After an arrest for drug crimes in Doylestown, PA, you may not know what steps to take next. You have a right to hire an attorney to represent you throughout the process, so consider contacting a criminal defense lawyer right away.
A Doylestown drug crimes lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., will listen to your story and explain your legal rights following a drug crimes arrest. We can also review the options you have for protecting your future. You can contact our office today to learn more during a confidential consultation.
Potential Penalties for Doylestown Drug Crimes
Drug-related crimes encompass activities related to manufacturing, distributing, sale and possession and use of illegal drugs. The state covers the drugs that are illegal to have in The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act.
Generally, penalties and charges for drug possession depend on the type, number, and value of drugs trafficked. For example, if you have a small amount of an illegal substance, you may face a possession charge, while carrying drugs over a certain weight could result in more serious drug trafficking charges.
State law outlines charges and penalties for drug trafficking in 18 PA Code § 7508 and may include hefty fines and long-term incarceration.
Secondary Charges and Aggravating Conditions for Drug-Related Crimes
You could face harsher charges and penalties if you were involved in a drug-related crime that injured or killed someone. For example, if you were driving under the influence of drugs and caused a fatal car accident, authorities could charge you with possessing illegal substances and homicide by vehicle.
Charges can also be affected by other aggravating factors, including:
- Whether someone was injured or killed because of the drug-related crime
- If you have prior convictions or arrests
- If you were operating a motor vehicle with a minor while intoxicated
- If you were operating a motor vehicle while driving heavy equipment
- If you operated a commercial motor vehicle as a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder while under the influence of drug
Every drug crime case is unique, so you could benefit from working with a criminal defense lawyer familiar with Doylestown’s legal processes.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we know and understand federal and state drug laws and have extensive experience navigating the criminal defense process in Bucks County. We can guide you through legal procedures and represent your rights in hearings and at trial.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Doylestown, call (610) 680-7842
How a Criminal Defense Attorney From McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., Can Help
Hiring a criminal defense attorney can make all the difference when fighting drug crime charges. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. will defend your legal rights and look out for your interests. If you hire us to work on your drug crimes case, we will do all that your case requires, which could include the following:
- Push for charge dismissal or reduction
- Negotiate for a reduced sentence
- Work for your release on bail
- Negotiate a reduced bail amount
- Investigate which laws apply to your case
- Analyze evidence and examine witnesses
- Negotiate with prosecutors and plea bargain
- Represent you at all pretrial and trial proceedings
Our firm’s dedicated drug defense attorney can defend your legal rights during hearings, pretrial proceedings, depositions, and at trial.
Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
What to Expect After an Arrest on Drug Crimes Charges in Doylestown
If you are arrested in Pennsylvania on drug-related crimes, you will typically undergo the following process:
Arrest and Booking
When you have been arrested on drug crime charges, the arresting officer should read your Miranda rights. The officer will book you into the system at the local precinct by entering your name, fingerprints, and photographs.
If your crime is a misdemeanor, you may be released to await legal notification of your preliminary hearing by mail. If authorities take you into custody, they will remove, document, and store your belongings for later retrieval. Any illegal substances or items will remain in police custody.
Bail Hearing or Preliminary Arraignment
If you are held in custody, you attend a bail hearing before a district judge who determines if the charges against you are valid. At that point, they decide whether to allow you to post bail and how much that will be. In some cases, the judge may deny bail, and you will remain in jail until your preliminary hearing.
Our Bucks County drug crimes lawyer can negotiate and explain your bail terms. To protect your rights, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Preliminary Hearing
A preliminary hearing is typically two weeks from the preliminary arraignment. The judge reviews the available evidence and decides if there is enough evidence to prove you committed the drug crime for which you are charged.
Our criminal defense lawyers take this opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and present a preliminary defense. If the judge deems the evidence insufficient, they could
Formal Arraignment and Pleading
During an arraignment hearing, the judge advises you of your formal charges and asks you to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The counsel of a criminal defense attorney is critical during this time, as it can determine your case’s outcome.
Pretrial Motions and Discovery
Once your charges are formally brought, and you enter a plea, both sides begin gathering evidence to prove their case. Your criminal defense attorney will review documentation, examine witnesses, and begin building a defense. At this time, both sides may bring legal motions to move the case forward.
Plea Bargaining
As more information comes to light, you might be able to bargain for lesser charges. During a plea bargain, you agree to plead guilty to less severe charges or a less severe sentence.
Trial Before a Judge or Jury
If the parties do not reach a plea agreement, your case will go to trial. Depending on your case’s circumstances, your trial may be before a judge and jury or a judge alone. Both sides present their cases, and the court determines whether you are guilty or not guilty. If the court finds you guilty, it will decide your sentence.
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Defenses We May Use For Your Doylestown Drug Crimes Case
Every drug crime case is different, requiring personalized attention to achieve a fair resolution. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.’s legal team thoroughly investigates your case’s circumstances to build a stalwart defense.
Defenses we may use for a drug crime case include:
- No probable cause
- No reasonable suspicion
- Entrapment
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Alibi or mistaken identity
- False witness and erroneous reporting
- Problems with chain of custody
- No Miranda rights read
We dedicate ourselves to ensuring our clients receive the legal representation they deserve when facing drug crime charges. Reach out today to learn how our Doylestown drug crimes attorneys can represent you.
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Call Our Doylestown Drug Crimes Attorneys For Help With Your Case
If you were arrested on drug charges in Doylestown, PA, you have a right to hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you. Don’t wait until you are in custody to retain a lawyer.
As soon as you think you may face charges, contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.’s drug crimes attorneys in Doylestown for assistance. The sooner we know about your case, the sooner we can begin building a defense and negotiating on your behalf.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
