Does Giving a Friend Drugs Make Me a Dealer?

In Texas, possessing illegal drugs is a minor charge compared to possessing illegal drugs with the intent to distribute them. This may leave you wondering if providing drugs to a friend or someone you know falls under the criminal charge of possessing illegal drugs with the intent to distribute.

These two charges can result in very different outcomes. If you are merely charged with drug possession, your chances of being eligible for pretrial diversion or drug court will be higher. These individuals often get felony charges reduced to misdemeanor ones. Whereas, if you face intent to distribute charges, the court will usually consider you to be a drug dealer. You may have higher bail and more serious penalties.

No matter your circumstances, it is essential that you work with an experienced Frisco drug attorney who knows how to handle your charges. Without the legal provision of your own defense lawyer, you might not receive the justice you deserve.

What is Intent to Distribute?

Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, the criminal charge of possessing illegal drugs with the intent to distribute them applies to anyone in the drug distribution chain. This includes those who manufacture, transport, deliver, and sell to the end-user. For you to be charged with this crime, there must be sufficient evidence that you were caught in the distribution chain. Even if there is evidence, a drug attorney in Frisco with a passion for justice could decrease the chances of a conviction in your case.

Will I be Charged with Intent to Distribute if I Gave Drugs to a Friend?

If you are caught delivering drugs to a friend, it is possible for you to face serious drug delivery and distribution charges. It is not necessary that you receive money to be accused of delivering drugs – only that you passed the drugs to another person. For this reason, distribution charges are certainly possible for simply giving or sharing drugs with someone you know.

However, will the authorities have enough evidence to prove delivery or intent to distribute beyond a reasonable doubt? This depends on the circumstances of your allegations and arrest. Whether the prosecutor charges you with intent to distribute or not usually depends on circumstances such as:

• Possessing large quantities of drugs
• Possessing scales, baggies, or other drug packing materials
• A cell phone full of text messages about drug transactions
• The presence of large amounts of cash on you, in your vehicle, or your home
• Numerous short meetings with guests at your home

There must be other evidence supporting that you had the specific intent to deliver the drugs. In many cases, giving drugs to a friend will not be enough evidence by itself to convict you of an intent to distribute drugs charge. A skilled drug defense lawyer can build a defense strategy for you to show that there is not enough evidence to convict you of such a crime.

Contact a Frisco, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away

If you are facing any type of drug possession or distribution charge, the stakes are high. You need a knowledgeable drug lawyer in the Frisco area to help mitigate the situation for you. By hiring a defense attorney, you might be able to get your charges dropped or reduced, thereby decreasing the penalties. For legal counsel, you can trust, contact attorney Brent D. Bowen at (940) 222-2488 or via the online contact form. Schedule your consultation today.