In the “War on Drugs,” those who sell drugs are a top target. The logic is that if they can take out the merchants of narcotics, they can stop the flow. If you've been charged with selling, distributing or delivering narcotics under the Alabama charge of Unlawful Distribution of Drugs, that fact means that you face hefty penalties, including jail time and large fines. A good defense is your best bet.
Huntsville Drug Distribution Lawyer
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will fight for your rights if you're facing state or federal narcotics charges. We'll seek to get your charges reduced or dismissed, and can argue your case to a jury if you plead “not guilty.” We'll diligently review the details of your case for holes in the prosecution or missteps by police. Call us today at (256) 533-4529 or send an online message to set up a free consultation to go over the details of your case.
Our lawyers understand the criminal justice system, inside and out. Andrew Segal has experience in the Alabama Attorney General's Office and the Madison County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor, and Sandra Segal has prosecutor experience at the Huntsville City Attorney's Office. Jurors, judges and even prosecutors respect us because we practice with integrity and honor our profession. That means a lot when we're negotiating over reducing your charges or arguing your case in front of a jury.
If you've been charged with distributing narcotics in the Huntsville-Decatur area, including Madison County, Morgan County, Marshall County, Limestone County or Jackson County, call the experienced narcotics distribution lawyers at Law Offices Of Segal & Segal.
Overview on Drug Distribution Charges in Alabama
Defining Drug Distribution Under State Law
Alabama Code Section 13A-12-211 defines distribution as selling, furnishing, giving away, delivering or distributing a controlled substance. Notice that the law doesn't make a distinction between selling for a profit or handing it out for free — in either case, you could be charged with distribution. Whether you were dealing crack on a street corner or showed up to a rave with ecstasy to pass out to friends, you face the same charge.
Controlled substances are defined in Title 20, Chapter 2 of the Alabama code. The list includes most illicit substances, including:
- Marijuana.
- Methamphetamines, or meth.
- Heroin.
- Cocaine/crack.
- Ecstasy.
- LSD.
- Peyote and mescaline.
The law lists most kinds of prescription narcotics as well, which can be sold by a licensed pharmacist or are available from a doctor. Another part of the code treats synthetic narcotics, like bath salts and spice, the same way.
Unlike possession, charges for distributing marijuana are no different than any other controlled substance.
In 2012, the Alabama legislature created a new charge call “unlawful possession with intent to distribute.” Under this charge, the law presumes that you intend to sell narcotics if you are charged with possession of eight to 28 grams of certain narcotics. narcotics covered in the law include cocaine, morphine, opiums, heroin, ecstasy, amphetamines and methamphetamines.
What are the Penalties for this Offense?
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute are Class B felonies. Conviction of a Class B felony will result in two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $30,000. If you've had one or more prior felony convictions, the charges and penalties could go up substantially.
Madison County Defenses to Drug Distribution Charges
In any criminal case, the prosecution must prove every element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt. That means they must convince the jury that no other scenario, save some improbable or far-fetched one, could have occurred. That means they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were knowingly selling, giving away, delivering or distributing a controlled substance.
Usually, in order to have sufficient evidence for distribution, police will have found drugs in your possession. To find them, they often have to make some kind of search. To search without a warrant, police must meet several probable cause and reasonable suspicion standards, or their evidence might get throw out. A trained legal eye can find those mistakes. An experienced drug attorney will look for every hole in the prosecutor's case.
Seeking Quality Defense Options for Drug Distribution Charges in Madison County
If you've been charged with drug distribution, let the experienced Huntsville criminal defense lawyers are Law Offices Of Segal & Segal help you with your defense. We'll fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed. The consequences of a narcotics distribution conviction are serious. Call us today at (256) 533-4529 or send an online message to set up a free consultation to go over your charges.
