Abington Drug Crimes Lawyer

If you have been charged with a drug-related crime, you may worry about its impact on your future and career, as it can have serious consequences. In these cases, you have the right to defend yourself. Our professional legal team may be able to support you in fighting for your rights and getting your charges reduced or, in the best-case scenario, dismissed.

Charged With A Criminal Offense And Have Questions? We Can Help, Tell Us What Happened.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. our Abington drug crimes lawyers have decades of experience working on drug crime cases in the Abington area. Our Abington lawyers understand drug crime laws and the complex legal process. With our extensive knowledge, we may be able to help you understand Pennsylvania’s drug crime classifications, potential penalties, and how we may get your charges reduced.

How Pennsylvania Categorizes Drugs

28 Pa. Code § 25.72 divides substances into different categories based on their potential for abuse and medical value. State law refers to these categories as schedules, which include the following:

  • Schedule I: This category includes marijuana, heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. These drugs have no medical value and significant potential for addiction and abuse.
  • Schedule II: This classification includes drugs with limited medical value and high abuse potential, like cocaine, oxycodone, and methamphetamines.
  • Schedule III: Drugs like ketamine, Vicodin, and anabolic steroids fall under this category as they have a lower potential for abuse and higher medical value.
  • Schedule IV: This category includes drugs like Xanax, Klonopin, and valium as they have high therapeutic value and a more minimal abuse potential.
  • Schedule V: Controlled substances that fall under this category include cough syrups with codeine and other prescription drugs. These have significant medical value and minimal potential for addiction and abuse.

Get Advice From An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. All You Have To Do Is Call 215-822-7575 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.

These schedules act as a guideline for other drug charges, which can include the following:

Depending on your charges, potential penalties may be more or less significant. We have handled all types of drug crime cases, so no matter what charges you face, we may be able to help you get them minimized.

What Are the Drug Crime Classifications and Charges in Pennsylvania?

Regarding penalties for drug charges, the punishments depend on the offense itself and the controlled substance schedule category involved. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania divides drug charges into either simple possession or possession with intent to deliver. There are also punishments for drug paraphernalia. The details of these classifications and penalties include the following: 

Drug Paraphernalia

This charge involves possessing anything for growing, producing, preparing, compounding, harvesting, manufacturing, and storing drugs, whether you have already used or intend to use them. Penalties for this charge can be up to a one-year prison sentence and a $2,500 fine. If you are charged with providing a minor with drug paraphernalia, you may face up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Simple Possession

Simple possession charges involve the possession of drugs, and the penalties for a simple possession charge depend on the drug’s schedule. Punishments for simple possession charges include the following:

  • Possession of marijuana: This is a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania. If you possess 30 grams or less, you face up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Possessing more than 30 grams may result in up to one year in jail, $5,000 fines, and license suspension.
  • Possession of other controlled substances: Possession of schedule I, II, or III drugs range in penalties depending on the circumstances, but you may face up to one year in prison and $5,000 in fines for the first offense. These penalties increase with multiple offenses.

While marijuana is now legal in Pennsylvania for medical use, you must have a medical marijuana card and purchase it at a dispensary to possess it legally. 

Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID)

This charge comes with more significant penalties than simple possession, as it is a more serious charge. These punishments include the following:

  • Sale and distribution of marijuana: Pennsylvania considers this a felony if you sell and distribute over 30 grams of marijuana. You may face up to $15,000 in fines and up to five years in prison if charged. Selling marijuana to a minor may be punishable by up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
  • PWID of a controlled substance: Possessing and distributing any drug derived from a chemical or opiate is a felony charge in Pennsylvania with penalties of up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 fines depending on the drug’s schedule.

If you have been charged with any of these drug crimes, it is important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction. Our Abington drug crimes lawyers may be able to help get your charges and any potential penalties reduced.

How a Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Help With Your Charges

We understand that facing drug charges can be stressful, and you may find it challenging to figure out where to begin in defending yourself. If you contact our seasoned legal team, we may be able to help you in the following ways:

  • Thoroughly investigating your case
  • Gathering evidence to cast doubt on your charges
  • Using legal knowledge to answer your questions
  • Taking on judges and prosecutors with our innovative approach
  • Listening to your story and noting important details that we may use in your defense
  • Utilizing valuable resources to build a solid case
  • Negotiating with the court to achieve a successful outcome

With the help of our Abington drug crimes attorneys, you can alleviate some of the stresses that come with drug charges. We are a trustworthy team you can rely on to fight for your rights and better your chances of getting your charges reduced.

Consult an Abington Drug Crimes Lawyer at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.

We understand the anxiety of facing drug charges and potential penalties. The legal process that follows these charges may be complicated, but our Abington drug crimes attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. are well-versed in drug crime laws to answer all your questions and determine the best path forward to defend you.

Our talented Abington drug crimes attorneys have over 65 years of experience providing award-winning services to the Abington area. We are prepared to investigate your case and examine the facts to increase your chances of getting your charges minimized or dropped in the best case. For a free, confidential consultation, fill out our contact form or call us at (215) 822-7575.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense

FAQ: How can I obtain an expungement if I was convicted of a crime in Abington in the past?

Both arrests and convictions can appear on your permanent criminal record, which can be accessed by potential employers and landlords, among others. If conviction was for a summary arrest, and five years have passed without subsequent arrest or conviction, a criminal defense lawyer can petition to have your record expunged if all conditions to your conviction and punishment have been satisfied. However, certain sex crimes, such as rape and sexual assault, and other violent crimes may not be expunged if the victim was underage when the crime occurred.

FAQ: What if I was convicted of a crime when I was a minor, can I have my record expunged?

Pennsylvania law provides different standards for juveniles who were convicted of crimes and wish to have their records expunged. Expungement may be possible if (1) six months have passed since you completed your punishment, and you have not been arrested again, (2) six months have passed since you completed a diversionary program and no other conviction or adjudications are pending, (3) you have reached age 18, and six months have passed since you satisfied the terms and conditions of a summary conviction, you have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, or adjudicated delinquent, and you have no further pending charges for any felony, misdemeanor or delinquency. The District Attorney also must generally agree to the expungement.