Law enforcement in Massachusetts at the beginning of October arrested seven alleged drug dealers in the Methadone Mile area. Law enforcement officers also helped more than 25 alleged buyers pursue treatment for their drug addictions. Law enforcement also identified several individuals who are reputed to sell drugs in the Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard section of Boston. The investigation resulted in the discovery of a substantial amount of drugs in the area. Law enforcement made various charges against those who were arrested including distribution of Class B drugs, trafficking class A drugs, trafficking Class B drugs, and possession with intent to distribute Class A drugs.
If you have been charged with the possession or intent to distribute a drug in Massachusetts, there are several things to understand about these charges.
These Charges Carry Repercussions
A charge of drug possession or intent to distribute is a serious criminal offense that can significantly impinge on your civil liberties. Besides having a criminal history, a person’s social reputation can also be destroyed by drug charges. A charge for possession also denotes that a person is using drugs. A person charged with intent to distribute faces stricter penalties and a greater risk of losing liberty in comparison to possession charges.
Denying Possession of Drugs
Merely being in the proximity of drugs does not mean that they are in a person’s possession. Instead, a person has to intentionally or knowingly have control over an object for possession to be found. This means that if a person is found in a car with someone else who is possessing drugs or at a party with someone possessing drugs, that does not make an individual guilty of possession of narcotics.
What to Do if You are Charged With Possession or Intent to Distribute
If you are under investigation for a possession-related offense, you should hire a skilled defense attorney as quickly as possible. Oftentimes, a skilled defense attorney will not hesitate to become involved in the discovery process and will begin to gather video evidence and lab reports to determine whether you actually were in possession of drugs at the time of your arrest.
You Have Constitutional Rights
The 5th Amendment grants individuals the opportunity not to incriminate themselves, while the 4th Amendment states that a person shall be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. An experienced criminal defense attorney can make sure that your rights are protected and can help you make decisions about your future in a way that benefits your health as well as your constitutional rights. Three things that a lawyer can do to make sure that your case has a positive outcome includes assessing whether or not you have a drug problem, whether the problem places your loved ones in jeopardy, and whether you should pursue rehabilitation.
Speak With a Boston Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug-related offense in Massachusetts, it can be overwhelming to decide how to best respond. One of the helpful strategies that people should take in such a situation is to promptly retain the assistance of a skilled attorney. Do not hesitate to schedule a free case evaluation with attorney Edward R Molari.