Lower Providence, PA Drug Crimes Lawyer

Being charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania can change the trajectory of your life because even the smallest misdemeanor stays on your record for a long time.

Our Lower Providence, PA drug crimes lawyer will fiercely defend you and your rights and are on your side from day one. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we are passionate about what we do and compassionate toward our clients. Clients can count on our criminal defense firm.

Drug-Related Offenses

You may find yourself charged with only one offense or if the police and prosecutor feel it’s appropriate, with multiple drug crimes. Our attorneys will help you sort out the charge or charges so you have a clear idea of what you’re facing and what your options may be.

Common drug charges in Pennsylvania include:

• Possession of drug paraphernalia with or without an illegal drug being present. Paraphernalia may include bongs, pipes, cocaine spoons, baggies — any piece of equipment used to make, hide, or use illegal drugs. This is an example of an opportunity to bring multiple charges against you. If you are carrying illegal drugs in a baggie, you may be charged with drug possession and paraphernalia possession.
• Possession of illegal drugs or controlled substances. If you are caught with a small number of drugs intended for personal use, even prescription drugs if the prescriptions are not yours, you may be charged with possession.
• Drug trafficking or dealing. The difference between these two charges tends to be the amount of the drug you’re distributing. If you’re sharing or selling an ounce of marijuana to a friend, you may be charged with dealing. If you’re selling 80 lbs of marijuana to a gang, you may be charged with trafficking. Another important difference is the more product you’re distributing, the harsher the penalty.
• Drug manufacturing. If you have a marijuana farm or simply provide the fertilizer to the farmer, you are in danger of being arrested and charged with the manufacture of a drug. If the drug is illegal and you take part in any stage of the production, you may be charged.

Understanding Drug Schedules

Drugs are sorted into five schedules (groups) based on their medical purpose and their potential for abuse or addictive traits. Schedule I drugs are the most addictive, and Schedule V are the least addictive.

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the schedules would include but are not limited to:

• Schedule I drugs: heroin, meth, LSD, and ecstasy.
• Schedule II drugs: Vicodin, OxyContin, fentanyl, and Ritalin.
• Schedule III drugs: ketamine, Tylenol with codeine, and anabolic steroids
• Schedule IV drugs: Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and Darvocet
• Schedule V drugs: cough medicine with codeine, Motofen, Lyrica, and Parepectolin

The penalty you may receive if found guilty depends partially on where in the schedules the drug or drugs in question can be found.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Pennsylvania

If you are found guilty of a drug crime, the penalty will depend on several factors, such as:

• Your criminal record, if you have one
• Which drugs were involved (Schedule I vs Schedule V)
• Your age
• The number of drugs involved
• If minors were or could have been affected by the crime
• Additional charges related to the original drug crime, such as a weapons charge

Penalties may range from the loss of your driver’s license and a fine to years in prison.

Unexpected Fallout from a Drug Crime Charge or Conviction

Our attorneys will fight hard to have the charges against you reduced. However, you should be prepared for your life to be affected by being charged and possibly convicted of a drug crime in ways that have nothing to do with a legal penalty.

You may find it difficult to get a job or rent an apartment. Loans and credit cards may be out of your reach or expensive to use, and colleges may not accept your applications. You may lose custody of your children, or, if you share custody, the amount of time you’re allowed to have them may be reduced.

A drug crime conviction can affect your entire life. A drug crime charge can also harm your reputation.

How Our Lower Providence Attorneys Fight For You

Our drug crime attorneys are passionate about defending your rights. We approach your case with intensity and energy to find the best possible outcome for you. Steps we take may include:

• Investigating the incident and every action of the police, which led them to determine an arrest was appropriate
• Working for your release on recognizance or on non-monetary conditions
• Negotiating with the prosecutor for a plea deal
• Preparing your defense based on our findings

McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.

Former criminal prosecutor David C. McKenzie III founded our law firm in 2010 after cutting his legal teeth in the DA’s office. Our attorneys use their accumulated knowledge of criminal law to defend those in need of a strong and compassionate advocate.

Some words from our clients:

“I had a case in Montco, and he was great. He explained everything step by step. He helped me to get the lowest sentence possible. He also was able to get some of the charges dropped. His fee is well worth the time he puts in.” — Janice M.

“McKenzie Law Firm are fighters in the truest since of the word. David and his team stopped at nothing to aid me in my legal situation. I am forever indebted. My new heroes! — Samuel C.

“David McKenzie went above and beyond to get me the best resolution for my case . . . He was upfront and honest every step of the way! I knew instantly upon meeting David that I had nothing to worry about. He is friendly, confident, and calm and if you are looking for a lawyer, look no further!! You will not be disappointed.” — Jessica R.

Contact Us Today for Legal Help in Montgomery County

Our attorneys are prepared to defend you. If you need a lawyer, come in for a consultation. Our Lower Providence, PA drug crimes lawyer could help you turn things around. Call us now.