Can I be charged with drug distribution in Utah if I didn't
sell any drugs?
Under Utah criminal law, there are several ways you could find yourself
charged with drug distribution even if you never sold any drugs.
Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has successfully defended thousands of serious
criminal cases during his career. He has extensive experience
defending drug charges. If you have been charged with a drug
crime in Utah,
contact us
now to schedule an initial consultation.
Under Utah criminal law, the
felony crime of
distribution
of a controlled substance does not require proof of a
completed drug sale. Rather, the term "distribution" is
broadly defined to include just about any kind of distribution.
This of course includes selling drugs for money.
But it can also include trading drugs for other property or
services, buying drugs for someone else, giving drugs to
someone else, or even just sharing a joint.
Utah criminal law also provides for enhanced punishments for
possession
of a controlled substance "with the intent to distribute."
In other words, if you are found in possession of drugs, and
police or a prosecutor believe that you intended to sell, give away,
share, or otherwise distribute the drugs, you can be charged with a
crime on the same level as actual distribution of a controlled
substance.
You may also find yourself charged with drug distribution without ever
selling any drugs under a situation of mistaken identity or
false accusation. Perhaps someone who looked like you was
seen selling drugs. Or perhaps someone has falsely accused
you of selling drugs for other reasons.
If you are facing criminal charges relating to drug distribution in
Utah, the consequences can be very serious. Most drug
distrubtion charges are filed on the second-degree felony level.
That can mean a potential of up to 15 years in prison and
nearly $20,000 in fines and surcharges. With enhancements, a
distribution charge can result in a life prison term.
Contact us now to
schedule your initial consultation with Stephen Howard. As an
experienced
criminal defense
lawyer in Utah, Mr. Howard offers his clients more than just
a sales pitch. His
record
of results speaks for itself.

Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....
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Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....
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