Pennsylvania has strict drug laws in place to reduce the use, possession, and distribution of methamphetamine. Offenders face harsh penalties, including fines and incarceration. If you are facing drug crime charges, contact a possession of methamphetamine defense lawyer in Montgomery County as soon as possible to discuss your case.
David C. McKenzie III of the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is a former prosecutor who understands the Pennsylvania criminal justice system and the state’s strict drug laws. In meth cases, the prosecution will do everything in their power to convict you. You need an attorney who will fight for your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible in your case. If you have are facing drug possession charges in Montgomery County, contact us at 610-680-7842 for a free consultation.
Pennsylvania Methamphetamine Possession Laws
Under federal rules, methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. State law prohibits the possession, cultivation, sale, delivery, distribution, or transportation of meth. Even possessing a small amount can lead to criminal charges, steep fines, and jail time.
Penalties for Simple Possession of Less Than 5 Grams
Possession of less than 5 grams of meth is a misdemeanor charge in Pennsylvania, but a conviction still carries steep penalties. First-time offenders could face up to $5,000 in fines and up to a year in jail. Repeat offenders can face lengthier jail sentences and steeper fines.
To secure a conviction for a drug possession charge, the prosecutor must prove you had deliberate possession or control of the drug and that you knew it was meth. The drug does not have to be on you for a conviction to occur. If the meth was within your reach or on your property, the court could convict you of simple possession.
Penalties for Possession of More Than 5 Grams
If you are facing charges for possessing more than 5 grams of meth, but less than 10 grams, you could receive a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in jail for a first offense. A conviction also carries fines up to $15,000.
The penalties worsen depending on the amount of meth in your possession. For example:
- Possession of between 10 and 99 grams could lead to no less than four years in jail and $25,000 in fines; and
- Possession of more than 100 grams means no less than five years in jail and $50,000 in fines.
A drug conviction can drastically change your life. It can affect your family, your job, your finances, and more. Even a misdemeanor drug conviction can send you to jail and bring chaos to your life. It is important to speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer if you are in this situation.
Possession of Meth With Intent to Distribute
A conviction for selling, manufacturing, transporting, or trafficking meth carries severe penalties. There does not need to be evidence of a transaction for a conviction to occur. The prosecution must prove that you intended to pass the drugs off in some way. Possession with intent to distribute is a felony offense.
For a free legal consultation with a possession of methamphetamine defense lawyer serving Montgomery County, call (610) 680-7842
Defending Your Rights in a Possession of Meth Case
A drug conviction is serious and can affect your family life, job, finances, reputation, and future plans. Even a misdemeanor charge can result in steep fines and time in jail. You should not leave your future to chance. A defense lawyer understands the best options for defense in these types of cases.
Negotiating a Plea Bargain
In some cases, a plea bargain may be the best option for defense. In this situation, you could have the option of pleading guilty to a portion of the charges you are facing in exchange for a more lenient sentence. The terms for a plea bargain depend on the circumstances of your case and the charges against you.
It is essential that you have the help of an attorney during any negotiation process. The prosecution might try to convince you to enter a guilty plea regardless of the circumstances of your case. At the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., our team can examine the terms of any proposed deal to make sure your rights remain protected.
Other Defense Options
If a plea bargain is not right for your case, we have other defense options available.
We can examine how police conducted your arrest and collected evidence for your case. If they did not follow specific rules and procedures, we might be able to have some evidence thrown out. Sometimes, we can even convince a judge to dismiss a case entirely.
Avoiding Jail Time With Diversionary Programs
An individual facing simple possession charges might be able to avoid time in jail. Some individuals who are eligible for drug court or other drug programs can undergo treatment to tackle a drug problem rather than face a drug conviction. Those who successfully complete the court-ordered program will not have a drug conviction on their record.
If you qualify, we can help you apply for acceptance into the Montgomery County Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program or explore other options for you. We might be able to help you avoid jail.
Montgomery County Possession of Methamphetamine Defense Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Talk to a Drug Possession Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County Today
David C. McKenzie III of the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., has been defending people facing drug charges for many years. We would love to speak with you and help you understand the charges against you and your legal rights. After evaluating all the facts in your case, we can discuss the best options for your defense.
We are committed to doing our very best to defend our clients and achieve the best result possible in every case. Do not leave your freedom to chance. Call us today at 610-680-7842. Consultations are always free.
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