Possession of Drugs with Intent to Deliver (PWID)

PITTSBURGH PWID DRUGS LAWYER

An Arrest is Not a Conviction

A criminal charge for Possession with Intent to Deliver Drugs (PWID Drugs) in Pennsylvania is a very serious offense, a felony. “Intent to Deliver” means to distribute, manufacture or produce, or sell drugs and is also known as drug trafficking.

Depending on several factors, such as the amount of the drug and the type of drug being delivered, prison time and enormous fines are just a few of the penalties you face if convicted.

If you were charged with PWID, it is important to remember that your rights and freedom are worth fighting for – an arrest is not a conviction. Our Pittsburgh drug lawyers can help. An experienced Pittsburgh drug attorney will fight to get your PWID charges reduced to a Simple Possession charge or a “Not Guilty” verdict.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR PWID DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

Charged with PWID in Pennsylvania

The quantity of drugs in the offender’s possession is oftentimes the determining factor as to whether you will be charged with a Drug Possession charge or PWID. If you are suspected of having drugs for more than personal use, you could be charged with PWID.

Illegal drugs, or controlled substances, include cocaine, heroin, opioids, marijuana, crack cocaine, and prescription painkillers like Vicodin or Percocet.

If you are charged with more than two grams of cocaine or more than one gram of heroin, the Commonwealth will assume that you are a drug dealer and you could face a very lengthy prison sentence.

Penalties for manufacturing (or growing/producing) illegal drugs are the same as possession with intent to distribute/deliver. The law makes no distinction between selling drugs for profit and giving them away, so even offering a friend drugs can put you in danger of a PWID charge.

PWID Penalties in Pennsylvania

Possession and trafficking illegal narcotics and drugs is one of the most diverse and severe areas of criminal law. Prosecutors have a wide range of options in deciding what charges to file against you.

These charges can affect your ability to gain employment, not to mention they can cause harm to your family and future. For example, forfeiture of property and assets, ineligibility to obtain federal student loans, and loss of a driver’s license are just a few of the hefty consequences of a drug conviction.

Drugs in Pennsylvania are separated into drug schedules under The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Which drugs you have been charged with and the quantity of drugs are the major determining factors in the types of drug penalties you face, as well as your past criminal record.

For example, a Schedule IV drug includes many prescription medications and a PWID charge is considered a felony with a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and three years in prison.

A PWID charge of a Schedule I drug like marijuana or LSD is also a felony and comes with a maximum fine of $15,000 and 5 years in prison.

And possession with the intent to deliver heroin comes with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Meth, PCP and cocaine sentencing have a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Other factors, like distributing to a minor and within a school zone, are also determining sentencing factors.

For a full list of penalties read our page on Drug Conviction Penalties in Pennsylvania.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR PWID DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

Defending Your Rights—An Arrest is Not a Conviction

Charges of possession of drugs with intent to deliver do not mean you will be convicted. It takes a skilled drug attorney who will closely examine every possible angle and detail of your case in order to protect your rights.

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.

For example, if you have been charged with PWID based on testimony of a confidential informant, a motion to turn over the name of the informant can be filed. Under the 6th Amendment you have a right to confront witnesses against you and if the name of witness is not released, your case can be dismissed.

In addition, there are drug diversion programs that you may be eligible for, which would keep the charges off your record if successfully completed. These include the Probation without Verdict Program and Pittsburgh Drug Court.

Our skilled criminal lawyers will work every angle to fight for your freedom.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: HAVING YOUR PWID DRUGS CASE DISMISSED.

At Ketchel Law, our greatest strength lies in critically analyzing and dissecting the details of a police officer’s report looking for inherent weaknesses and questioning the testimony of any experts or witnesses.

We will do everything possible to have your case dismissed and/or your sentencing reduced. We listen to all of our clients closely—no stone goes unturned when examining and investing your case—because we know that the slightest detail can make a difference in your future.

It is important that you do not delay in finding an experienced drug defense lawyer in Pittsburgh — call me, Justin J. Ketchel, now for a free consultation today so I can be better able to defend your rights.

Learn More About Drug Charges in Pennsylvania:

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR PWID DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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