Drug Crime Lawyers in Philadelphia Protecting the Freedoms of Clients

It’s no secret that the United States has a serious drug problem. The War on Drugs, which began in earnest in the 1970s, has done little to stem the tide of illegal narcotics entering the country. In fact, it may have had the opposite effect, as drugs are now more plentiful and cheaper than ever before.

The effects of this epidemic are felt at all levels of society. From inner-city neighborhoods wracked by violence and poverty to rural towns struggling with addiction and overdoses to suburban communities where “drug houses” are becoming an all too common sight, America is in the grip of a drug crisis.

And while anyone can fall victim to drug addiction or overdose, it is the poor and minorities who are most likely to be arrested and jailed for drug offenses. In Pennsylvania, the penalties for drug crimes can be very severe based on state law.

Depending on the type and amount of drugs involved, a person convicted of a drug crime can face anything from probation to years in prison. And with mandatory minimum sentences now commonplace, even first-time offenders can find themselves facing lengthy a prison sentence.

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania, it is important that you contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia will know how to challenge the evidence against you and create a strong defense strategy for your circumstances.

At Liberty Law Team, our attorney Lonny Fish has years of experience defending the rights of the accused. He will fight for you and do everything in his power to get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today at (215) 732-3474 for a free consultation.

What are Common Drug Crimes a Lawyer Can Help Me With?

While there are many different drug crimes a person can be charged with within Pennsylvania, some of the most common include:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance: Possessing even a small amount of an illegal drug can result in a felony charge. The penalties for this offense can range from probation to several years in prison.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute: If the police believe that you are selling drugs or intend to sell them, you will be facing more serious charges. This offense is usually a felony and can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
• Trafficking: Trafficking is the most serious drug offense and is punishable by up to 40 years in prison. Also, because trafficking involves large amounts of drugs, you may be facing federal charges.
• Manufacturing: If the police allege that you were involved in the manufacture of drugs, you will be facing felony charges. The penalties for this offense depend on the type of drug involved but can range from several years to life in prison.

What are Ways to Defend Yourself Against Drug Crime Charges?

Common defenses of drug crimes are the mere presence or mere association. As always, the Commonwealth has the burden of proving that a crime occurred and identifying you as an actor. Another defense strategy could be that the narcotics possessed were for personal use or that one was not in possession or constructive possession of the item(s).

If an item is not on one’s person, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was constructively possessed. In order to prove constructive possession, one must prove that one has the knowledge, dominion, and the intent to exercise control over that item.

Additionally, one can defeat a drug charge by litigating motions to suppress. If items were recovered as a result of an unlawful search and seizure, them, and their fruits would be prohibited at trial.

At times, those who sell drugs do so to support their own habits. To those, there are many programs available, including Drug Court, Section 17, ARD, Veterans Court, State Intermediate Punishment, and County intermediate punishment. If these programs are not an option, at sentencing, it is important to stress rehabilitation rather than jail for those who need it. Alternatively, many of these drug cases can be defended. Which Drugs are Most Often Associated with Drug Crime Charges?

The following drugs are most often associated with drug crime charges:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy
• LSD
• PCP

Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction

A drug crime conviction can have a lasting effect on your life. If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose your right to vote and own a firearm. You may also have trouble finding a job or housing.

A drug crime conviction can also lead to immigration consequences if you are not a U.S. citizen. You may be deported or denied entry into the country if you are convicted of certain drug crimes.

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Liberty Law Team, our attorney Lonny Fish has years of experience defending the rights of people just like you.

How Can a Philadelphia Drug Crime Lawyer Assist Me?

If you’ve been accused of a drug offense, you’ll want to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. A qualified drug crime lawyer can defend your rights and help you navigate the legal system.

An experienced drug crime lawyer will know how to challenge the evidence against you and build a strong defense. A drug crime lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed. At Liberty Law Team, we will work hard to get you a favorable outcome in your case. Don’t wait until it is too late; call us today at (215) 732-3474 to schedule a free consultation. We will fight for you.