What are penalties for intent to distribute?

Penalties for Intent To Distribute Schedule I Narcotics

There’s more than one penalty for intent to distribute, which is a felony in Louisiana. It depends on the type and quantity of the drug in your possession. However, more disturbing than some of these penalties is the fact that many people are wrongfully charged with the crime.

One of the most damaging mistakes is police officer error. Officers are human; sometimes, they conduct illegal searches and seizures that result in unlawful convictions. Perhaps the evidence against you has been tampered with or gone missing. In those cases, your case should be dismissed.

Keep reading to discover the penalties for possession with intent to distribute Schedule I, II, and III narcotics. Then, contact The Johnson Firm to get started on a powerful defense strategy. Call (337) 427-8961 today for a consultation.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines Schedule I narcotics as substances without a current, medically-accepted use and a high risk of abuse. Schedule I narcotics include:

• Marijuana
• LSD
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• Peyote (mescaline)

Penalties for intent to distribute depend upon the amount that the accused had in their possession. Of course, because one pound of heroin is not the same as one pound of marijuana, penalties also depend upon the specific drug.

Penalty for Intent To Distribute Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

• Less than 2.5 pounds: $50,000 fine and one to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor.
• 2.5 pounds or more: $50,000 fine and one to 20 years in prison with hard labor.

Penalty for Intent To Distribute Heroin

• Any amount of: 
  • Heroin 
  • Substance containing a detectable amount of heroin or its analogs
• $50,000 fine and five to 40 years in prison with hard labor.

Penalty for Intent To Distribute Other Schedule I Narcotics

• Less than 28 grams: $50,000 fine and one to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor.
• 28 grams or more: $50,000 fine and one to 20 years in prison with hard labor.

No matter which Schedule I narcotic you were accused of possessing and intending to distribute, the right legal counsel can help you build a formidable defense and work toward reducing or dismissing your charges.

Lake Charles criminal defense lawyers at The Johnson Firm do this with a range of defense strategies, including unlawful search and seizure, mistaken identity, and mistaken ownership. To schedule a consultation, call (337) 427-8961 today.

Penalties for Intent To Distribute Schedule II Narcotics

The DEA defines Schedule II narcotics as substances with a high potential for abuse and risk of psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II narcotics include:

• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Methadone
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Fentanyl
• Dexedrine
• Adderall
• Ritalin
• Products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Penalty for Intent To Distribute Amphetamine or Methamphetamine

• Less than 28 grams: $50,000 fine and one to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor.
• 28 grams or more: $50,000 fine and one to 20 years in prison with hard labor.

Stricter penalties apply to individuals who manufactured methamphetamine, particularly if a minor was present.

Penalty for Intent To Distribute Cocaine, Oxycodone, or Methadone

• Less than 28 grams: $50,000 fine and one to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor.
• 28 grams or more: $50,000 fine and one to 20 years in prison with hard labor.

Penalty for Intent To Distribute Fentanyl or its Analogs

• Less than 28 grams: $50,000 fine and one to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor.
• 28 grams or more: $50,000 fine and one to 20 years in prison with hard labor.

Penalties for Intent To Distribute Other Schedule II Narcotics

• Less than 28 grams: $50,000 fine and one to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor.
• 28 grams or more: $50,000 fine and one to 20 years in prison with hard labor.

Penalties for Intent To Distribute Schedule III Narcotics

The DEA defines Schedule III narcotics as substances with a moderate to low potential for psychological and physical dependence. Schedule III narcotics include:

• Ketamine
• Anabolic steroids
• Testosterone
• Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage

Penalties for manufacturing and distributing Schedule III drugs are the same: the convicted will have to pay a $15,000 fine and go to prison for not less than one nor more than 10 years with or without hard labor.

Lake Charles Drug Defense Lawyer

Don’t assume you’re out of options if you were charged with possession with intent to distribute. The Johnson Firm’s expert lawyers have had hundreds of clients’ charges reduced or dismissed, and they will defend you relentlessly for the best outcome in your case.

No matter the type or amount of drug you were accused of possessing and intending to distribute, you have the legal right to representation. Let The Johnson Firm’s knowledgeable drug offense attorneys in Lake Charles work on reducing or dismissing the charges against you. Call (337) 427-8961 today.