When facing drug charges in Pennsylvania, the accused has certain legal rights under the criminal code that law enforcement and prosecution cannot deny. Primary among these is the right to an attorney throughout all stages of criminal processing, including at the arrest and booking stage, charging stage, and litigation stage.
Remember that you have the right to:
*Remain silent. Use it! Be respectful and tell the officer “I want to speak to an attorney.” *Have your Miranda Rights read before you are arrested and detained for questioning. *Ask (politely) to see a search warrant in specific situations. *Speak to your attorney before questioning; and to have your attorney present for all interrogations.
Drug Crimes Penalties and Enhancements Drug crimes penalties are determined using a complex scoring system under the PA Crimes Code. Variables for sentencing determination include the defendant’s criminal history and prior convictions, the type of drug, and the specifics of activities involved in the accusation.
For a felony 1 (F1) conviction on a drug trafficking or distribution offense, the defendant will face up to 20 years in prison.
If you are charged with possession of marijuana, the violation may be classed as a misdemeanor 3 (M3) and if convicted, you will face up to 1 year in prison. You will also lose your driver’s license for a period of six (6) months.
drug charges in pennsylvaniaDrug charges are frequently enhanced with other criminal charges brought by the prosecution. These enhancements amount to additional crimes that will be charged all at once in the DA’s effort to maximize incarceration time if the Commonwealth gets a conviction in the drug case.
The Criminal Gang Enhancement, Deadly Weapon Enhancement, and Youth/School Enhancement are serious accusations that will result in significantly more prison time if you are convicted.
How Strong Is My Case? Attorneys Beth Tibbott and Dana Richardson have been providing valuable drug defense services to clients in both Cambria County and Allegheny County. Clients receive the best outcomes possible because Tibbott & Richardson use all defenses and strategies available at state and federal levels.
Each case is unique and every situation varies widely. Attorneys Beth Tibbott and Dana Richardson will evaluate your case and be open and upfront with you about what you can expect. We will look into all aspects of your situation to provide you with all of your best options.
The only way to know what you are truly facing is by consulting with a qualified drug crime attorney in Pennsylvania. Call Tibbott & Richardson today to receive a valuable consultation on your case for free.
Tibbott & Richardson 1040 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 444-7171 https://www.TibbottRichardson.com/ |