Facing Drug Charges? Avoid Jail Time with a Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer
You know what’s worse than receiving a DUI charge?
Being charged for possession of illegal drugs! Getting arrested for a drug offense is one of the worst things that can happen! And if that happens, you should probably worry more about going to jail than about your reputation.
Being held for drug charges is quite serious, and if you don’t take the right steps immediately, imprisonment is written in your fate! A knowledgeable Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is, therefore, your most valuable asset at this hour of need. They can help you strategize a defense so that you can stay safe.
An Overview of Drug Charges in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania takes drug offenses very seriously. Here is a list of the charges that can be levied upon you if you are caught with the possession of illicit drugs-
- For a first-timer, possession of drugs is regarded as a misdemeanor and can get you up to one year of imprisonment, along with a $5,000 fine. This is applicable if you possess less than 5 grams of meth, less than 1 gram of heroin, less than 2 grams of cocaine, and less than 30 grams of marijuana.
- Furthermore, if you are charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID), the penalties can increase substantially.
- A second-time offense can get you up to three years of imprisonment, and up to a whopping $25,000 fine! Added to these penalties, PennDOT can suspend your driver’s license, and the length of suspension will depend upon whether it was your first or any subsequent offense.
Now, let’s take a look at the categorizations and their subsequent charges:
- In Pennsylvania, if you are caught with a small amount of marijuana, you can get up to 30 days of imprisonment and up to $500 fine.
- If you are caught possessing Fentanyl, your minimum sentence will be 2 years of imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
- If you are charged with drug paraphernalia, you might have a misdemeanor on your record, along with 1 year of imprisonment, and $2,500 fine.
- Lastly, Heroin is considered a Schedule I substance in Pennsylvania. So, first-time offenders in possession of Heroin can receive 1 year of imprisonment and $5,000 fine.
Navigating these charges requires a deep understanding of the legal system. And only an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you navigate through these challenging times.
How Can You Avoid Jail Time With a Drug Charge?
Facing drug charges doesn’t mean the police will directly send you to jail! With the right legal strategy and an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, there are several avenues you can explore and stay away from imprisonment-
- A skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer will meticulously examine every detail regarding your arrest. They will check for any violations of your constitutional rights and scrutinize the probable causes for the stop. If they find out that the evidence was obtained illegally, it might weaken the prosecution’s case significantly.
- Your attorney can also negotiate with the prosecutor and get your charges reduced or even dismissed. Added to that, they could also push for alternatives to imprisonment, like probation, community service, or drug treatment programs.
- Your lawyer can portray factors that might reduce your sentence, like your employment history, family responsibilities, or any efforts that you have made toward rehabilitation. A compelling presentation can sway a judge or jury.
The Logue Law Group is dedicated to defending individuals facing drug charges. Our experienced team of Pittsburgh criminal lawyers understands the nuances of Pennsylvania drug laws and will fight tirelessly to protect your freedom. We will explore every possible defense strategy and try to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Contact us at 844.PITT.DUI today for a free consultation.