Drug Conviction Penalties in Pennsylvania

What Happens When You Are Convicted of a Drug Crime in PA?

Know Your Rights – A drug charge does not have to mean a drug conviction.

The penalties for Simple Possession of Drugs and Possession with Intent to Deliver (also referred to as drug trafficking and including manufacturing drugs) in Pennsylvania are some of the toughest in the country. They are very severe and most include lengthy prison time.

The penalties for drug convictions are varied and many of them are based around the quantity and type of drugs or controlled substance, as well as a past criminal record. Other major determining factors are whether the drugs were distributed to a minor or in a school zone or if possession of a weapon was also in connection with the alleged drug crime. In addition to criminal sentencing, other penalties exist, such as a suspension of your driver’s license.

The following information gives you insight into the possibilities for different types of drug convictions. Please be advised that if you have been arrested for possession of drugs or possession of drugs with intent to deliver, you should contact a skilled drug attorney. Every case is unique and the below information only covers generalities.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

Do not delay in contacting a drug lawyer—every hour counts as the possibilities of investigating every angle can slip by with time. Remember—the prosecution’s case has started before you even have an opportunity to begin your defense.

Contact Justin J. Ketchel today for a free consultation.

Attorney Ketchel has successfully defended cases involving the possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana possession and distribution, and possession of controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, OxyContin, methamphetamine, ecstasy and un-prescribed pharmaceutical drugs.

Additionally, Attorney Ketchel has successfully defended cases of possession with intent to deliver (PWID charges), manufacturing of controlled substances, and importing, distributing and trafficking controlled substances.

Drug Conviction Penalties for Drug Possession in Pennsylvania

Other penalties could include driver’s license suspension, being prohibited from owning a firearm, loss of employment, difficulty getting car insurance and/or high insurance premiums, mandatory treatment programs, loss of parental rights and inability to obtain student loans.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

Drug Conviction Penalties for Drug Possession with Intent to Deliver in Pennsylvania

Manufacturing, Delivering or Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substances (PWID) is also known as drug trafficking. It includes dealing, growing, transporting, and producing drugs as well as obtaining drugs through fraud or misrepresentation.

PWID of a controlled substance is considered a felony.

On top of State drug charges, you could also face Federal charges.

The drug type and the quantity play a large role in the penalty. For a full list of penalties, see The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Drug Type: Schedule I or II (Narcotics)

These drugs include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, PCP, amphetamines, meth and MDMA.

Penalties for Schedule I or II Drugs with Intent to Deliver in Pennsylvania:

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.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

Drug Conviction Penalties for Drugs in a School Zone in Pennsylvania

If you are charged with distributing controlled substances to a minor, there is a minimum one-year prison sentence.

The school zone mandatory minimum prison sentence is two to four years. A “school zone” is considered to be within 1,000 feet of the real property line of any school or 250 feet of the playground.

An Arrest is NOT a Conviction

Each case is unique and there are many angles that a really great attorney can attempt to fight for when defending your rights. People make plenty of mistakes, including arresting officers, and if any of their tactics have been illegal or improper, a suppression motion can be filed to dismiss the charges.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, call an experienced drug crime attorney, like Attorney Ketchel, for a free consultation. He will tirelessly fight on your behalf to ensure that your arrest has a minimal impact on all aspects of your life and your future.

Learn More About Drug Charges in Pennsylvania:

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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