Prosecutions for Drug Distribution and Sales

Any type of drug-related criminal charge can have serious negative consequences. This is especially true for felony charges such as drug trafficking or distribution, possession with intent to distribute or interstate transportation, and manufacturing.

Anyone convicted in Utah state court of a drug distribution charge is looking at likely jail time and probation, as well as other serious penalties:

• – Automatic and mandatory driver’s license suspension for six months
• – Increased penalties if you have previous drug-related convictions
  
• – Potential loss of commercial business license
• – Ineligibility for government financial aid
• – The possibility of deportation for non–U.S. citizens

There are two main ways to fight a charge of drug distribution. The first is to fight for a dismissal via pre-trial motions or at a trial. Many drug crimes cases are stopped by successful motions to suppress the evidence, in which your attorney will argue that the police seized evidence against you in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Motions to suppress the evidence can be based on several factors, including lack of reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop, illegal detention, lack of proper consent to search or illegal search of your person, vehicle or home.

The second way to fight some drug-related charges is to negotiate a plea in abeyance. Under a plea in abeyance, your “guilty” or “no contest” plea is not entered; instead, you are placed on a form of probation with certain terms and conditions. If you meet those terms, your charges may be reduced or dismissed. However, if you violate the terms, then your plea will be entered and you will be immediately sentenced.

The lawyers at the criminal defense law firm of Schatz, Anderson & Associates, LLC, have more than 40 years’ combined experience practicing criminal law. Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of criminal defense cases on behalf of our clients, who face charges in courts in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden and other Utah communities.

At SAA, we focus on building a strong defense on our client’s behalf. We never recommend a plea agreement unless we have thoroughly investigated our client’s other options and truly believe a plea agreement is the best choice available.