A drug crime conviction in Pennsylvania has serious repercussions – not just for your immediate future, but also for the rest of your life. Both State and U.S. Federal courts could try and convict you. No matter how small the amount of drugs, whether it was marijuana, cocaine or heroin or illegal prescription medication–a drug arrest means that you face jail or prison time, costly fines and a criminal record that could haunt you forever.
Our legal team understands that the drug crime penalty schedule in the Commonwealth is confusing, which is why it is essential that you contact an experienced Pittsburgh drug crime attorney as early as possible after an arrest.
By working with a trusted and experienced defense lawyer, you have someone by your side who can explain the law as well as the potential punishments to you. Your attorney will be aware of any possible drug diversion program that you may be eligible for. At SMT Legal, our qualified and experienced Pittsburgh drug crime defense attorneys will stand by your side throughout your entire case.
Our goal is to get your drug charges reduced or withdrawn altogether.
Our experienced criminal drug lawyers try our best to make a positive difference in our clients’ lives by providing solid legal advice and preparing strong and aggressive defense strategies.
What Pittsburgh Drug Crime Lawyers Can Do For You
It is not uncommon for the Pennsylvania legal system to allow first time drug offenders and repeat offenders to receive treatment in lieu of jail time. A lawyer can help you and your family understand what drug diversion programs exist and can help negotiate a plea for these programs during a hearing or trial.
When you have an aggressive and experienced Pittsburgh drug attorney to thoroughly investigate your case, build a strong defense strategy and negotiate with the courts and plead your case, you significantly increase your chances of having your charges reduced or withdrawn.
A great attorney not only understands the court system but also understands the needs of his or her client and has compassion for the clients’ situation. That compassion has the capacity to carry over when it is time for hearings and sentencing and negotiating with prosecutors and making pleas to a judge.
As your attorneys we will do everything possible to have your charges or sentencing reduced (if having them dropped completely is not possible).
Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction
Consider a few of the consequences of a drug crime conviction:
- A first offense of possession of marijuana under 30 grams can lead to up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine and an automatic six month driver’s license suspension.
- A first offense of simple possession of heroin can lead to up to one year in prison, and a PWID heroin conviction is a mandatory two years in prison.
- A first offense of PWID cocaine conviction will give you a felony and up to three years in prison for 11-99 grams.
Aside from the statutory penalties that a person could face for a drug conviction in Pennsylvania, there are a number of consequences associated with these convictions. This can include the following:
- Eligibility for federal student financial aid
- Difficulty gaining admission to colleges
- Difficulty gaining scholarships or grants
- Trouble gaining employmentIneligibility for housing assistance
- Ineligibility for snap benefits
- Ineligibility for obtaining certain professional licenses
- Issues with immigration status
- Child custody and visitation issues
- Possible loss of voting rights
- Loss of the right to own and carry firearms
Party Drugs: MDMA, PCP, Meth, or Ecstasy
Party drugs like MDMA, commonly known as E or Ecstasy, and other recreational drugs like PCP (Angel Dust), and methamphetamine (Crystal Meth, Chalk, Ice or Meth) may be in common use, but when you are charged with possession of these illegal substances, the consequences and penalties can seriously disrupt your life.
A conviction of even a small amount of a Schedule I or II drugs can send you to prison for up to one year. You could lose also your license for six months and face a fine of $5,000, plus have a misdemeanor on your permanent criminal record.
Possession With Intention to Distribute (PWID) Party Drugs
The punishment for Possession with Intent to Deliver or Distribute (PWID) in Pennsylvania is very harsh. PWID means you were suspected of intending to distribute the drugs (manufacture, store, sell, traffic, transport).
Penalties depend on the quantity of the drug, whether it is a first offense or second/third offense. You face much harsher penalties if you are charged with distributing the drug inside a school zone or to a minor, or while in possession of a weapon. Being convicted of PWID Illegal Substances is a felony that will remain on your criminal record. PWID Drug Conviction Penalties in Pennsylvania:
- 2-10 grams: Two years in prison, a $5,000 fine for a first offense; three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for subsequent offenses.
- 10-100 grams: Three years in prison and a $15,000 fine for a first offense; Five years in prison and a $30,000 fine for subsequent offenses.
- 100+ grams: Five years in prison and a $25,000 fine for a first offense; Seven years in prison and a $50,000 fine for subsequent offenses.
