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Ready To Combat Drug Charges

If you have been charged with misconduct involving drugs or controlled substances, including possession, distribution, manufacturing or sale, you should consult with an experienced Central Pennsylvania drug attorney right away.

A misdemeanor or felony conviction can be devastating. Depending on the severity of the conviction, you could face harsh monetary fines, probation and jail time. In addition, having this conviction on your criminal record can limit your ability to obtain a job or student loan. It can also cost you your driver’s license. Having an experienced Central Pennsylvania drug attorney on your side is essential to protect your constitutional rights.

If investigators or law enforcement officers question you about your charges, remember that you are not obligated to answer and that anything you say will be used against you in court. Central Pennsylvania drug attorney Lee S. Cohen can advise you of your rights and legal options and how to best proceed with your criminal matter. Don’t let a criminal conviction ruin your future! Contact Attorney Lee S. Cohen today for your free initial consultation!

Learn More About Pennsylvania Drug Schedules

Pennsylvania law categorizes controlled substances, or drugs, into five schedules based on their potential for addiction and their health risks, and whether there is a known medical use for the drug. These categories, or schedules, are used to determine the seriousness of your offense.

Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, morphine and marijuana, are considered the most dangerous and typically carry the strictest sentences, while Schedule V drugs are typically prescription medications since they have an accepted medical use and are generally less dangerous.

Call Central Pennsylvania drug attorney Lee S. Cohen today at 717-971-1974 to discuss the controlled substance schedule your charge falls under to determine what penalties you may be facing.

Common Drug Offenses

Some of the common offenses related to drugs or controlled substances include the following:

Possessing A Controlled Substance (Simple Possession)

Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal to intentionally possess drugs or controlled substances, unless you have a license to do so. However, if you have a valid prescription order for the substance in your possession, you may have a defense to your drug possession charge. Also, if you did not possess the drugs, actually or constructively, you may have a defense.

Possession With Intent To Deliver

In addition to a charge that you possessed illegal drugs, depending on the facts of your case, you may have been charged with possession with intent to deliver. Factors that may have led to this charge include:

  • You were found with a large amount of drugs.
  • You were not found with drug paraphernalia, such as a marijuana or crack pipe.
  • You had or were in proximity to a large amount of cash.
  • The packaging or form of the illegal drugs in your possession looked as though they might be intended for someone else.
  • You possessed a scale.
  • You had other items evidencing an intent to sell.

Delivery Of A Controlled Substance

Pennsylvania law prohibits the unauthorized delivery of drugs or controlled substances. Under the law, in most cases, the prosecutor does not need to establish that an actual sale or exchange of money occurred. It is enough that you transferred illegal drugs to someone else.

Manufacturing Controlled Substances

Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal to manufacture an illegal drug or controlled substance if you are not licensed to do so. According to the law, manufacture means, in part, to produce, prepare, process, package, or label drugs or controlled substances.

Do Not Take This Charge Lightly

Any misconduct involving a controlled substance can mean jail time, a large fine and the loss of your driving privileges, not to mention the other effects that stem from a criminal conviction. Moreover, if you have repeat felony convictions, you may be subject to increasingly harsh sentences, including longer jail time.

An accusation or charge of misconduct involving a drug or controlled substance is not to be taken lightly. Various legal defenses to drug charges may be raised, but the right defense depends on the facts of your case. Many drug cases turn on the constitutionality of the search involved and the evidence seized at the scene. Let Central Pennsylvania drug attorney Lee S. Cohen help you now by taking all measures legally possible to maximize your chances of receiving a positive outcome.

Get In Touch With A Proven Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with misconduct involving drugs, contact Central Pennsylvania drug attorney Lee S. Cohen at 717-971-1974 or contact us online for your free initial consultation.