Appearing before a judge, for many people, is one of the scariest moments of their lives. However, if you partner with Mudrick & Zucker, it does not have to be. When you hire our firm, you can rest assured that we have your back. Mudrick & Zucker is dedicated to helping clients achieve the legal outcome they need to go on living their lives as productively, and enjoyably as possible. If you are someone facing drug charges in Pennsylvania, you cannot afford to wait any longer. Our firm is ready to help. Contact a dedicated Montgomery County drug lawyer from Mudrick & Zucker today.

Drug Lawyer | Here to Protect Your Future

Are you accused of possessing or selling illegal drugs of any kind? If so, you’re likely facing a wide range of penalties, and our firm is here to help shield you from those penalties. Speak with a competent Blue Bell criminal defense lawyer from our legal team so we can get started working on your case.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession & Distribution in Pennsylvania

The penalties for marijuana possession depend on the amount of marijuana you were allegedly caught with. Marijuana possession penalties in PA are as follows:

30 grams or less: Up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
More than 30 grams: Up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Second Offense: Doubled penalties.

The penalties for marijuana distribution are harsher than those for simple possession, though the extent of the penalties you’ll face depends on the amount of marijuana you sold or intended to sell.

30 grams or less, without receiving any money or other compensation: 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
More than 30 grams: Up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
For selling or distributing marijuana to a minor, or within 1,000 feet of a school or 250 feet of a playground: Doubled penalties.

Penalties for Cocaine Possession & Distribution in Pennsylvania

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug in Pennsylvania, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Possessing or distributing cocaine can result in severe penalties. For cocaine possession, you may face the following consequences:

First Offense: Up to one year of incarceration and a $5,000 fine
Second Offense: Up to three years of incarceration and a $25,000 fine

The penalties for the sale of cocaine are even harsher, and are as follows:

First Offense: Up to 15 years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine (or higher to recover profit gained from selling the drug)
Second Offense: Double penalties

Penalties for Heroin Possession & Distribution in Pennsylvania

Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug in Pennsylvania, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse and addiction. Possessing or distributing heroin can result in serious criminal penalties. The penalties for heroin possession in Pennsylvania are as follows:

First Offense: Up to one year of incarceration and a $5,000 fine
Second Offense: Up to three years of incarceration and a $25,000 fine

For the sale and distribution of heroin in Pennsylvania, you may face the following:

First Offense: 15 years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine (or higher to recover profit gained from selling the drug)
Second Offense: Double penalties

Diversionary and Special Programs for Defendants Suffering from Addiction

There are a number of options for defendants in Pennsylvania who are involved in the criminal justice system due to drug addiction. These programs offer addicted defendants a chance to avoid jail time and, in some situations, to even avoid a criminal record. Some of these options include:

Section 17 Probation Without Verdict

Section 17 Probation requires that the defendant plead no contest or guilty to any nonviolent offense under the Drug Act.
The person must prove they are drug dependent.
Testimony of a medical or psychological expert in drug dependency is needed.

The following make a person not eligible for Section 17 Probation Without Verdict:

A prior conviction.
Prior placement into an ARD program for a misdemeanor or felony.
If a person is charged or pleads guilty or no contest to multiple crimes.
Dangerous Juvenile Offenders.
If the person is charged with the distribution of certain steroids or if they are a physician or pharmacist who illegally distributes drugs.

Drug Treatment Court

Many counties, including Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Counties, have drug treatment courts. Drug Treatment Courts require a particular application. If accepted to drug treatment court, Defendants may benefit from the following:

Free drug treatment and rehab programs, including inpatient rehab.
Reduction or dismissal of charges.
Avoidance of jail time.

Most drug treatment courts limit acceptance as follows:

You must live in the county where you are being prosecuted.
Not available for violent crimes and certain felonies.
Not available if charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance.

Contact a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Today

A drug charge can change your life forever. Prosecutors in Pennsylvania fiercely pursue all those who violate the law, so if you find yourself facing drug charges of any kind, we urge you to contact Mudrick & Zucker immediately. We have extensive legal experience fighting for those accused of possessing and selling drugs, and we’re here to put that experience to work for you.