Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, PA

We have over a century of collective legal experience and have been practicing in state and federal courts across Minnesota since 1983.

Possession with Intent to Distribute

A possession with intent to distribute charge occurs when a person is caught in possession of a controlled substance and the police believe they intended to sell it. If you are convicted, you face prison time, severe fines and a felony record that makes it difficult to obtain a job or even get into a university. As a result, it’s important to have someone by your side to help you fight your drug charges and resolve this serious legal problem.

At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., our Minneapolis drug crime lawyers understand how being accused of a drug crime is a serious predicament to be in. Even with a first offense, you can face some serious penalties such as 30 years in prison and fines up to $1,000,000. A fifth-degree drug felony, which is the lightest charge, still carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney greatly increases your chances of avoiding a conviction or reducing the charges and penalties against you.

Breaking Down Possession with Intent to Distribute Charges

When assessing this charge, it is important to look at it in three parts: possession, intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute. Possession is the crime of having an illegal drug in one’s possession, either for personal use, distribution, sale or otherwise. However, a person charged with this offense must know that the drug is present, whether they knowingly obtained or received the controlled substance.

Intent to distribute occurs when an individual is planning to distribute or sell a controlled substance. This requires proof that the accused was planning of intending this act with the drugs, such as a large amount of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and great sums of money.

Finally, the crime of possession with intent to distribute must have all the elements of the two crimes listed above. This means an individual must knowingly be in possession of a controlled substance and have the intent to distribute or sell the controlled substance they are in possession of. While a person could have the intention to distribute, they may not have possession of the drugs, which could then be a conspiracy or attempt charge.

Depending on the type of drug and the quantity, someone charged with possession with intent to distribute could face some serious penalties. With the help of one of our Minneapolis drug crime lawyers, we can help challenge certain elements of your charge, which could result in reduced or dismissed charges.

Call Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. at (612) 444-5020 for a free case consultation.

Put Our Attorneys On Your Side

Our team has 100 years of collective experience. Our lawyers, Allan Caplan and Joe Tamburino, are frequently featured on local news networks, including radio and television appearances on Fox and WCCO radio. This has helped Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. rise to prominence and gain a solid reputation of fighting vigorously not only for our clients, but also against the injustices they face when they have been charged with a crime or have been wrongfully injured.

Attorney Profiles

What Our Clients Are Saying

“ Today I had a court appearance where your attorney, LIS CARLSON represented me. I must start at the beginning, MS. CARLSON returned my phone call to her with in an hour of my first call to your office. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the quick response to my call & most important how LIS immediately made me feel, she was professional, caring, her ability to immediately know that I was a total mess. Before she finished with my call she made sure that I was alright, her compassion for me was extremely needed. I immediately felt there couldn’t be a better attorney in the state better than LIS! Throughout this entire process, Lis was a pillar of strength. I was amazed at how she handled everything with extreme care & some very excellent, professional legal skills. I count my blessings but I count them twice when I came to LIS. The world needs more people like LIS, smart, intelligent, kind and caring.” - P.G.
“How do I ever thank you enough for your amazingly great strategy that got my case dismissed! ” - J. E.
“ Kayla Wengronowitz was my attorney in a claim against me involving Title IX and won my difficult and extensive case. She was a beacon of hope to me when my options seemed very limited. Kayla provided clarity for me to understand everything happening in the case, she made smart and calculated decisions, she made sure I was comfortable with every decision she made, and she responded to difficult situations seemingly with ease. Most importantly, Kayla was empathetic and provided comfort throughout the strenuous process. I am extremely grateful for her service and highly recommend her without reservation.” - Anonymous
“I strongly recommended to anybody who needs a criminal lawyer representation ” - M.M.
“ I just wanted to thank you so much! I am so pleased with all the hard work you put in. I would have never had the chance to get the outcome I did without you. You did an amazing job and we are feeling very greatful to have made the right call when we chose you.” - P.K.

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Recent Case Victories

Possession of a Controlled Substance/Electronic Solicitation of a Minor Avoided Conviction
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Felony Drug Charge Avoided Jail Time
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Financial Crime Avoided Jail Time
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Expungement Conviction Expunged
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Alcohol Related Accident Avoided Conviction
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Moving Violation Charge Amended
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Felony 2nd Degree Assault Avoided Jail Time
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Third DWI Staggered Sentence
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