribute) the drugs in question, then you will likely be charged with possession with the intention to distribute.
You can also be charged with possession with the intention to distribute if you had packaging materials, weighing equipment and other drug paraphernalia. Basically, the prosecution must show that the drugs in your possession were not intended for personal use to build a strong case against you.
Potential penalties for possession with intent to distribute
The penalties for a PWID conviction will largely depend on the drug type involved as well as your prior record. For instance, unless there are signs of distribution like cash or scales and packaging materials, you will unlikely be charged with PWID if you are found with small amounts of marijuana. Illegal cultivation of marijuana, however, can result in drug manufacturing charges.
Things become quite different if you are found with Schedule 1 or 2 narcotics like prescription painkillers or heroin. In this case, you may spend up to 20 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines. You may be charged with PWID if you are found in possession of 10 or more gels of these narcotics.
Being accused of a drug crime is a big deal. Find out how you can defend your interests if you are ultimately charged with possession with intent to distribute. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.