Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer Elliot Savitz
represents clients accused of all drug charges, including drug
possession, possession with intent to distribute / drug
distribution / dealing, school zone
violations, and trafficking. Call for a free case assessment
with no obligation.
781-326-2700
Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer Elliot Savitz handles all types of criminal cases and procedures,
including arraignments, hearings, and criminal trials
Facing a Massachusetts Felony Drug Charge? - Fight
Back!
Arrested in Massachusetts for Drug Dealing /
Distribution / Intent to Distribute?
Possession of Drugs with Intent to Distribute is a
very serious charge in Massachusetts, with a strong likelihood of jail
time if convicted. Drug dealing and distribution charges can be a
particularly complicated area of Massachusetts law, especially if
there is a school zone violation included in the charges. If you have
been arrested and charged with any of these crimes, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer
on the case immediately, to defend your rights and preserve all legal
defense options.
Under MA Drug Laws, there is there is no specific
quantity of drugs that qualifies for an intent to distribute charge. You can be charged with intent to distribute in
Massachusetts depending on very vague circumstances of the drug arrest. You
can be charged with distribution depending on how the drugs are
packaged, even if there is no other evidence that you intended to sell
drugs. Intent to distribute may be charged based on the number of
individual packages of drugs, the presence of baggies or twist ties,
presence of a scale, placement of drugs near a phone or phone list, or
nearly anything that the police thing that a jury might conceivably
conclude that the drugs were for sale. Or if you are growing
pot/marijuana in sufficient quantities, they may charge you with
intent to distribute, or trafficking.
Minimum penalties for selling drugs / distribution / possession
w/intent to distribute
charges according to Massachusetts drug laws:
Class A substance: First (1st) offense up to 2 1/2
years; a Second (2nd) offense conviction has a mandatory minimum
of 5 years in prison.
Class B substance: First (1st) offense up to 2 1/2
years; a Second (2nd) offense conviction has a mandatory minimum
of 3 years in prison.
Class C substance: First (1st) offense up to 2 1/2
years; a Second (2nd) offense conviction has a mandatory minimum
of 2 years in prison.
Class D substance: First (1st) offense up to 2 1/2
years; a Second (2nd) offense conviction has a mandatory minimum
of 2 years in prison.
If there is a school zone violation involved,
there is a mandatory minimum of 2 years on a first offense.
You can be charged with a school zone violation if you
are within 1000 feet of a school of any kind, or 100 feet of a park or
playground, regardless of if you had any intention of distributing
within that zone.
Massachusetts Intent to Distribute Defense
Strategies
With any drug distribution arrest, I'll first try any
way possible to get the charges dropped down to a straight possession.
That will reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor.
There are a number of constitutional defenses to an
intent to distribute charge. In most cases, we start with a motion to suppress
the evidence. The police need to have the right probable cause to
search you, and cannot violate your constitutional and legal rights
under the 4th Amendment of the US Constitution. Also, a motion to suppress may cover any statements
you may have made before the police may have read you your Miranda
rights.
The next steps depend on the specifics of your case.
I'd be happy to speak or meet with you and go over the police report.
I'll give you an honest assessment of your case, with full
confidentiality, and no further obligation. Give me a call.
Take Advantage of a Free MA Legal Consultation
If you are charged with intent to distribute drugs,
drug dealing or selling, MA school zone violations, drug
trafficking, or
another criminal offense, call me now at my office in Dedham, MA
at(781)326-2700, or my Brockton Mass office to
schedule your free first appointment now.
By
calling, you have nothing to lose. I'll be happy to talk with you
and discuss your case before you decide if you want to hire me.
Defending people accused of crimes is what I do for a living. Call to
set up a free consultation now.
Elliot Savitz, Attorney at Law
30 Eastbrook Road
Suite 201
Dedham, MA 02026
(781)326-2700