When you are caught by a law enforcement officer while in possession of illegal drugs, the penalties assessed can be minor to severe, depending on the specific type(s) of drugs you are carrying and the amount. In addition, your criminal history may also contribute to determining what sentence you will receive. If you are convicted of PWID, or Possession With Intent to Distribute, your charges can be even more severe.

With the help of Albers & Associates, you can better understand what may happen if you are caught in possession of illegal drugs with the intent to distribute, and how we can successfully defend your case.

Proving “Intent to Distribute”

All convictions that are labeled as PWID have a few similarities:

• The quantity of the substance or drug in possession is significantly large.
• Items like scales and small bags are found in a police search or when the arrest is made.
• Large amounts of cash and/or defensive weapons are found.

There are two primary ways criminals are caught and eventually charged with PWID: 1) They are pulled over for a driving violation and upon approaching the vehicle or assessing the situation have reason to believe that a drug crime is being committed, or 2) the police have received a tip regarding the criminal’s drug activities and their investigation has produced evidence that enables a search warrant.

How “Intent to Distribute” Alters Your Penalties

Possession alone can carry harsh penalties depending on other factors like the type of substance and your previous criminal history. It can also carry small penalties, like minor fines. However, once “with intent to distribute” is added to your possession charge, the severity of your punishment can skyrocket, leading to prison time and exorbitant fines.

PWID Under False Pretenses

Unfortunately, you can sometimes be charged with a PWID if you are found to be in possession of a large amount of drugs, even if you had no intention to distribute the substance at all and only intended it for personal use. If the quantity of the substance is large enough, it can be assumed that you are in possession of an amount of the drug that is in excess of what a single person can make use of, and your charges can end up being much more severe than possession alone.

Reliable Drug Crime Defense in Maryland 

If you’ve recently been charged with a PWID, whether or not you intended to sell or distribute the substance(s), call the Albers & Associates. We are here to listen to your side of the story and do all we can to ensure your penalties are not excessive or unreasonable for the crime committed.

Contact us today for your free legal consultation.