Felony drug crimes carry lofty sentences in Pennsylvania and can have long-term consequences for convicted defendants. What matters most when you are facing charges is having an experienced lawyer in your corner, so you have the best chance of avoiding or mitigating penalties.
Our lawyers can protect your rights during interactions with law enforcement, explain the specific drug charges filed against you, and build a defense we can take to trial. There are mandatory minimum sentences for felony drug offenses in Bethlehem, so take your defense seriously and tell our lawyers anything that might help, such as if you were forced under duress to partake in a drug trafficking operation.
For the free case review you need, call the drug crimes lawyers of Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500.
Why Do You Need a Drug Crimes Lawyer in Bethlehem, PA?
A criminal defense attorney’s role is to represent you and protect your rights alone during a criminal trial, and our lawyers can demonstrate that from the get-go by making sure you fully understand the charges.
To Protect Your Rights
Our lawyers can look out for your best interests if you are charged with drug crimes in Pennsylvania, stopping you from making any self-incriminating statements, asserting your right to remain silent, and handling interactions with law enforcement.
To Explain the Charges
We can also explain the charges so you are not overwhelmed or confused. We can tell you how serious the charges are, the possible consequences, and how they are usually prosecuted.
To Build Your Defense
Our attorneys can start working on your defense right away. There are several ways to defend against drug charges in Pennsylvania, and we need more information about your situation to plan and present the best defense. Spare no details, even if it incriminates someone else.
To Challenge Evidence
Identifying inadmissible evidence and challenging it due to unlawful search and seizure or chain-of-custody issues is another major benefit of having an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with any serious drug crimes in Bethlehem.
FAQs About Drug Crimes in Bethlehem, PA
What Are Controlled Substances in Pennsylvania?
Controlled substances are categorized into “schedules,” with Schedule I drugs being the highest abuse risk and serving no medical purposes, such as heroin, LSD, and MDMA. Cocaine, oxycodone without a prescription, fentanyl, ketamine, and other drugs are also controlled substances and can lead to possession or possession with intent to distribute charges in Pennsylvania.
What Drug Crimes Are Felonies in Pennsylvania?
The manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in Pennsylvania is a felony for Schedule I or II drugs. Possessing large quantities of other drugs might lead to felonies as well.
What is the Penalty for Drug Trafficking?
The penalty for drug trafficking, also known as possession with intent to distribute in Pennsylvania, varies, depending on the specific substance in question and its quantity. That said, there are mandatory minimums, meaning some prison time is often guaranteed upon conviction.
When Can You Be Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute?
You could face a felony charge for possession with intent to distribute if law enforcement finds a large quantity of drugs on your person or property, even if you were unaware of their presence because they belonged to a roommate or friend.
When Are You Tried for Drug Crimes in Pennsylvania Courts?
You are tried for drug crimes in a Pennsylvania court when you violate Pennsylvania’s laws. The district attorney will file charges with the Northampton Court of Common Pleas, and that is where your trial will take place.
When Are You Tried for Drug Crimes in Federal Court?
Defendants are tried in federal court after allegedly violating federal drug laws, which generally involve distributing drugs across state lines. Our attorneys also help defend against federal drug charges, which carry even more severe penalties.
What if This is Your First Drug Charge?
Even if this is your first arrest for drug trafficking in Pennsylvania, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence if you are convicted. For less serious offenses, the court may allow rehab and probation instead of jail.
Do You Need a Drug Crimes Attorney in Bethlehem, PA?
When facing drug charges, you need a lawyer who is familiar with Pennsylvania’s criminal statutes and can build a compelling defense to present to the jury if the charges go to trial.
What if You Are Arrested for a Drug Offense?
If you are arrested for any drug offense in Pennsylvania, do not speak to the police at all, other than to tell them you are invoking your right to remain silent and want to talk to our lawyers right away.
What if You Are Charged with a Drug Offense in Bethlehem, PA?
Being arrested does not always lead to criminal charges being filed against you. But if it does in your case, our drug crimes lawyers can help you through the preliminary hearing and arraignment, arrange bail, and prepare you for what to expect at trial.
Should You Accept a Plea Deal for Drug Charges?
Whether you should accept a plea deal for drug charges depends on whether the deal involves lowering the charge itself. The judge can impose the harshest sentence for any charge, so it is important to ensure the maximum sentence is not as severe as the original charge.
What Evidence Can a Drug Crimes Lawyer Challenge?
Our attorneys can challenge evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure, or that has been compromised due to chain-of-custody issues. Without physical evidence of controlled substances, the prosecutor may not have enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and may have to drop the charges.
Call Us if You Are Arrested for Drug Crimes in Bethlehem, PA
We can review your case for free when you call the drug crimes lawyers of Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 today.
