Possession with Intent to Sell
Florida Statute Section 893.13(1)(a) prohibits a person from possessing any controlled substance “with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver” the controlled substance.
Depending on the type of substance possessed, the crime can be charged as a third degree felony or a second degree felony.
Law enforcement officers often overcharge a simple possession of a controlled substance offense as a more serious charge of possession with intent to sell or deliver.
Although it is easy for the officer to write up the more serious offense, the prosecutor often has a difficult time proving the charge at trial.
After an arrest for an intent to sell charge, the prosecutor will review the charges within the first twenty-one (21) days after the arrest.
The prosecutor might decide to file no charges, less serious charges, or more serious charges.
Depending on the way the case is charged, a motion to dismiss can be filed if insufficient evidence exists to show any intent to sell. Defenses can also be asserted when the search or seizure of evidence was unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Your attorney can explore the legality of your initial stop, detention, search, and seizure. If the officer made any mistakes, your attorney can file and litigate a motion to suppress the evidence because of that misconduct.
Attorney for Possession with Intent to Sell in Tampa, FL
If you have been arrested for possession with intent to sell a controlled substance then contact an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm.
Our attorneys represent clients charged with serious drug crimes in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the surrounding areas of Tampa Bay.
Our main offices are located in downtown Tampa in Hillsborough County, FL. Our second office is located in New Port Richey in Pasco County, FL, across from the courthouse at the West County Judicial Center.
We represent people charged with possession with intent to sell a controlled substance in Tampa in Hillsborough County, Clearwater or St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, Bartow or Lakeland in Polk County, and New Port Richey or Dade City in Pasco County, Florida.
Call 813-250-0500.
Elements of Possession with Intent to Sell
To prove possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture, the prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant possessed a certain substance with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver the substance;
- The substance was a controlled substance as defined in Section 893.03, Florida Statutes;
- The defendant had knowledge of the illicit nature of the substance.
For purposes of drug crimes in Florida, the term “sell” is defined as the transfer or delivery of something to another person in exchange for money or something of value, or a promise of money or something of value.
The term “possession” is defined to mean that the person had personal charge of or exercised the right of ownership, management, or control over the substance possessed.
Penalties for Possession with Intent to Sell
The punishment for intent to sell or deliver is drastically more serious than simple possession. Small factual details often make the difference, although even in tough cases, an aggressive defense may cause the prosecutor to drop any accusation of possession with an intention to sell or deliver.
Depending on the type of controlled substance possessed, the crime of possession with intent to sell is classified as a second or third degree felony.
For example, possession of cannabis with intent to sell is classified as third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Possession of cocaine with intent to sell is classified as a second degree felony, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.
Factors Indicating Intent to Sell or Deliver
Factors indicating intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance can include the following:
- statements by the defendant admitting that he had the intent to sell the drugs;
- the manner in which the drugs were packaged;
- the presence of drug paraphernalia such as scales, or baggies;
- the presence of U.S. Currency (cash);
- the presence of a firearm or other weapon; and
- the types and quantities of drugs involved.
If any of the factors mentioned above are not present in the case, that may also be circumstantial evidence that the possession was not with the intention to sell.
A conviction for “intent to sell” can have serious consequences when it comes to finding housing, qualifying for student loans or financial aid, pursuing higher education opportunities, or finding employment.
Finding Lawyers for Crimes of Selling Drugs in Hillsborough County, FL
If you have been arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, contact an experienced attorney in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL. We aggressively fight the charges at every stage of the case.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the charges pending against you, the potential penalties, and the best defenses to fight the charges aggressively.
On the jail inquiry detail sheet, related offenses are sometimes listed as “delivery of cocaine,” “delivery of a controlled substance,” or “delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet” of a convenience store, school, or church.
We represent clients charged with serious drug offenses throughout Hillsborough County, Hernando County, Pasco County, Polk County, FL, and the surrounding areas in the Tampa Bay area.
Call 813-250-0500.
This article was updated on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
