Heroin Possession Defense Lawyer

It’s important to understand your constitutional rights when facing any type of criminal charges, but that can be especially true when it comes to misdemeanor or felony drug possession. Considering how severe penalties for a drug conviction can be, it’s critical to mount the strongest legal defense possible. 

Pennsylvania prosecutors typically prosecute heroin possession charges to the fullest extent of the law. Penalties for convictions can be harsh and have life-changing consequences. An experienced heroin possession defense lawyer with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. can help you understand and protect your legal rights. Having an attorney advocating for your rights can also make a significant difference in the severity of penalties you face.

What Penalties Can I Face for Heroin Possession in Pennsylvania?

Heroin possession can be either simple possession, a misdemeanor, or possession with intent to distribute (PWID), a felony. Potential penalties for a simple heroin possession conviction will be less severe than a felony PWID conviction. However, even first-time simple heroin possession penalties can be fairly harsh: up to two years of prison time and a $5,000 fine.

PWID, also sometimes called drug trafficking, refers to illegally distributing, producing, or manufacturing controlled substances. Penalties for a conviction of felony PWID of heroin can be as serious as up to 15 years of prison time and as much as a $250,000 fine. Other repercussions could include asset or property forfeiture or loss of freedoms like parental rights or the ability to own firearms.

What Options Do I Have to Fight These Charges?

Those who find themselves facing heroin possession charges should remember that allegations do not automatically equal convictions. The law requires each defendant to be presumed innocent of all charges until–and only if–a judge or jury finds them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors must overcome this high burden of proof in order to obtain a conviction.

You have several options to fight drug possession charges, and an experienced lawyer can help you explore all of these potential defenses. In some cases, authorities violate a person’s constitutional rights in their rush to arrest or accuse someone. If police fail to show they had probable cause to search for drugs, an attorney may be able to file a motion to suppress any evidence that resulted from that illegal search.

If that type of option isn’t possible in your case, an experienced defense lawyer may be able to help reduce the charges that you face. First-time drug offenders could qualify for a drug diversion or probationary program rather than facing prison time. In some cases, they may be able to go through such a program and have a full dismissal of charges.

Contact a Heroin Possession Defense Attorney at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.

A heroin possession defense lawyer with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. can help you mount a strong legal defense against Pennsylvania drug allegations. We are experienced in helping our clients ensure that their constitutional rights are protected at every step of the way. Don’t face this intimidating process alone. Contact us at (215) 822-7575 or online to schedule a free consultation.