Drug charges range in severity, and you could be facing years in prison upon conviction, even if it is your first offense, depending on the case. For any drug charges that threaten to disrupt your daily life, reputation, and possibly even your freedom, reach out to our lawyers for help.
We need to know everything you can tell us about the arrest and the charges. We also need to know whether you aptly invoked your right to remain silent during a custodial interrogation, or if you spoke to law enforcement after an arrest. Charges are not always filed, especially if our lawyers can intervene as soon as possible and offer exculpatory evidence that clears you or a possible other suspect worth investigating.
Call the drug crimes lawyers at Kenny, Burns & McGill for a confidential, free case assessment at (215) 423-5500.
What to Do After a Drug Crime Arrest in Havertown
What you do right after the police arrest you for a drug offense in Havertown could have major implications if charges are filed and go to trial.
Remain Silent
Do not plead with police officers. Avoid asking clarifying questions or saying anything that might implicate you. Avoiding self-incrimination by remaining silent is your right, which you should invoke immediately after an arrest.
Invoke Your Right to an Attorney
You should also say that you want to exercise your right to an attorney so you can contact our drug crimes lawyers. As soon as you say this, the police cannot interrogate you any longer. If they do and you say something self-incriminating, our lawyers may convince the judge to suppress those statements because law enforcement violated your rights.
Tell Us Everything You Know
Bring your lawyer up to speed on the situation immediately. We can speak with you privately as soon as possible to explain what you know about law enforcement’s investigation, whether there is enough evidence to file charges, and what the next steps in the process are.
Tell us if you know anything about the charges and why the police may have been investigating you. Remember, whatever you tell us is confidential.
Drug Crime FAQs Answered
What Are the Most Serious Drug Crimes in Havertown?
The most serious drug offenses in Pennsylvania include the possession with intent to deliver of Schedule I and II controlled substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.
What Are the Least Serious Drug Crimes in Havertown?
The least serious drug crimes revolve around simple possession of low-level substances or possession of drug paraphernalia, but they can still have upsetting consequences for defendants.
What Happens When You Are Arrested for a Drug Crime?
After you are arrested, you will be booked and processed. Before a custodial interrogation can begin, law enforcement must read you your Miranda rights, telling you that you have a right to an attorney and a right to remain silent. Never waive these rights or enter into conversation with the police without trusted lawyers present.
What Happens When You Are Charged with a Drug Crime?
If you remain in police custody after an arrest, charges must be filed within 72 hours, and you will have your first court appearance. This is when the charges are formally read to you, and you enter your plea, which you need our lawyers to make an informed decision about.
What is the Maximum Sentence for Drug Trafficking in Pennsylvania?
The maximum sentence for drug trafficking is 15 years in prison.
What if Drug Charges Came from an Illegal Search or Seizure?
If drug charges came solely from evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure, which would be in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, our attorneys may be able to get the evidence suppressed and the charges entirely dismissed.
What if Drug Charges Came from a Coerced Confession?
We may also suppress a coerced confession that was illegally obtained by law enforcement, so tell us everything you can remember about the tactics law enforcement used with you and any threats they made against.
What if Drug Charges Came from Entrapment?
If drug charges come from entrapment, our lawyers can work hard to present evidence that shows you were induced to commit the offense by law enforcement and would not have done so otherwise.
Are Plea Deals Common for Drug Crimes in Havertown?
It is common for prosecutors to offer plea deals for first-time drug offenders. Just because a plea deal is offered does not mean you should automatically agree to it, as it may not benefit you as much as the prosecution suggests, and our lawyers can determine whether that is the case.
Are Trials Common for Drug Crimes in Havertown?
Plea deals and diversionary programs keep some drug charges from going to trial in Havertown. If a trial does take place, you need to be prepared with a defense and have the support of an experienced attorney.
Can You Lose Your Voting Rights Because of a Drug Crime Conviction?
Your voting rights get automatically restored after you are done serving time for a felony drug conviction in Havertown.
Can You Lose Your License Because of a Drug Crime Conviction?
You can lose your driver’s license to temporary suspension for drug crime convictions in Pennsylvania, and the duration of the suspension depends on whether it is your first, second, or subsequent offense.
Can You Lose Your Firearm Rights Because of a Drug Crime Conviction?
You automatically lose your right to own a gun in Pennsylvania after being convicted of any felony offense, including felony drug offenses. You may be able to petition to restore your gun rights if you wait long enough after your release and remain out of prison, depending on the original charge.
Contact Our Havertown Drug Crime Defense Lawyers
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill’s drug crimes lawyers for help at (215) 423-5500.
