Consequences of Possession with Intent to Sell
Connecticut takes drug possession, possession with intent to sell, and other drug offenses very seriously, which is why you need an experienced defense attorney if you are charged with any drug-related offense.
In fact, a few years ago Connecticut increased the penalties for selling drugs. Here are a few things you need to know about possession with intent to sell:
- You do not have to be caught in the act of selling drugs to be charged with possession with intent to sell (PWITS). You can also be charged with PWITS if found with large amounts of drugs in your possession and distribution materials like plastic bags with logos on them.
- First-time offenders convicted of PWITS a hallucinogenic substance (other than marijuana) or a narcotic substance face up to 15 years of jail time and/or a $50,000 fine.
- Second-time offenders face up to 30 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine.
- Each additional offense carries another 30-year term and/or a $250,000 fine.
- There are different penalties for PWITS marijuana. First-time offenders face up to seven years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine. Each subsequent offense carries up to 15 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine.
- There are no mandatory minimum jail sentences, only maximums.
An experienced defense attorney can help fight these charges and achieve the lowest sentence possible. For example, it may help your case if you are participating in a drug rehabilitation program.
Examples of Drug Dealing Offenses
A former Norwalk firefighter was recently sentenced to three years in prison for selling crack cocaine out of a firehouse. The man pled guilty to selling cocaine to undercover cops on four different occasions. Investigators also found five bags of cocaine and other drugs in his home. He will serve 10 years of parole after being released from prison but will return to jail if he violates any conditions of his release.
In March, Norwalk police arrested a 20-year-old man after an investigation into his alleged drug dealing. They previously found 700 Xanax pills, bags of marijuana packaged for street sale, $9,000 in cash and other supplies. Police also uncovered drug paraphernalia in his vehicle and apartment. He faces several criminal charges, including possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell, and sale of a controlled substance.
Darien police arrested two suspected drug dealers in January, including a 19-year-old Norwalk man. The men were busted for selling various forms of marijuana to Darien High School students. They are facing various criminal charges.
Contact Us Today for Assistance
Possession with intent to sell is a serious crime in Connecticut. Contact the experienced Norwalk defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner today for a free consultation if you are charged with dealing drugs or any other drug-related offenses.
Sources:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_420b.htm#sec_21a-277
https://patch.com/connecticut/norwalk/norwalk-man-busted-dealing-drugs-hs-students-darien-pd
https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Norwalk-man-facing-numerous-drug-charges-12753613.php
https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/policereports/article/Former-Norwalk-firefighter-sent-to-jail-for-three-12617066.php