Don’t Face Drug Offenses Alone: Get Legal Assistance Today
If the police are investigating you for illegal drug activity, your future is at stake. Protect your rights immediately by calling an experienced lawyer. As a drug crimes attorney at Robert S. Andrews, Jr. Attorney at Law, I offer strong defense for people facing all kinds of drug charges.
My practice in Cranberry Township serves residents throughout Butler, Allegheny and Beaver counties. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with local judges and police officers in Western Pennsylvania. Because of this, I understand how the local legal system handles drug cases and use this insight to defend you.
Drug Classification In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a system for sorting drugs into five groups, called schedules. This system is based on a drug’s potential for abuse and its accepted medical use. Here’s a breakdown:
- Schedule I: Highest abuse risk, no accepted medical use, lack of safety standards (e.g., heroin, LSD, MDMA, marijuana*).
- Schedule II: High abuse risk, accepted medical use, potential for severe dependence (e.g., fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, amphetamines).
- Schedule III: Moderate abuse risk, accepted medical use, potential for moderate dependence (e.g., certain codeine products, anabolic steroids, buprenorphine).
- Schedule IV: Low abuse risk, accepted medical use, limited dependence potential (e.g., benzodiazepines, zolpidem, phenobarbital).
- Schedule V: Lowest abuse risk, accepted medical use, limited dependence potential (e.g., certain low-dose codeine cough syrups, diphenoxylate medications).
*Note: Pennsylvania has separate laws for medical marijuana, which a marijuana possession lawyer can clarify
Drugs in the higher groups, like heroin in Schedule I, are more likely to be abused. This usually means the punishments for these drugs are much harsher than for drugs in the lower groups (like cough syrups in Schedule V).
Controlled Substance Violations And Penalties
How Pennsylvania punishes drug crimes depends on which schedule the drug is in, its amount and what you intend to do with it. Simple possession can mean up to a year in jail and $5,000 in fines (misdemeanor). If you plan to sell or share the drugs, that’s a felony with decades in prison and fines up to $250,000.
Several factors can make these penalties much harsher, including:
- Selling drugs near schools
- Involving minors
- Possessing firearms during drug deals
- Having previous drug convictions
Even having drug paraphernalia can result in charges and fines up to $2,500. Penalties can also include mandatory minimum sentences. With nearly 35 years of experience as a drug crimes attorney, I’ll help you understand and navigate these penalties.
Quick Questions About Drug Offenses
To help you understand your legal situation, here are answers to some common questions about drug charges in Pennsylvania.
What is the difference between possession and possession with intent to distribute?
Simple possession means having drugs for personal use only and can lead to misdemeanor charges with lighter penalties. On the other hand, if you have drugs and plan to sell or share them, that’s possession with intent to distribute.
Can prescription medications lead to drug charges in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can face serious drug charges if you have prescription drugs without a valid authorization from a doctor. Even legally prescribed medications can lead to driving under the influence (DUI) charges if they harm your driving.
How can a drug conviction affect my professional license or employment?
A conviction can result in the suspension or revocation of a professional license. It can also be hard to find a job, especially in fields such as security or government.
I Provide Experienced Representation
As your drug crimes attorney, I will carefully look into your case for potential Fourth Amendment rights violations and other defenses that could lead to the exclusion of evidence or the dismissal of your case. To schedule a consultation, call 724-460-0400 or complete this online form. I can arrange meetings at my Pittsburgh office.