Drug Offense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Offering Legal Defense for Drug-Related Charges in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania courtrooms often aggressively prosecute drug crimes. The consequences of minor drug crimes can be enough to leave you with lifelong consequences. When you or a loved one faces drug charges, defend yourself with knowledgeable and committed legal representation. With the help of a skilled Philadelphia drug crime lawyer, you can protect your reputation, freedom, and future.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our team of more than a dozen experienced criminal defense attorneys has decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of the Philadelphia community. We do not take drug cases lightly, which is why we provide our clients with thorough and meticulous representation against their charges. We are prepared to stand up for you against any type of drug crime, no matter how complex it may seem.
As your criminal defense attorney, you can trust us to provide you with aggressive representation in and out of court while also supporting you and answering your questions through every step of your case.
Call us at 215-486-0123 or Contact us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney
Building a Defense Against All Types of Drug Charges in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania law decides what types of charges you will face based on elements like what substances were involved, how much of it you had, and what the prosecution suspects you intended to do with it. We have defended clients against charges such as:
- Possession: Charges for having illegal drugs on your person
- Possession with intent to distribute: Charges that commonly result from having a large amount of illegal drugs on you
- Drug trafficking: Charges brought when you are caught transporting a significant amount of controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia: Charges that arise from having items or tools associated with drugs, like pipes, scales, or baggies
- Prescription fraud: Charges of fraudulently writing or manipulating medical prescriptions for medications
- Marijuana charges: Charges for possessing marijuana, despite decriminalization in other states
- Federal drug crimes: Charges for offenses like transporting drugs across state lines or having a significant amount of controlled substances in your possession
Any of these charges can be enhanced if the drug offense takes place near a school. Whether your charges are related to cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, meth, prescription opioids, or cannabis, our team of experienced Philadelphia drug crime lawyers can develop a plan to protect your rights and future.
Drug Schedules According to Pennsylvania Law
Depending on the drugs affiliated with your charges, the Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device, and Cosmetic Act will dictate the severity of the penalties you are facing. Some examples of where certain drugs land on this table include:
- Schedule I: Heroin and LSD
- Schedule II: Cocaine and oxycodone
- Schedule III-IV: Xanax and steroids
The lower the drug schedule, the higher the consequences. Do not make the mistake of assuming your Schedule I charges are minor. They are, in fact, extremely serious.
Common Penalties for Drug Convictions in Pennsylvania
The consequences of a conviction will vary from case to case. Our Philadelphia drug crime lawyers can help you understand what is at stake in your case. Depending on the nature of your charges, some legal consequences you may be facing include:
- Jail or prison
- Large fines and other legal fees
- A suspended driver's license
- Forced drug testing and treatment
- Immigration difficulties for non-citizens
There are also collateral consequences to keep in mind. While a court may not impose these consequences, a conviction could still deny you opportunities to gain or keep employment. You may have trouble securing loans for higher education, and you may also have a hard time finding a place to live. The consequences of a drug crime can last a lifetime, which is why it is vital to act quickly to build an early and strategic legal defense.
What a Strong Defense Strategy Crafted by a Philadelphia Drug Crime Lawyer Looks Like
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we challenge everything the prosecution has against you. As soon as we take your case, we will look into the viability of defense strategies such as:
- Proving the police collected the evidence against you in an illegal search and seizure
- Establishing that there is no solid proof that the drugs in question were yours
- Proving that you had no intention of distributing any controlled substances
- Questioning the chain of custody of any evidence and pushing to make it inadmissible after any mishandling
- Proving that Philadelphia law enforcement entrapped you to commit a crime
- Explaining that the drugs in question were for medical use or were legitimately prescribed to you
We are able to develop creative and compelling cases for our clients by scrutinizing all of the information surrounding your case, not just the police report. We are prepared to file motions to suppress illegal evidence and exploit any other weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If we need to take your case to trial, we have a team of experienced courtroom litigators who will stand up for you.
What You Need to Know About Federal Drug Charges
If your charge constitutes a federal offense, the prosecution will allege that they meet certain standards regarding:
- Transporting narcotics across interstate or international borders
- Manufacturing or trafficking any drugs on a large scale
- DEA, FBI, or Homeland Security investigations
- RICO cases that result from conspiracy or organized crime allegations
Federal cases have mandatory minimum sentences and require a high level of experience to properly protect you from them. Our vast experience in the criminal defense system at the state and federal levels allows us to build robust defenses for any of our clients.
What You Need to Do After Being Charged With a Drug Crime
If you think you are about to be charged with a crime or you have already been charged, follow these steps immediately:
- Do not talk to the police or any investigators without a Philadelphia drug crime lawyer present.
- Do not consent to any searches without a warrant.
- Do not explain your side of things or try to justify anything, as the police will use it against you.
- Reach out to our law firm as soon as possible to start crafting your defense.
We understand it can be hard to build an effective criminal defense strategy, which is why we offer complimentary consultations to help you get started.
Call (215) 486-0123 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia today.
How a Drug Offense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Can Help You
When you are facing drug charges, choose a legal team that is committed to your best interests. Our clients trust us to defend them because we are a collaborative team of trial-ready attorneys with decades of experience.
Our Philadelphia drug crime lawyers are available any day of the week to take your call, and our commitment to our clients has been recognized locally and nationally. Our history of defending clients has earned us a fierce reputation among judges and prosecutors, and we are eager to shield you against the consequences of drug charges.
Contact a Philadelphia Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
Whether you are facing drug charges ranging from possession to federal trafficking, now is the best time to obtain a drug offense attorney in Philadelphia, PA. The sooner we start representing you, the stronger your defense can be, so act now by calling us at 215-486-0123 or reaching out online to schedule your free initial consultation today.
