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Cherokee County Intent to Distribute Lawyer

If you’ve been cited or charged with possession with intent to distribute in Cherokee County, you need a legal team that focuses on more than just the charges—you need a defense that protects your future.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, our drug possession lawyers understand what’s at stake and work to align your defense with your long-term goals.

Don’t wait to start building your defense. Contact our team today.

Possession with Intent to Distribute in Georgia

Possession with intent to distribute is a serious felony charge under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30. This law makes it illegal to manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, or possess with intent to distribute any controlled substance.

Unlike simple drug possession, these charges imply that law enforcement believes you had drugs not just for personal use but for sale or distribution. However, belief is not proof, and there are many ways to challenge these allegations.

Factors That Influence an Intent to Distribute Charge

Law enforcement and prosecutors often rely on certain factors to justify an intent to distribute charge, such as:

• The quantity of the substance found
• The presence of drug paraphernalia like scales or baggies
• Large amounts of cash found near the substance
• Statements made at the time of the arrest
• Witness testimony or surveillance evidence

Even if these elements exist, it does not mean a conviction is inevitable. A strategic defense can challenge the prosecution’s case at multiple levels.

Penalties for Intent to Distribute in Georgia

The penalties for possession with intent to distribute vary based on the type and amount of the substance involved. Georgia law classifies controlled substances into five schedules, with Schedule I and II substances carrying the most severe penalties.

Standard Sentences Under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30:

• Schedule I or II substances:
  • 5 to 30 years in prison for a first offense
  • 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment for subsequent offenses
• Schedule III, IV, or V substances:
  • 1 to 10 years in prison
• Marijuana (over an ounce):
  • 1 to 10 years in prison

Felony drug convictions can also lead to collateral consequences, including:

• Loss of job opportunities
• Ineligibility for certain student financial aid
• Difficulties in securing housing
• A permanent criminal record

This is why a strong defense is critical to protecting your future.

Potential Defenses Against Intent to Distribute Charges

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we take a goal-oriented approach to defending intent to distribute charges. Every case is unique, but common defense strategies include:

1. Challenging an Unlawful Search and Seizure

Did the police have a valid warrant? Were your Fourth Amendment rights violated? If law enforcement obtained evidence through an illegal search, that evidence may be inadmissible in court.

2. Questioning the Intent to Distribute Allegation

Possession alone is not enough to prove intent. If the prosecution’s case relies only on circumstantial evidence, we can challenge whether intent to distribute can truly be established beyond a reasonable doubt.

3. Lack of Knowledge or Control Over the Drugs

If you were in a car or residence where drugs were found but were unaware of their presence, we can argue that you had no knowledge or control over them, which is required for a conviction.

4. Issues With Law Enforcement Conduct

Did the police use unreliable confidential informants? Were you coerced into making statements? Law enforcement tactics can sometimes be flawed, and we will scrutinize every aspect of the case to uncover errors.

5. Mistaken Identity or False Accusations

Were you wrongly identified as the person responsible? Did someone else plant the drugs? Witness misidentification and false accusations happen more often than people think.

These are just some of the potential defenses we can explore. Our approach is tailored to your specific case and goals.

Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Prosecution

For many people in their teens and twenties, there may be alternative options that avoid the long-term consequences of a felony conviction. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may explore:

• Pretrial Diversion Programs (if available)
• Conditional Discharge for first-time offenders
• Negotiating reduced charges to avoid a felony conviction

While intent to distribute is a serious charge, options may exist to mitigate the impact on your future. We’ll help you understand your options and pursue the best path forward.

Protecting Your Future After an Intent to Distribute Charge

We know that your biggest concern isn’t just avoiding penalties—it’s protecting your future opportunities. A felony drug conviction can affect your ability to:

• Apply for college or graduate school
• Obtain professional licenses
• Pass background checks for employment

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we take all of these factors into account when crafting your defense. Our focus is on ensuring that a single charge does not define your future.

Take Control of Your Case—Contact Us Today

If you or someone you care about is facing an intent to distribute charge in Cherokee County, time is critical. The sooner you involve a legal team, the more options you may have.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we take a selective approach to cases, ensuring that we are the right fit for the people we represent. If we take your case, you can be confident that our focus will be on your goals and future—not just the charges against you.