Ecstacy/Meth/PCP—Pittsburgh Attorney

Pittsburgh Lawyer: MDMA, Ecstasy, Methamphetamines & PCP

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF AN ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE?

Being arrested or charged with Ecstasy (MDMA or “Molly”), Methamphetamines or PCP in Pennsylvania can be a very unfortunate situation that comes with severe repercussions. Even though these drugs may seem harmless and fun at the time, a drug possession charge can be very harmful to your future.

Penalties upon conviction in Pennsylvania are very severe, even if you were charged with possession of only a small amount of the drug.

In Pennsylvania there are minimum sentencing laws and, at a minimum, you face up to one year in prison for a first offense of simple possession, plus other penalties and fines like a six month driver’s license suspension.

A second or third offense could mean up to two or three years in prison. Other penalties may apply, for instance if you are charged with PWID or within a school zone, penalties are much more severe.

If you or your family member has recently been charged with possession of Ecstasy, PCP or Methamphetamines, Ketchel Law is here to help answer your questions about the penalties you face.

We can help you understand the court process and how you can fight to keep your freedom.

On this web page you will find general information on possession of these drugs, but for detailed information on your unique circumstances, call an experienced Pittsburgh Drug Lawyer like Justin Ketchel for a FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION.

Being charged with illegal drug possession does not mean that the police have “proof” you are guilty.

If you have been charged with simple possession of Ecstasy, PCP or Meth or possession with intent to deliver (PWID) these drugs call Ketchel Law today. We will help you understand your legal situation and build a strong case to defend your rights.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

POSSESSION VS. POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER

Methamphetamines, PHP (Phencyclidine) and Ecstasy (MDMA) are all Schedule II drugs, according to the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of Pennsylvania.

Many different factors will determine whether you are charged with simple possession (a misdemeanor) or Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID) (a felony).

If you have been charged with simple possession of methamphetamine, ecstasy or PHP, the police or arresting officers suspected that the drugs were for personal use and did not find any cause to charge you with attempting to distribute or sell the drugs.

PWID of methamphetamine, ecstasy or PHP (Schedule II drugs) is a felony and has very serious repercussions upon conviction. Possession With Intent to Distribute charges means that you were suspected of delivering, manufacturing, selling, dealing, transporting or distributing the drugs.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Penalties in Pennsylvania for a Simple Possession of Schedule II Drugs

Being charged with simple possession of methamphetamine, ecstasy or PHP for a first offender could mean up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine as well as other court fees and a misdemeanor on your criminal record.

If it is your second offense, you could be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

To be considered “in your possession”, the drugs merely need to have been found somewhere near you — it could your home or in your car or in your backpack or purse.

Other penalties include a driver’s license suspension by PennDOT and you may lose other basic freedoms, like owning a firearm or parental rights of your children.

A drug possession conviction will also go on your permanent record—which will limit your future opportunities for jobs, colleges, housing and insurance.

Previous arrests or other criminal charges will have an impact on additional penalties (longer jail time and bigger fines) tacked on to your sentencing, if convicted.

An experienced attorney can help you try to get your charges lessened or dropped altogether, which could mean a drastic reduction in sentencing and punishment.

There are also first-time offender and diversion programs you may be eligible for, such as the Pennsylvania Probation Without Verdict program, in which your criminal record could be expunged. These treatment programs aim to get help for people with addictions and are an alternative to prison.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Penalties in Pennsylvania for a PWID of Schedule II Drugs Conviction

Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID) PHP, Methamphetamines or Ecstasy is a felony and comes with much stricter penalties than a simple possession of drugs conviction.

Possession with Intent to Deliver or Distribute charges means the arresting officers suspected you of manufacturing, storing, selling, distributing, trafficking or transporting illegal or controlled substances.

PWID is also known as drug trafficking.

A conviction for PWID drugs or drug trafficking can have severe consequences for you and your family. Penalties could include forfeiture of property, drivers’ license suspension, large fines and lengthy prison sentencing.

PWID Sentencing for Ecstasy, PHP or Methamphetamine

Trafficking two to ten grams of narcotics

Two years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 for a first offense.
Three years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 for subsequent offenses.

Trafficking ten to 100 grams of narcotics

Three years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000 for a first offense.
Five years in prison and a maximum fine of $30,000 for subsequent offenses.

Trafficking 100 grams or more of narcotics

Five years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000 for a first offense.
Seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000 for subsequent offenses.

For a list of penalties for other drug-related charges read our page on Drug Conviction Penalties in Pennsylvania.

A strong drug attorney with experience will fight to get your PWID charges reduced to a Simple Possession charge or a Not Guilty verdict. 

If you were arrested for PWID and the drugs were for your own personal use, our attorneys will work to have your sentencing reduced.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

ADDITIONAL PENALTIES AND LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES

Additional Penalties of a Possession of Ecstasy, PHP or Methamphetamine Conviction could include:

  • Time in Jail or a Lengthy Prison Sentence
  • Substantial Court Costs, Legal Expenses And Fines
  • Loss or Suspension of Driver’s License
  • Forfeitureof Property And Assets
  • Prohibitionfrom Owning and Carrying a Firearm
  • Loss of Employment
  • Loss of Parental Rights
  • Significantly HigherInsurance Premiums
  • Inability toObtain Insurance Coverage
  • Loss of Eligibility for College Financial Aid
  • Difficulty Finding Employment

Call Justin J. Ketchel for a free consultation of your case to learn more.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

DEFENDING YOUR RIGHTS—An arrest is not a conviction.

A possession of drugs charge does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. You are presumed innocent of all charges unless a judge or jury finds you guilty.

Even so, Pennsylvania and U.S. prosecutors take illegal drug cases very seriously and will do everything they can to get a conviction.

A skilled drug defense attorney will vehemently battle all charges to protect your rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. Call Attorney Justin Ketchel today at 412-456-1221 for a free consultation of your case.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

WHAT CAN A PITTSBURGH DRUG LAWYER DO FOR YOU?

A skilled Pittsburgh Drug Attorney could use a number of defenses to battle your drug charges and have them reduced, expunged or dropped altogether.

At Ketchel Law, we fully investigate every case to ensure that the rights of our clients have not been violated. We will examine every angle of your case and speak with witnesses to identify any problems with police procedures.

There may be a possibility of proving your innocence—perhaps by demonstrating the drugs were not in your possession or that you were in possession of a much smaller amount of the drug than you were charged with.

There could be evidence that your Constitutional Rights were violated during the time of arrest. If police cannot prove probable cause and reasonable suspicion, evidence could be suppressed and your case will be dismissed.

Any number of defenses and strategies can be taken in order to prove your innocence or lessen the charges.

At Ketchel Law, our number one goal is to have your case dismissed and charges withdrawn. If that is not possible, there are numerous ways of attempting a reduction in sentencing such as probation vs. jail.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: HAVING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

Talk to an experienced attorney for a free consultation about whether you may be eligible to have your record expunged and how best to fight your charges.

A drug charge does not have to mean a drug conviction.

Learn More About Drug Charges in Pennsylvania: