In Wisconsin, as in most states, drug offenses carry stiff penalties. A defendant facing drug charges may face challenges that affect not only their lives but also the lives of their loved ones. The defendant could faces serious jail or prison time, significant fines and reputational damage within the community. Recently, a Milwaukee man was arrested and faces drug possession charges stemming from an incident involving drugs.
According to reports, police were called to a Walgreens due to an alleged robbery involving the man, the man’s mother and another woman. When police searched the man, they allegedly found a pill bottle that contained more than 15 pills. According to police, the man stated that the pills belonged to his mother; his mother also stated that the pills belonged to her, but she could not produce a prescription for the pills. The pill bottle’s label was allegedly ripped off. The man and his mother were arrested, and the man was charged with drug possession. He faces more than a year of prison time and a $10,000 fine.
Generally, there are two classifications of drug possession: simple possession, which is for the individual’s personal use, and possessing while also intending to distribute the drug. Possessing a drug with the intent to distribute i t is considered a more severe offense and is heavily punished. In a drug possession case, prosecutors may provide evidence of large amounts of the drug involved in the case and witness testimonies to prove that the defendant intended to sell the drug. Typically, a defendant convicted of drug possession is sentenced based on the state’s mandatory sentencing guidelines which take into consideration the alleged drug involved, the weight of the drug and the defendant’s prior offenses.
Drug possession and other drug charges are serious criminal offenses with significant penalties that could affect a defendant’s life. It is important to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty and deserve a fair trial.
Source: Greendale Patch, “Man Arrested with Mom, Charged with Drug Possession,” Joe Petrie, Jan. 7, 2013