Pittsburgh Drug Crimes Attorneys Defend Clients’ Fundamental Rights
Firm represents Pennsylvanians accused of controlled substance charges
Once you’ve been arrested in connection with a state or federal drug charge, the decisions you make can have profound consequences on your future. By working with a diligent defense lawyer at Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh, you can get a handle on your legal situation and determine the best way to tackle the challenges you’re facing. You can rely on us to deliver legal guidance in cases relating to the alleged possession, distribution, manufacturing and trafficking of controlled substances.
Diligent lawyers handle possession, distribution and impaired driving cases
Pennsylvania law divides controlled dangerous substances into five “schedules,” with Schedule I representing drugs with the most potential for harm and no medical use, such as heroin and LSD. Schedule II drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, are also considered highly dangerous. Penalties involving these substances can be more severe than punishment for drugs listed in Schedules III through V. We provide sound advice and strong advocacy to clients accused of crimes associated with alleged:
- Possession — Simple possession refers to situations where someone is in control of drugs for their personal use. Aside from cases involving marijuana, this is usually a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a year in prison and fine as high as $5,000. If the evidence, such as the amount of drugs seized, indicates that the defendant planned to sell the controlled substance, this could trigger a felony possession with intent to deliver (PWID) charge, which is much more serious.
- Distribution and manufacture — Distributing, trafficking or manufacturing most drugs are felonies under The Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device, and Cosmetic Act. In some cases, innocent conversations or normal household appliances could lead police to mistakenly assume that a person intends to sell the drugs that are found. An individual might also be subject to federal charges if there are indications that a drug transaction crossed state lines.
- Marijuana use — As of now, recreational marijuana use remains illegal in Pennsylvania, though the penalties are, at times, depending on jurisdiction, lighter for weed than other drugs when the amount involved is 30 grams or less. In those cases, the maximum fine is $500.
- Driving under the influence of drugs — Operating a car or truck with even a trace of a Schedule I substance in your body, or with any drug that impairs your ability to drive safely, is grounds for a DUI count. These situations can be more complex than stops involving alcohol because there may not be a test that indicates the level of impairment.
- Prescription drugs — Drugs in Schedules III-V, such as Ambien, Xanax and anabolic steroids, typically have some medical function when authorized by a doctor who issues a legitimate prescription. However, if proper medical approval does not exist, you can face serious legal problems. Even sending some prescription pharmaceuticals to help an ailing friend could lead to your arrest.
Don’t let embarrassment or the mistaken belief that there’s no possible defense when you’ve been found with drugs prevent you from asserting your rights.
Why you need a criminal defense attorney
Hiring a diligent criminal defense lawyer can help you improve your chances of getting a positive outcome. Even if you’ve been caught holding an illegal controlled substance, that evidence might not be admissible if the reporting officer lacked probable cause to stop you or enter your home. Your best option might be to assert your rights at trial, negotiate a reduced charge in exchange for a guilty plea or enter a diversion program where you can receive substance abuse treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Our decades of experience representing clients charged with drug offenses will possibly give you the chance to choose the path that works best for you.
Contact a Pennsylvania drug crime defense lawyer for a free consultation
Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh represents Pennsylvania clients accused of drug crimes. For a free consultation, please call 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online.