Delaware County Drug Possession Attorney
It is against the law to possess controlled substances in the state of Pennsylvania. Illegal drug possession could lead to serious consequences that impact the defendant for life, including a prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. Hiring the right defense attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. To speak to a criminal defense lawyer with years of experience in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, contact Ciccarelli Law Offices. We offer free initial consultations.
Why Choose Us?
- We fight hard on our clients’ behalf. It is our mission to provide high-quality criminal defense services to those who need it most.
- We have decades of legal experience. Our lawyer has 30 years of combined experience representing criminal defendants.
- We work together on each case. Our attorneys combine their skills to create even stronger defenses to crimes such as drug possession.
- We have reasonable fee arrangements. Our firm accepts payment through most major credit card companies.
Do You Need a Delaware County Drug Possession Defense Lawyer?
Defending yourself against drug-related charges in Pennsylvania takes a thorough understanding of related laws. Building a defense requires asking the right questions and using the answers to help your case. Hiring a drug possession defense attorney is one of the only ways to ensure that someone is protecting your rights. It can feel like everyone is against you after an arrest on drug charges. Your attorney will stand by your side throughout the legal process. A lawyer will listen to your story, learn about your background, and build a personalized legal defense on your behalf. A lawyer could help you minimize the penalties you face for drug possession.
Pennsylvania Drug Possession Laws
Pennsylvania’s drug laws are complex. The charges and penalties vary widely according to the type and quantity of drug. A conviction for simple possession may be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the drug. Carrying less than 30 grams of marijuana, for example, is an ungraded misdemeanor with a penalty of up to $500 in fines and/or 30 days in prison. Possessing the same amount of a more serious drug, however, can mean much worse consequences. A defendant may face up to 15 years’ confinement and $250,000 in fines in severe situations.
If the police catch you with a large quantity of drugs, the prosecution could use it as evidence to charge you with possession with intent to sell rather than simple possession. This crime comes with more severe potential penalties. Intent to sell marijuana can come with $5,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. For a second or subsequent offense, these penalties will double. Again, harder drugs will come with harsher repercussions for possession with intent to sell. Even possessing drug paraphernalia, and not the actual drugs, could result in a year in jail and $2,500 in fines.
Potential Defenses to Drug Possession Charges
If you had a prescription for the drugs police found on you, you did not know you had the drugs, you did not intentionally possess the drugs, or if you have a license to carry the drug, these may all be usable defenses in your criminal case. Other defense include that the drugs did not belong to you or that there was insufficient quantity of the drug to qualify for the charges against you. Your attorney may also be able to argue that the police officers’ actions were not lawful during search, seizure, or arrest. Unlawful search and seizure, entrapment, or illegal detainment could lead to the courts dismissing your case.
Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices Today
Retaining a Delaware County criminal defense lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices could give you access to the resources you need for a strong defense to drug possession charges. If you are facing these types of allegations in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, contact us as soon as possible. Initial consultations are free and confidential.