The penalties could be more severe if you are found guilty of distributing drugs in a school zone or to a minor, or while carrying a weapon. You may also face U.S. Federal charges in addition to Pennsylvania charges.
Simple Possession of Cocaine Penalties
The punishments a judge may sentence you are highly dependent on the amount of drugs you were charged with and whether this is a first offense or if you have been previously convicted of a similar offense. A simple possession charge of less than one gram of cocaine is a misdemeanor and could put you behind bars for up to one year for a first offense, plus a $5,000 fine. Second or third offenses could mean up to two or three years in prison. Other penalties like losing your license, being ineligible to purchase or own a weapon or loss of child custody could also apply. Speak to a Pittsburgh drug crime lawyer for more information on the types of penalties you face and how best to defend your rights.
PWID of Cocaine Penalties
The punishment for possession with intent to distribute (PWID) drugs in Pennsylvania is very harsh. PWID drugs mean you were suspected of intending to distribute (manufacture, store, sell, traffic, transport) the cocaine. Penalties depend on the quantity of drugs, whether it is a first offense or a second/third offense. You face much harsher penalties if you are charged with PWID inside a school zone or to a minor or while in possession of a weapon. Being convicted of PWID is a felony that will remain on your criminal record.
First offense of PWID Cocaine Conviction in Pennsylvania:
- Less than two grams: A minimum of one year in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Over five grams: A minimum of five years in prison
- Two to ten grams: A minimum of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Over ten grams to 100 grams: A minimum of three years in prison
- Over 100 grams: A minimum of four years in prison
For a second or subsequent offense, the penalties could be much harsher. Also, if you are found guilty of distributing drugs in a school zone or to a minor, the penalties could increase.
You may also face U.S. Federal charges for possession with intent to distribute (PWID) cocaine, in addition to Pennsylvania charges.
Remember: A drug charge does not mean you are guilty or will be convicted. Your cocaine charges can be fought and won in court.
Simple Possession of Heroin Conviction
The punishments a judge may sentence you are highly dependent on the amount of heroin you were charged with and whether this is a first offense or if you have been previously convicted of a similar offense. A second offense or multiple offenses come with much harsher penalties.
A simple possession charge of less than one gram of heroin is a misdemeanor and could put you behind bars for up to one year for a first offense. Second or third offenses could mean up to three years in prison.Buying heroin in Pennsylvania is also a separate crime and could count as two separate charges. Possession of heroin paraphernalia (syringe, spoon, etc.) is also a misdemeanor and could include up to a year in jail, plus a $2,500 fine.
Other penalties like losing your license, being ineligible to purchase or own a weapon or loss of child custody could also apply.
PWID of Heroin Penalties
The punishment for Possession with Intent to Deliver or Distribute (PWID) in Pennsylvania is very harsh. Penalties depend on the quantity of heroin, whether it is a first offense or second/third offense. You face much harsher penalties if you are charged with PWID inside a school zone or to a minor or while in possession of a weapon. Being convicted on PWID Heroin is a felony that will remain on your criminal record. First offense of PWID Heroin Conviction in Pennsylvania:
- One to five grams: A mandatory minimum of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Over five grams, up to 50 grams: A mandatory minimum three years in prison and a $15,000 fine
- Over 50 grams: A mandatory minimum five years in prison and a $25,000 fine
Schedule a Consultation with the Pittsburgh Drug Crime Lawyers at SMT Today
There are several state and county drug diversion programs that offer people the opportunity to keep their license and stay out of jail with the stipulation of participating in drug treatment programs. One such program is the Allegheny County ARD Program for first offenders. Another is Pennsylvania Drug Court. Diversionary programs are typically not something you can simply opt for, but you need the permission of the District Attorney to be accepted. We can help you with that process.
At SMT Legal, our qualified Pittsburgh drug crime lawyers are standing by when you need help.
Our criminal defense attorneys believe that a harsh punishment is rarely productive for anyone. Defendants also have families who bear the burden of their loved ones being sentenced to jail and losing their job or their license. Many people need treatment programs, not harsh sentencing, especially when entire families are at stake.
Our aggressive and hard working drug attorneys are here to guide you through a difficult time. Contact our office to find out your options. Everyone has unique situations and we take the time to listen to your story and fully understand the situation so that we can do everything possible to defend your rights.