What Is the Distinction Between Drug Possession & Intent to Distribute?

Possession charges are much less serious than possession with intent to distribute or trafficking. Simple possession can still be a felony, for example, of cocaine, it’s a felony. Possession of marijuana is very often a state offense and it’s a misdemeanor. But it’s determined by the amount of the controlled substance or contraband, and also by circumstantial evidence, for example, packaging, the absence of ledgers, scales, and other things that would indicate sale or an intent to distribute. Possession is less serious, but still a crime, a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the drug involved. Intent to distribute, intent to manufacture or trafficking is much more serious. In any of these instances, you need to be well-represented by a criminal defense attorney who understands representing people accused of drug offences.

By Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A.