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Drug Possession Charges Can Quickly Escalate to Drug Distribution Charges

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Jan 07, 2024 | 0 Comments

Kevin Zyquan Muldrow and Donisha D. Johnson appeared unusually nervous to the degree that “pales in comparison” to the average driver when a trooper pulled them over on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and asked to search their vehicle. Johnson eventually consented. That's when law enforcement found a purse with a large amount of money behind the driver's seat and a bag with a large stash of suspected drugs in the trunk. The couple was arraigned overnight and taken to Bedford County Prison after they were unable to post their $50,000 bail.

Pennsylvania takes drug charges seriously, and it's not unusual for law enforcement to want to make an example of those caught in possession of drugs. They may escalate the charges to drug distribution, with even steeper penalties. If you are facing drug charges in Pennsylvania, you need an experienced drug defense lawyer who will build a strong defense in your case and ensure your rights are protected. You need the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team on your side. Contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form.

Drug Possession vs. Drug Distribution

There are critical distinctions between a charge of simple possession of a controlled substance and a charge of possession with the intent to deliver or distribute drugs. While you face possible consequences with both, possession with the intent to distribute is far more serious than simple possession, and it could come with felony charges. The range of charges you could face will depend on the type of drug, the type of possession, and the quantity of drugs in your possession. Penalties can vary from minor fines and short jail time for simple possession to six-figure penalties and years of incarceration if you are found guilty of intent to distribute.

Many people assume that the difference between a simple possession charge and a charge of possession with the intent to distribute depends on how much drugs you have on you. That's not always the case. For law enforcement to charge you with intent to distribute, they must have evidence of observed transactions or sales. If prosecutors have that evidence, the quantity of illegal drugs in your possession doesn't matter. You will be hit with charges of possession with the intent to distribute.

Without evidence to prove intent, the prosecution may still try to suggest that your intent was to sell the drugs based on the presence of any sales-related paraphernalia, such as large sums of cash, vacuum sealers, plastic bags, or scales. But not all cases are cut-and-dry.

How LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team Can Build a Strong Defense for You

The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team has represented numerous clients facing drug charges and dealt with plenty of prosecutors who have tried to charge our clients with crimes based on weak evidence or illegal stop-and-search practices. If you face drug charges in Pennsylvania, you need a strong drug defense team with experience successfully building a strong defense for clients facing drug charges. Contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form and begin building a strong defense today.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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