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.
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Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
Dismissed -
Client was facing multiple cases involving first-degree felony drug distribution charges for allegedly selling to a confidential informant. Defense analysis of the case revealed fatal flaws in the prosecution case that ultimately resulted in a complete dismissal of all cases and charges.
Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
Dismissal - Client was charged with first-degree felony home burglary and facing potential life in prison. Defense analysis revealed flaws in prosecutor's case which led to abeyance agreement intended to lead to a full dismissal of the case.
- Recent Posts
How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
Can
I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve
the case without returning to the state. . . .
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....
Strategy »
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....
Experience »
Even a single misdemeanor conviction in Utah can result in extended jail time and substantial fines. The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can last a lifetime. Whether you are facing misdemeanor prosecution in a justice court or more serious felony charges in the district court, obtaining advice and assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney is....
Consequences »
Clients sometimes ask what the "worst case scenario" is for their charges. We prefer to take a more positive approach. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. But you can take steps and make choices right now that will improve your chances of a positive outcome. Let us help you....
Reasons to Hope »
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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.
Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041
Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.
In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041
Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.
In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
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