What Happens if I was Caught in a Car with a Drug Dealer?

What Happens if I was Caught in a Car with a Drug Dealer?

If the police pull a vehicle over and a drug dealer is in the car with you, there is definitely a chance you can be arrested and charged with drug-related offenses. You might assume you are safe from criminal problems as long as you do not have any drugs on your actual person, but this is not required for drug possession charges. To make matters worse, you might be implicated in drug distribution activity, which can result in more serious drug charges.

If you are arrested for drug possession or intent to distribute, you are facing serious potential penalties. You should not wait to contact an experienced Montgomery drug crimes defense lawyer for assistance as soon as possible. 

Constructive Possession

If police officers stop you with a drug dealer and find a reason to search the vehicle and its occupants, the results of this search can result in your arrest in different ways. For example:

• You are driving, and the drugs were found in a compartment of your car
• You are a passenger, and the drugs were found under the passenger seat or near the passenger area

Even if you don’t have drugs in your own purse or pocket, the authorities can make arrests and issue charges based on constructive possession. Even if you did not have actual possession, constructive possession means that the drugs were found somewhere that you could access or control, such as in your vehicle. 

If drugs were only found in the pocket of the drug dealer, you might not be arrested, as well, but you never know what the police can allege. It will depend on the situation at hand and the officers involved. However, if you are arrested and charged with drug possession (for substances other than marijuana), you can face Class D felony charges, which might mean one to five years in state prison.

Possible Distribution Charges

If officers can allege constructive possession and more than a certain amount of drugs were found in the vehicle, the officers can accuse you of possession with the intent to distribute. This is especially true when you also have a person known to sell drugs in the vehicle with you. Amounts that can trigger possession with the intent to distribute under state law include:

• 8 to 28 grams of cocaine
• 2 to 4 grams of heroin or similar opioids
• 8 to 28 grams of methamphetamines or amphetamines

Other circumstances that can support intent to distribute allegations include having a large amount of cash, having weighing or measuring tools, or having the drugs packaged in individual baggies or containers. Sometimes, police will decide that you are involved in drug activity simply because you were giving a drug dealer a ride. The details of the allegations can vary, but they can all lead to serious intent to distribute charges, which is a Class B felony. Penalties can include two to 20 years of imprisonment.

Speak with a Trusted Montgomery Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away

Being caught with a drug dealer - and drugs - in the car can be a serious matter. Seek help from a Montgomery criminal defense lawyer at Luck Law, LLC. Contact us online or call 334-262-5455 to discuss how we can help. 

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