There is no question that drug laws in the United States can vary considerably from state to state. Each state, including Utah, has its own set of statutes and penalties regarding certain drug offenses. However, Utah does have strict drug laws in an attempt to dissuade people from using such substances. Today, we are going to explore Utah drug crimes and see what offenses like drug possession and possession with intent to distribute mean for those convicted. If you are facing drug charges in Utah, hire a criminal defense lawyer, as your freedom may be in serious jeopardy.
What Are the Laws Regarding Drug Possession in Utah?
Utah has strict drug possession laws that are enforced rigorously. Drug possession means possessing controlled substances, such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, or heroin, for personal use. For the first and second time you are charged with drug possession, both will likely be considered a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, you may be imprisoned for one year and receive a $2,500 fine. If you are charged a third time with drug possession, it will likely be categorized as a third-degree felony, bringing with it a potential five-year prison sentence and fines of $5,000.
What is Possession with Intent to Distribute?
In most drug possession cases, the amount of the drug you possess matters considerably. This is because smaller amounts of a substance will usually be considered possession for personal use. However, in situations where large amounts of drugs are discovered, the charge may change from regular possession to possession with intent to distribute. These two charges are distinct from one another in the sense that possession with intent to distribute is a much more severe offense than a charge of simple possession.
...