Email
david@downeyfirm.com
Phone
(267) 881-4190
Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2019, an estimated 1,558,862 arrests were made for drug law violations in the United States. In Pennsylvania, drug offenses may include drug possession, trafficking, paraphernalia, delivery, manufacturing, possession with intent to deliver, marijuana possession, and marijuana trafficking. If convicted of a drug offense, the defendant could be facing lengthy prison time, substantial fines, probation, and other potential social ramifications.
If you’re under investigation for a drug crime or if you are facing drug crime charges, it is paramount that you retain a highly-skilled and aggressive Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and outline an effective defense. Attorney David Downey is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services and defending individuals facing drug crime charges. As your legal counsel, I can fight vigorously on your side to defend your rights, offer you the reliable representation you need, and fight the charges against you in pursuit of a favorable outcome.
Law Office of David Downey proudly represents clients across King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas of Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County.
Federal Drug Crimes
Under federal and state drug laws, the possession, sale, manufacture, and delivery of controlled substances are prohibited. A drug offense becomes a federal crime when:
- The arrest was made by an undercover federal officer.
- The defendant was arrested while committing a drug crime on federal property.
- The drug offense crossed state lines (for example, drug trafficking).
- The drug offense is considered to be very serious.
Drug Charges in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a person may be charged with any of the following drug-related offenses:
Drug Schedules
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, controlled substances are categorized into five “schedule classifications.” These include:
- Schedule I: Substances with a high potential for abuse and have no known medical use. They include opiates, hallucinogens (LSD), marijuana, and opium derivatives (heroin).
- Schedule II: Substances with a high potential for abuse but have limited restrictions for medical use and treatment purposes. They include cocaine, morphine, methadone, PCP, and methamphetamine.
- Schedule III: Drugs that have a high potential for abuse but less than Schedule I or Schedule II drugs. They are severely restricted for medical use. They include codeine, HGH, and anabolic steroids.
- Schedule IV: Drugs with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs. They include stimulants and depressants, such as Xanax and Valium. They are permissible for medical use.
- Schedule V: Substances that have an even lower potential for abuse. They are accepted for medical use. They include Robitussin AC, cough syrups, and Phenergan with codeine.
Penalties for Drug Possession in Pennsylvania
According to the Pennsylvania Health and Safety Code, Title 35, Section 780-113, the criminal penalties for drug possession will depend on the type of drug, quantity found in the defendant’s possession, and the number of previous violations.
- First Offense: Misdemeanor charges, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail.
- Subsequent Offense: Misdemeanor charges, punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and up to three years in jail.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Misdemeanor charges, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.
- Possession of a Small Quantity of Marijuana: Misdemeanor charges, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
Penalties for Drug Manufacturing
Drug manufacturing charges can carry a fine of up to $25,000 and prison sentences of between one to three years.
However, the manufacturing of methamphetamine is charged as a felony and carries a penalty of a fine of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
Hiring a Defense Attorney
Defending your drug charges without the proper legal guidance can potentially increase your risk of getting convicted and receiving the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, and other life-changing consequences. Therefore, it is important to retain a knowledgeable Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney immediately to help protect your rights and strategize a strong defense.
For more than 20 years, I have been offering experienced legal services and strong representation to clients facing drug crime charges. As your attorney, I will investigate every aspect of your case, determine an effective defense strategy for your case, and refute the charges against you with overwhelming evidence. Using my extensive knowledge, I will help you navigate the Pennsylvania criminal justice system and maximize your chances of getting a favorable outcome for your situation.
Experienced Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Serving King of Prussia, PA
If you’re facing drug crime charges, don’t face them alone. Contact Law Office of David Downey, today to schedule a free one-on-one case evaluation. I can offer you the comprehensive legal guidance, advocacy, and strong representation you need.
I’m proud to represent clients across King of Prussia, Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
