Synthetic Drug Charges in Pennsylvania

SYNTHETIC OR DESIGNER DRUGS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Designer or synthetic drugs have become more prevalent in recent years, especially with the use of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. They can be made with easy-to-obtain, over-the-counter products and can be difficult to detect using routine drug testing equipment.

However, they are still considered controlled substances if made with the intent of human consumption and have a similar effect on the body as more traditional drugs. This means that if convicted of being in possession of a designer or synthetic drug, you face the same penalty as any other controlled substance in a similar category.

Penalties for possession of a controlled substance range from a misdemeanor to a felony and include jail time, heavy fines, and license suspension.

Having a drug conviction on your permanent record can make it difficult for you to find or keep a job, gain admission into school, and secure housing, loans, or financing in the future.

Hiring a knowledgeable and qualified Drug Defense Attorney is the best way to protect yourself and your future.

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.

Call Ketchel Law 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

WHAT IS A SYNTHETIC OR DESIGNER DRUG?

Synthetic drugs are usually made by chemists with a number of ingredients sold over the counter. They are created with the intention of mimicking the effects of more commonly known drugs such as marijuana and cocaine and heroin. These drugs have caused a problem for law enforcement and lawmakers because they are constantly changing the ingredients and the types of drugs available.

Right now Fentanyl is probably the most famous of all synthetic drugs, as it is the #1 cause of overdose deaths in the United States, surpassing even heroin. Oftentimes Fentanyl is added into other drugs so that users do not even realize they are taking Fentanyl or are addicted to it. This is why Fentanyl test strips are becoming legal and a popular way to test drugs – to prevent overdoses.

Synthetic drugs are also known as designer drugs. They can be sold under many different names and can come in a wide variety of forms including liquids, salts, pills, and powders. Common designer drug names include Spice, Joker, Flakka, Cloud 9, and Black Mamba.

Regardless of the type of designer drug or its chemical makeup, they are considered controlled substances and possession of them is a crime.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

What Happens if You Are Charged with Possession of Synthetic Drugs?

In Pennsylvania, drugs, or controlled substances, are put into categories that are called schedules. Schedule I drugs are the most addictive and have no known medical use. It includes drugs like cocaine and heroin. Synthetic, or designer, drugs fall into this category.

The punishment for possession of drugs depends on the schedule, or category, of the drug and the amount of the drug in possession. You can be charged with simple possession for a smaller amount, intended for personal use.

However, if the amount is larger, it is assumed that it was intended for distribution and you can be charged with the more serious crime of Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID), also known as drug trafficking.

In addition, there is a nationwide crackdown on Fentanyl and especially in Pennsylvania, so the penalties are different. If a person is found with ANY AMOUNT OF FENTANYL, the charge carries a mandatory prison sentence (upon conviction).

With the exception of Fentanyl, most convictions for simple possession of a synthetic drug carry the following maximum penalties:

  • A misdemeanor;
  • One year in jail, and;
  • Up to $5,000 in fines.

PWID, or Trafficking, of a synthetic drug carries a maximum penalty of:

  • A felony;
  • Up to five years in jail
    • If you are found guilty of trafficking designer drugs to a minor, you will receive a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail.
  • Up to $15,000 in fines. 

Drug penalties increase for repeat offenders.

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

Just because you have been charged with possession of designer drugs does not mean you will be convicted. You are presumed innocent of all charges unless a judge or jury finds you guilty.

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.

At Ketchel Law, we listen to all of our clients closely because we know that the slightest detail can make a difference in winning or losing a case.

Pennsylvania has drug diversion programs available to qualified first-time offenders which prevents them from serving jail time and helps keep their criminal record clean. A knowledgeable Pittsburgh Drug Attorney is the best way to determine if you qualify for such a program.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: HAVING YOUR POSSESSION OF DRUGS CASE DISMISSED.

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