Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

When evaluating possession, which of the following indicates a stronger case for intent in drug charges?

1. Presence of a scale and cash

2. Only the drugs themselves

3. Testimony from peers

4. Past charges of similar nature

The correct answer is: Presence of a scale and cash

The presence of a scale and cash is indicative of intent in drug charges because these items are often associated with the distribution or sale of illegal substances. A scale suggests that the individual may be weighing drugs for sale rather than personal use, while cash can indicate transactions related to buying or selling drugs. This combination of evidence points more strongly toward the intent to distribute, making it a significant factor in establishing a stronger case against the individual. In contrast, having only the drugs themselves does not necessarily imply intent to distribute; it could be entirely consistent with personal use. Testimony from peers might provide context or insights into a person's behavior but lacks the concrete physical evidence needed to strongly support intent. Past charges of a similar nature could demonstrate a pattern, but they do not provide direct evidence of current intent.