Harrisburg Drug Crimes Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Drug Crime Charges in Dauphin County

Drug crime convictions can cause immediate and irreparable harm to your future. For many employers, landlords, and loan officers, a criminal history is a red flag that can cause them to scrutinize your application with more suspicion. You need to prevent a conviction. Get help from our Harrisburg drug crime lawyers at the Dorward Law Firm today. We offer free consultations to help you better understand the charges you face and the legal options you have available.

Are you facing drug crime charges? Call The Dorward Law Firm today at (717) 429-0411 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our drug crimes attorney in Harrisburg.

Understanding Drug Crime Charges in Pennsylvania

You could be charged with a drug crime if police believe you were:

• Manufacturing, selling, or in possession of a controlled substance
• Adulterating or misbranding a known legal substance
• Falsifying information about a drug
• Failing to register a controlled substance

Penalties are worse for subsequent offenders. In order to avoid a conviction, it is crucial that you have an effective defense strategy to clear your name.

What are the Penalties For Drug Crime Charges in Pennsylvania?

There are effectively two types of drug charges: misdemeanor crimes and felony crimes. The difference lies in the amount found on the accused at the time of the arrest and what police suspect they were trying to do with it.

The penalties for possession of a controlled substance, include:

• Fine of up to $5000.
• Up to 1 year incarcerated (2 years for second offense and 3 for third).

For example, if you were in possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana, you could be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $500. However, if you are caught with more than this and are traveling across state lines, you could be charged with trafficking and sentenced to up to one year in prison with fines of up to $5,000.

Your case is contingent on the police’s account of what happened. There are plenty of cases where police unlawfully searched a car and wrote up charges against a person. As your advocate, we are here to make sure you get the chance to tell your side of the story.

Possession With Intent to Deliver 

When making an arrest for drug possession, police can decide to increase the charge to something much worse than normal possession, called "Possession with Intent to Deliver." Many other states have similar laws like "Possession with Intent to Sell" or "Possession with Intent to Distribute." Here are a few potential reasons your charge could be enhanced this way:

• Possession of a large amount of drug. There are specific amounts listed in some statutes (30 grams for Marijuana).
• The police claim to have seen you selling drugs.
• The police found physical but "circumstantial evidence (e.g., bags, lots of cash in small bills, multiple cell phones, a scale, etc.)