Arrested for Herion Possession in Pennsylvania?
Fight Back With an Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer!
Being arrested for possession of heroin is a terrible and
humbling experience. When you are handcuffed and taken to jail, you
aren’t usually treated as someone who is innocent, or merely a
suspect—you are treated as a criminal. It’s during times like these
that it pays to have someone on your side, someone who is interested
in hearing your side of the story and fighting for your best
interest.
Heroin is considered one of the most addictive drugs out there,
and it’s because of this that there is such a stigma attached to
it. If you are caught with heroin, you are automatically treated
like a junkie, even if you don’t have a drug problem.
In the Pennsylvania court system, you need someone advocating
for your best interests when you are accused of possession of
heroin. You need an aggressive local defense attorney.
Pennsylvania Heroin Possession Penalties
The legal penalties for a heroin possession conviction can be
quite severe. Your potential penalty depends on the amount of
heroin you are accused of possessing and any criminal history.
If this is your first offense and you are accused of possessing
less than 1 gram, you will face up to 1 year in jail and
fines reaching $5,000. The penalty increases to 2 years
for a second offense and 3 for a third.
If, however, you are accused of possessing
more than a gram, you will be subject to mandatory
minimum sentences if convicted. A first time conviction
results in at least 2 years
when you are caught with more than one gram and less than five.
Obviously, the more heroin you are accused of possessing and
the more extensive your criminal history is, the greater your
penalty will be if convicted.
PA Heroin Possession Defense Strategies
The appropriate defense strategy in your case depends on the
facts of your case and your anticipated results. No two cases are
alike, though everyone is interested in minimizing the effects of
a heroin possessing charge.
Many cases hinge on the physical evidence (heroin) and the
search that led to its discovery. If the drugs were seized in
violation of your constitutional rights or if the police
sidestepped any required procedures, there’s a real chance the
evidence could be ruled inadmissible, potentially leading to your
acquittal or a
dismissal of the charges.
Your case could be eligible to be heard in one of the state’s
drug courts. Though not available in all jurisdictions, these
courts focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. They
involve a strict probation-type period with drug treatment
requirements, and are a very good alternative for many people.
The vast majority of PA heroin possession charges end in a plea
agreement. The terms of this agreement depend on a variety of
things including the facts of the case, your criminal history, and
the prosecutor on the case.
When you are accused of a crime like heroin possession, you
need someone on your side aggressively defending your interests.
You need a tenacious local defense lawyer.
Contact our offices today to discuss the details of your case
with a Pennsylvania defense lawyer and how we can help.
For a free, criminal
defense legal consultation on any heroin possession or other drug charge in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, call us:
(888) 412-3298
We represent clients in criminal cases
in courts across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Harrisburg,
Lebanon, Carlisle and Lancaster, and Bucks,
Montgomery, Northampton, and Lehigh Counties.
In Western Pennsylvania, we cover areas
including the Pittsburgh, PA metro area and Allegheny County.
Call today, no
obligation!
(888) 412-3298
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