Bethesda Intent to Distribute Penalties
The laws are harsh against drug crimes in Bethesda. People can receive lengthy periods of incarceration, long periods of probation, and large fines as well.
Due to the severity of the penalties associated with the intent to distribute in Bethesda, it is imperative that any individual accused with such a drug crime consult with an attorney immediately. An experienced lawyer will be able to assist you in crafting a defense to help lessen or dismiss any penalties you may be facing.
Potential Penalties
Penalties for the intent to distribute drugs in Bethesda could include a period of incarceration and fines as well as a prolonged period of probation. Intent to distribute charges modify a drug possession charge from a misdemeanor to a felony which increases the types of penalties associated with the charge and changes the jurisdiction of the charge from district court to circuit court. The additional charge carries far more significant consequences.
The potential penalties are affected because simple possession charges, which are considered misdemeanor offenses, have far less severe penalties than possession with intent to distribute charges, which are felony charges. For example, simple possession of marijuana more than 10 grams carries a maximum penalty of only 12 months of incarceration, while the possession with intent to distribute marijuana in carries a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration.
Severity of the Offense
The severity of the penalties themselves could be enhanced based on whether someone is a subsequent offender. A person’s sentencing guidelines increase when they are a subsequent offender.
Practically speaking, the way the court treats somebody who is a first-time offender versus a second-time offender is very different. It is rare for a first-time offender to get the maximum penalty associated with the criminal charges brought against them. The second or subsequent offender can receive much more serious penalties from the court from their Bethesda possession with intent to distribute charge.
Further, someone who is charged with possession with intent to distribute is never offered diversion to help lessen the penalties associated with their intent to distribute charge in Bethesda.
Influence of Subsequent Offenders
A first-time offender charged with drug distribution might be able to convince the court that they made a mistake or that they were in financial despair, or perhaps trying to support their own drug habit and they are now receiving treatment for that. The court might be sympathetic to that and order them to complete treatment as a period of probation and close out the matter.
On the other hand, a person charged with the actual criminal offense a second or subsequent time is not perceived as somebody who learned their lesson. They might be facing a lengthy period of incarceration in addition to other sanctions by the court system. The penalties associated with an intent to distribute charge in Bethesda can be serious for a second or third-time offender.