If you’re convicted of a drug offense in Pennsylvania, you could face fines, probation, imprisonment, and other penalties that could impact your life in many ways. Yet, you don’t have to accept a “guilty” verdict. A Bucks County drug crimes lawyer can protect your rights, future, and ambitions.
You may be facing state or even federal charges–and we’re committed to helping you in any way we can. Right now, you can learn about partnering with our team by reaching out to McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.
We Protect the Rights of Pennsylvanians Charged With These Drug Crimes
There are both state and federal drug crimes. While federal drug crimes are much more serious than state crimes, any drug crime can stay on your permanent record. We’re ready to extend legal aid if you’re being charged with:
Possessing a Controlled Substance
If you knowingly possess, obtain, or use a controlled substance, this is a crime. It can be a minor crime in some cases or a major crime in others, depending on the type and quantity of the drug–– along with certain other factors.
Manufacturing Drugs Illegally
Intentionally creating or cultivating a controlled substance is a crime unless you have a license. Growing, harvesting, mixing, and similar actions that facilitate the production of drugs are illegal and punishable by law.
Trafficking Drugs
Selling or intending to sell a controlled substance is also a crime. If you provided or intended to provide another party with a controlled substance through sale, this is illegal. The type of the drug, the amount of the drug, and other factors determine how severe a drug trafficking charge is.
Other Drug-Related Offenses
We protect clients from a variety of drug-related crimes, including:
- Illegal drug use
- Illegal drug possession
- Possession with intent to sell
- Crimes involving marijuana, methamphetamine, LSD, cocaine, heroin, etc.
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug distribution
- Drug trafficking
- Conspiracy to traffic illegal drugs
If you’re not sure whether our law firm manages your type of case, feel free to give us a call. We pride ourselves on being easily accessible to those who have questions about their options.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Bucks County, call (610) 680-7842
What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Pennsylvania?
When pursuing a drug conviction, the penalties will depend on:
- The type of drug involved. Pennsylvania has a “schedule” of drugs. The state considers some drugs to be more illicit than others.
- The amount of drugs involved. If you have an excessive amount of substances, you could face intent to distribute, which could have higher ramifications than possession.
- Your criminal history. If you have a history of offenses, the courts could impose more severe penalties on you than if you had a clean record.
- The location of the alleged crime. Some locations are under tighter scrutiny than others. For instance, you would face heavier penalties for selling drugs near a school than you would in an isolated area.
You Could Face These Penalties if Convicted
If convicted of a drug crime, you could face:
- Fines
- Probation
- Incarceration
- Losing custody of your children
- Having a hard time applying for certain jobs
These consequences can seriously affect your quality of life. Yet, when you partner with our drug crimes team serving Bucks County, we will do everything possible to ensure your future and protect your rights.
Bucks County Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
How Our Team Will Defend You Against Drug Crime Allegations
The best defense in your case will depend on your situation. To determine the best possible defense strategy, we will question any witnesses, look over the police report, and examine other sources of evidence.
After reviewing your situation, we may use one or more of the following defenses:
Claiming Unlawful Search and Seizure
You’re protected against unreasonable searches and seizures—and you have that protection under the U.S. Constitution. This means that a law enforcement official cannot search your vehicle, self, or property without a warrant or probable cause.
If the police did not abide by protocol, any evidence they collected could be “thrown out,” meaning they can’t use it against you. This could force the court to drop all charges.
Establishing You Were the Victim of Entrapment
If the authorities caused you to commit a crime, this may have been entrapment. Entrapment means that the police compelled you to do something you wouldn’t normally have considered, so they could charge you with a crime.
For instance, if an undercover police officer pressured you into buying drugs, this could be considered entrapment since you might not have bought drugs under normal circumstances.
Showing That the Drugs Did Not Belong to You
If you’re being charged with drug possession, the prosecution must prove that the drugs belonged to you. We may use fingerprints from the crime scene, witness testimony, and the results of a blood test to assert that you don’t use drugs and weren’t in possession of any when you were arrested.
Showing That You Were in Lawful Possession of Drugs
Pennsylvania outlaws some drugs that aren’t obtained through prescriptions. If you were prescribed drugs by a doctor because of a medical condition, we can argue that you were in lawful possession of a substance.
Arguing That Evidence Was Planted on Your Person
Another party could have planted drugs on your person, in your car, or in your home. They might have done this to avoid being charged with a crime or to secure an arrest. We will collaborate with law enforcement officials, other attorneys, and forensic scientists to clear your name.
We may employ other defense strategies than those listed here.
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Reach Out to Us for a Bucks County Drug Crimes Lawyer
If you’re facing drug charges, we will fight for an acquittal, dismissal, or reduction. Our criminal defense attorney, David McKenzie, is a former prosecutor who has a great deal of experience handling state-level and federal-level drug charges.
Contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. today. We can schedule your free consultation and explore your legal options. Our firm represents clients all over Pennsylvania, including in Bucks County.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form