Intent To Sell
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How Florida Addresses Drug Possession with Intent to Sell
Florida treats drug possession with intent to sell as a serious felony offense under Florida Statute § 893.13, reflecting the state’s aggressive approach to drug enforcement. Unlike simple possession charges, where the assumption is that the substance is for personal use, a charge of intent to sell implies distribution, which the law considers a threat to public safety. As a result, these cases are prosecuted vigorously and carry significantly harsher penalties.
A person does not need to be caught actively selling drugs to be charged with intent to sell. Florida law allows prosecutors to infer intent based on circumstantial evidence. This includes factors like the quantity of drugs, how they are packaged (such as multiple baggies or containers), the presence of digital scales, large amounts of cash, or even text messages and call logs suggesting a transaction. In many cases, even small amounts can trigger this charge if police believe the surrounding evidence shows intent to distribute.
The severity of the charge depends largely on the type of drug and the location of the alleged offense. For example, possession with intent to sell Schedule I or II substances like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or fentanyl is typically charged as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If the offense occurs within 1,000 feet of a school, park, church, or public housing, the charge can be enhanced to a first-degree felony, which may carry mandatory minimum sentencing.
Florida prosecutors often seek to make examples of individuals charged with intent to sell, especially when children or high-risk communities are involved. However, the charge is still subject to constitutional protections. A strong legal defense may focus on challenging the legality of the search, arguing the drugs were for personal use, or disputing ownership and intent altogether. Because these charges are built heavily on police interpretation and assumptions, experienced defense counsel can often find weaknesses in the state’s case.
In short, Florida addresses intent to sell cases with firm penalties, broad prosecutorial discretion, and limited tolerance—making it essential for anyone facing such charges to consult an attorney immediately. A conviction can result in years of incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and loss of future opportunities.
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Florida law takes a hard stance on drug offenses involving intent to sell. A conviction can follow you for life. But with the right legal strategy, it’s possible to fight back, protect your rights, and preserve your future. If you’re facing an intent to sell charge, early legal intervention is critical.
How Crag Chaderton Law Defends Against Intent to Sell Charges
At Crag Chaderton Law, we understand that being charged with possession with intent to sell is a serious accusation that can carry life-altering consequences—including prison time, a felony record, and the loss of your career, reputation, and rights. Our defense strategy is built on a thorough, aggressive, and intelligent approach designed to challenge the state's evidence, protect your constitutional rights, and achieve the best possible outcome.
Challenging the Stop, Search, and Seizure
Challenging the Stop, Search, and Seizure
Most intent to sell cases start with a traffic stop, search warrant, or surveillance. We begin by scrutinizing whether the police acted lawfully during your arrest. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated—such as through an unlawful search, lack of probable cause, or defective warrant—we file motions to suppress the evidence, which can lead to a dismissal of charges or a significant reduction.
Disputing Intent and Proving Personal Use
Disputing Intent and Proving Personal Use
The prosecution must prove that you intended to sell or distribute the substance—not just possess it. We attack that claim by presenting evidence that the drugs were intended for personal use, not sale. This may include expert testimony, lack of packaging materials, or the absence of any scales, weapons, or large cash amounts that typically suggest distribution. Without clear proof of intent, the state’s case often weakens significantly.
Fighting Constructive Possession Allegations
Fighting Constructive Possession Allegations
In many cases, drugs are found in a shared space—like a vehicle, home, or apartment—and the state alleges constructive possession. We argue that you had no knowledge or control over the drugs, especially when multiple people had access to the location. This reasonable doubt can be key to winning your case at trial or negotiating a favorable plea.
Charged With Intent to Sell? Call Crag Chaderton Law Today.
Charged With Intent to Sell? Call Crag Chaderton Law Today.
Your freedom is too important to trust to chance. If you’ve been accused of drug possession with intent to sell, let Crag Chaderton Law put our skill, strategy, and experience to work for you.
📞 Call 321-443-7481 now for a confidential consultation
🌐 www.cragchadertonlaw.com
Crag Chaderton Law – When the Charge Is Serious, So Is Our Defense.
Why a Charge of Intent to Sell Can Be Damaging
A charge of possession with intent to sell is one of the most serious drug-related offenses under Florida law. Even without evidence of an actual sale, the implication that someone intended to distribute illegal drugs can lead to severe legal, personal, and social consequences. It's not just the potential prison time—it's the permanent stain that such a charge can leave on a person’s record and reputation.
First and foremost, intent to sell is typically charged as a felony, which can result in years of incarceration, thousands of dollars in fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life. Unlike simple possession, intent to sell suggests active involvement in drug distribution, which prosecutors and judges treat far more harshly. This charge can also disqualify individuals from pretrial diversion programs or other alternatives to incarceration, making it much harder to avoid a conviction.
Beyond the courtroom, the damage continues. A felony drug conviction can lead to loss of employment, barriers to future job opportunities, revocation of professional licenses, ineligibility for federal student aid, and immigration consequences for non-citizens. It can also trigger driver’s license suspension and make finding housing difficult, especially in federally assisted programs.
For young people, students, or first-time offenders, a charge like this can derail future plans—including college, scholarships, or military service. It’s not just a legal problem—it’s a life-altering obstacle. That’s why having strong, experienced legal defense is critical. A skilled attorney can often reduce the charge, suppress weak evidence, or challenge the basis of the accusation entirely—offering a second chance before a single mistake becomes a lifelong sentence.
Aggressive Defense for Serious Drug Allegations
You are innocent until proven guilty—and we make the state prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Don’t let a charge define your future. We protect your rights, fight your case, and defend your freedom.
📞 Call 321-443-7481 now for a confidential legal consultation
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