Drug Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute in Louisiana

Drug Possession Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

The state of Louisiana’s conservative drug laws makes it one of the worst states in the nation in which to be accused of a drug crime. Possessing any illegal substance other than marijuana can automatically lead to felony charges. Possessing illicit substances with the intent to sell or distribute them can lead to severe penalties and a criminal record that stands to create a topsy-turvy future. If you have recently been arrested for drug possession with the intent to sell or distribute the substances discovered, you are urged to speak with a lawyer before you talk to police.

With over 24 years of experience defending a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Louisiana, Eric G. Johnson of The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm knows what it takes to develop a strong defense for Louisiana drug offenses. An attorney like Eric knows how to negotiate with prosecutors and protect your interests every step of the way.

Proving Drug Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute

An arrest for drug possession with intent to sell or distribute leads to felony charges.

The prosecution must establish just two elements to prove that you possessed drugs with the intent to sell or distribute.

The first of these is the drug possession itself. Typically, the suspect physically holds the illegal substance when the police make the arrest. Having the substance on your person is called “physical possession.” A suspect can also be charged with possession if police find the drugs in a place that the suspect controls, such as his home or car. To prove possession this way, the prosecution must show that the defendant knew about the presence of the drugs and that he could control them at any time. It is only necessary to show that the defendant “should have known” about the drugs in question to make this argument.

The second element is that of the intent to sell or distribute the illicit substance(s) discovered. Intent can be shown directly, such as in cases where the defendant attempted to sell illegal drugs to an undercover office. Usually, intent is established through circumstantial evidence. The prosecution can demonstrate intent to sell narcotics, cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, or other illegal substance if the suspect also possessed drug paraphernalia used to package or distribute drugs. Possessing substantial sums of cash and having a recurring stream of visitors for short visits are also signs that a person is involved in selling and distributing drugs.

Penalties for Possessing Drugs with the Intent

Any possession with the intent to sell or distribute crime is a felony offense in Louisiana. The sentence you may receive if convicted varies widely and relies upon the type of substance police discovered on you and the quantity. Typically, these sentences consist of years-long jail or prison sentences and fines in the thousands of dollars. The judge may also take into consideration any past criminal behavior you have on your record. In Louisiana, you may also face a harsh mandatory minimum sentence for a felony drug offense.

Don’t leave your future in jeopardy. Contact Eric today to discuss your case for free by calling 318-377-1555, or reach out to The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm online to schedule a consultation.