Possession with intent to distribute in significant quantities can trigger minimum mandatory prison terms.
Location of the sale — Mississippi increases penalties if the sale occurs within 1,500 feet of certain protected zones: schools, colleges, churches, public parks, and similar places.
Prior convictions — Repeat offenders face is selling a controlled substance a felony in mississippi enhanced penalties and longer sentences. Drug offenders with prior felonies may also be subject to habitual offender laws.
It is important to note that even if no actual sale occurred, Mississippi law allows prosecutors to charge *intent to sell* based on evidence such as packaging, scales, large cash quantities, or communications about drug transactions. Intent to sell is treated similarly to sale itself.
There are limited circumstances where diversion or alternative sentencing might be available, usually for first-time, low-level offenders, but these are exceptions rather than the rule.
In short: selling a controlled substance in Mississippi is a felony with severe, long-lasting legal consequences, and the state treats these offenses aggressively in both prosecution and sentencing.
The Rules of Court and our State Constitution will protect you if the stop and search is without a warrant or the police do not have a reason (probable cause) to stop you. This protection from unlawful stops and searches includes your house, businesses, and your possessions. You should always contact a qualified Criminal Defense Attorney to deal with this problem.
If you believe you have been a victim of an unlawful search or seizure by the police, it makes sense to get in touch with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. While the officer's actions might seem outrageous at the time of the search, you must remember not to let your emotions get the better of you in this type of situation.