What happens if the police find drugs during an illegal search?

If the police stop or search you without a warrant or probable cause to support a warrantless search, you may be able to have evidence of drug crimes found during the search excluded from your case. If the court finds that the police conducted an unlawful search, it can exclude any evidence found during that search, including later-found evidence that was obtained via evidence recovered in an illegal search.

What are some common defenses to drug charges?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may have potential defenses or case strategies available to contest your drug charges. First, you might seek to have evidence of drugs excluded from the case because they were recovered in an unlawful search by the police. You might contest the reliability of laboratory testing performed to confirm that seized substances were illegal drugs. Finally, you might argue that you did not have actual or constructive possession of drugs found by the police.

Pennsylvania Drug Crime Lawyer | Drug Crime Defense Attorney Kingston, PA

Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Kingston, PA, Defends the Rights and Interests of Clients Facing Drug Charges in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Columbia County, and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania

Have you been arrested on drug charges in Pennsylvania? Even possessing a small quantity of drugs can have serious consequences in the event of a conviction. Turn to a Pennsylvania drug crime lawyer from Muckler Law, LLC, for help protecting your rights and interests when facing charges of drug crimes. Since 2009, Attorney Matthew Muckler has provided skilled criminal defense to clients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. As a former prosecutor, he has a unique insight into how criminal cases are prepared, which he leverages to build effective legal strategies to pursue his clients’ interests.

If you’ve been charged with drug crimes in Pennsylvania, you may be facing severe penalties and consequences. Don’t leave your freedom and future to chance in the criminal justice system. Contact Muckler Law, LLC, for a free case evaluation to speak with a drug crime defense attorney in Kingston, PA, about how our firm can assist you with pursuing a favorable resolution to your case.

Types of Drug Charges We Can Help You Face

In Pennsylvania, drug crimes are outlined by the Controlled Substances Act. At Muckler Law, LLC, a Pennsylvania drug crime lawyer can help you resolve drug-related charges, including offenses such as:

Simple possession of controlled substances: Simple possession may be charged when a person possesses a quantity of drugs presumed to be for personal consumption/use.
Possession with intent to distribute: A person may be charged with possession with intent to distribute if they possess a substantial quantity of drugs, possess drugs packaged for individual sale, or possess drugs in conjunction with other items indicative of drug distribution, such as scales, packaging materials, or substantial quantities of cash.
Delivering/trafficking: A person may be charged with delivering/trafficking drugs when they are found in possession of drugs under circumstances indicating that they were transporting drugs to a party for further distribution.
Manufacturing drugs: A person may face charges for drug manufacturing when they are found in possession of materials, equipment, or property designed or set up to manufacture controlled substances.
Possession of drug paraphernalia: It is illegal for a person to possess, deliver, or advertise drug paraphernalia in Pennsylvania.
Delivery of drugs resulting in death: The law makes it a first-degree felony to intentionally deliver or administer a controlled substance when those drugs cause the person’s death (even if the defendant did not intend to cause death)

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Penalties for a Drug Conviction in Pennsylvania

Penalties for a conviction on a drug-related offense in Pennsylvania will depend on multiple factors, including the type of offense (e.g., simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, etc.), the type and quantity of drugs involved, and a defendant’s prior criminal history. For a simple possession conviction, penalties may include:

Possession of marijuana: Up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $500 for 30 grams or less, or up to one year in jail and/or $5,000 in fines for more than 30 grams
Possession of controlled substances (e.g. cocaine, heroin): Up to one year in prison and/or a $5,000 fine for a first offense, or up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000 for a second or subsequent drug conviction
Possession of drug paraphernalia: Up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500

The law imposes far more severe penalties for distributing or manufacturing drugs, with maximum sentences reaching 10 to 15 years for crimes involving certain Schedule I or II narcotics.

Turn to a Pennsylvania Drug Crime Lawyer from Muckler Law, LLC, to Resolve Your Drug Charges

Many drug crimes in Pennsylvania carry serious penalties in the event of a conviction. Investigators and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions for those accused of distributing, trafficking, or manufacturing drugs. But even a conviction for simple possession can have significant consequences for your future. Let a drug crime defense attorney in Kingston, PA, from Muckler Law, LLC, fight to secure a favorable resolution to your drug charges by:

Conducting an independent investigation of your charges to obtain evidence our firm can use to build a compelling defense
Evaluating potential legal strategies based on the facts and circumstances of your case
Keeping you updated at each stage of the prosecution and providing you with the legal advice you need to make informed decision
Advocating for your constitutional rights, including by filing motions to exclude evidence or statements unlawfully obtained by investigators
Seeking a favorable resolution of your case at every step, including moving to reduce or dismiss your charges when the prosecution lacks evidence to bring you to trial
Presenting your defense to the judge and jury if you decide to contest your drug charges at trial

Contact Our Firm for a Free Case Evaluation to Speak with a Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Kingston, PA, About Your Legal Options

After being arrested and charged with drug offenses, get experienced legal representation to defend your rights and reputation. Contact Muckler Law, LLC, today for a free, confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Pennsylvania drug crime lawyer to learn more about your options for facing drug-related charges.

Pennsylvania Drug Crime Lawyer