MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly, X). Section 18 Application Process. If a person is facing a drug charge, they should consult a local illegal substance lawyer who can help them develop a defense strategy. Typically, if a person is not eligible for the first-time offenders program via ARD in Bucks County (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition is a pre-trial criminal disposition involving fines, probation and no jail), the case should be handled aggressively. Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney - Lloyd Long. A charge does not have to mean a conviction, and the skilled lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices can help you fight to protect your future. When it comes to drug possession, the seriousness of the charges against you generally depends on three factors: (1) the intent associated with the possession; (2) the quantity of the drug possessed, and (3) the type of drug possessed. If you had a large amount of drugs in your possession, or more than deemed for personal use, you can be charged with drug trafficking, which is known Pennsylvania as Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID).
The Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys at The Zeiger Firm have years of experience dealing with drug possession cases. Ecstasy, Meth & PCP Charges. Generally, the criminal charges increase depending upon the type and quantity of drugs a person possesses and whether a person is charged with only possession or intended distribution of the illegal narcotics. In determining whether a device meets the definition of drug paraphernalia, law enforcement and the court must consider relevant factors such as statements by an owner or someone in control of the object, the proximity of the object to a direct violation of the Pennsylvania drug laws, the existence of any residue, and the proximity of the object to any controlled substances. Get in touch with Applebaum & Associates so our criminal defense attorneys in Bucks County can ensure the best possible outcome in your case. It was your first offense and a non-violent crime. The Zeiger Firm has the experienced drug defense attorneys you need to protect your rights if you are charged with a federal drug offense and they will continue to monitor the law for changes that might benefit you even if you decide to plead guilty or have already been convicted. So, for example, if you had a valid prescription for Oxycodone but attempted to sell or even give half a bottle away to a friend in pain, this is still chargeable as a PWID in Pennsylvania. Any aggravating factors relating to the crime. Therefore, drugs are targeted in Bucks County in the hopes of reining in other crimes. There are several common drug offenses in Bucks County. Bucks county possession of heroin lawyer mesothelioma. We've helped countless clients break free of troubling criminal charges that would have seriously altered the course of their lives.
Do I Qualify for Bucks County District Court Diversionary Program for Drug Possession? Schedule a Free Legal Consultation. In some cases, ARD may be the best option to resolve your case without a record if you do not qualify for any district court drug diversion programs. What are the three basic drug crimes? Criminal lawyers in bucks county pa. However, third or subsequent offenses can result in prison terms of up to three years and up to $50, 000 in fines. Individuals generally have the access to funds in monetary value so they have the ability to purchase such narcotics, thus using them. Having any prior criminal history will make you ineligible PWOV. Crack Cocaine (Rock).
Taking these and other factors into consideration, a skilled Philadelphia drug trafficking lawyer can identify legal strategies to fight the charges head-on or reduce the penalties you face. In addition to criminal punishments, you could be subjected to additional adverse outcomes resulting from a Pennsylvania heroin conviction. Property-related criminal charges include vandalism, shoplifting, arson, graffiti, and theft. Another common allegation is possession with intent to distribute or deliver (PWID), which is similar to a drug trafficking charge. Prosecutors in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the surrounding counties offer these programs to provide a second chance to first-time drug offenders. Jenkintown woman sentenced to prison in Bensalem drug death. When it comes to federal drug crimes, you may have heard on the news how there was a big controversy because of the different sentencing thresholds for powder cocaine and crack cocaine.
The applicant must have no prior criminal convictions if the case involves a controlled substance other than marijuana. Some offenders were even set free years before their anticipated release date. Drug Possession in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is often charged as "Knowing and Intentional Possession, " often abbreviated as a "K&I" by police. Pre-Trial Diversion Programs for Drug Possession Cases. This means it was actively on your person or in your pocket. Call (610) 692-8700 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your heroin charges. When you are accused by law enforcement of carrying a controlled substance, you may be charged with at least one of the following crimes, which may lead to fines, probation, jail time, or other grave penalties. Like other drug offenses, drug trafficking can involve an array of controlled substances, whether illicit street drugs like heroin, or prescription pills like OxyContin. Successful completion of the treatment program and supervisory period will result in the dismissal of the drug possession charges at the district court level. However, it may have been a federal conversion number if you were found to have been in possession of different types of drugs. Bucks county possession of heroin lawyers. If you have been accused of a crime by law enforcement and need legal representation, contact Scarpello & LaTour at (215) 732-0460 today or fill out a contact form to discuss your legal rights and speak directly with one of our experienced trial attorneys for a free consultation. Penalties for Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana. Speak to a knowledgeable drug defense attorney immediately to see if you qualify.
That additional proof may include DNA evidence, fingerprint evidence or incriminating statements made by the accused indicating ownership of the illegal substance. You will need the services of an attorney who will be equally as vigorous in defending your rights. In a case involving the illegal possession of drugs or controlled substances, the prosecution is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the substance possessed by the accused was illegal, the accused intended to possess the substance, the accused knew the substance was illegal and the accused possessed the substance. Drug Charges (PWID) In Pennsylvania. Accordingly, even if you have already been convicted of a Pennsylvania or federal drug-related offense, the attorneys at the Zeiger Firm may still be able to fight for you through an appeal. However, the element of intent is not often apparent to police and must be proved by circumstantial evidence. Likewise, your attorney can also argue that you were cooperative and cordial with the police and deserve a reduction. Finally, Americans are consuming less cocaine than in the past, and the cannabis they purchase is increasingly home grown, with more and more states allowing medical marijuana as well as recreational marijuana. Our goal is to obtain the best outcome for our clients, whether it is a diversion program, a plea deal, or a trial.
Penalties for Possession of More than 30 Grams of Marijuana. If the amount is 30 grams or less, you will face a misdemeanor, up to 30 days jail time, and a $500 fine in the state of Pennsylvania. This often is an alternative to incarceration, but there still are consequences. What are the Consequences of a Drug Conviction? This disparity is generally related to the danger to human life associated with even a small amount of GHB, as opposed to the minor health dangers associated with other controlled substances, such as marijuana. For example, if you are accused of physical assault, your lawyer may focus on proving that you acted in self-defense. In cases involving either street-level drugs or prescription drugs manufactured or possessed by individuals not authorized to create, manufacture, or transfer them. Whether the crime is charged at the state or federal level. An investigation into Smith's electronics, GPS, and Facebook messages showed she went to Philadelphia and got the drugs for him, according to authorities. Additionally, individuals convicted of a drug possession offense may be ineligible for student loans and financial aid. If the judge does not consider these factors, your attorney may be able to file an appeal to have you resentenced.
The resulting number is then paired with your criminal history level, typically ranging from "0", meaning no criminal history, to "VI", meaning that you have either a very serious or extensive criminal history. Some people consider traffic violations and tickets for driving while suspended to be insignificant. These, along with evidentiary issues can be the basis for an effective defense on your behalf. If you were accused of selling to a minor, this will intensify the penalties you face. In fact, many of those arrested for selling drugs are in fact only drug users, overcharged and jailed rather than given the treatment they need and desire. In Pennsylvania, county and state prosecutors work relentlessly with law enforcement officers to investigate and prosecute drug possession crimes. When you need a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney to defend you when you or a loved one have been arrested and charged with drug possession, whether it is simple possession or possession with intent to distribute, contact The Zeiger Firm. Source: 42 Pa. C. S. A. The applicant must report to court as directed; and. Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices at (610)-692-8700. Even if you are found with only small amounts of the drug—and it is your first offense—you could still be looking at serious consequences.