Pennsylvania Drug Trafficking Lawyers

Drug trafficking is a serious crime that carries heavy consequences, no matter where you are located. In Pennsylvania, drug trafficking is punished severely, with penalties including up to 20 years in state or federal prison—even for first-time offenders. Furthermore, a drug trafficking conviction can have serious ill effects on a person’s life after the prison sentence is served and can have a negative impact on many future prospects.

If you face these serious drug trafficking charges, the experienced attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford, P.C. can help. With more than 65 years of experience navigating the legal system, our team uses their working relationships, knowledge, and extensive courtroom skills to help you achieve the best possible resolution. Our attorneys can answer all of your criminal defense questions and can be your best resource in building a defense.

Pennsylvania Drug Trafficking Law

Drug trafficking or distribution in Pennsylvania is often termed “Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (PWID).” Controlled substances include illegal drugs and narcotics (i.e., marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, etc.) 

To prove a case for drug trafficking or distribution, a prosecutor must show beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant manufactured, grew, or obtained an illegal drug and then delivered it to another person or intended to deliver it to another person in Pennsylvania.

Consequences of Drug Trafficking in Pennsylvania

Given the stigma that drugs carry, the trafficking of illegal drugs or PWID is one of the most varied and harshly punished crimes in Pennsylvania. While mandatory minimum sentences are no longer implemented in drug cases, prosecutors and judges still have a wide range of options in deciding your fate based on several elements. The factors that will chiefly determine your sentence if you are convicted will be based on:

• your prior criminal history
• the type of drug in question
• the amount in your possession
• the classification of the drugs

If convicted, a drug trafficking charge can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. In addition, being charged with PWID can result in being tried in both Pennsylvania and federal courts, which can result in even more criminal penalties.

Beyond the consequences that are assigned in the courtroom, a drug trafficking conviction can impact you in ways that you could never have imagined. For example, trying to gain employment after being released from prison can be extremely difficult. This is especially true for those with felonies on their records. Another area you may struggle in is continuing your education. Most colleges screen for past convictions, and the majority of scholarships are off-limits to those with criminal records.

How a Pennsylvania Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney Will Fight for You

When it comes to drug charges, there are a number of defenses that can be used to help you avoid spending time behind bars. For example, an effective defense strategy often involves proving that the drugs did not belong to you. You might have been framed by a friend or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our skilled Pennsylvania drug trafficking defense lawyers can use their experience and understanding of how the system works to craft a strong plan of action.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford, P.C., we believe that trust is critical. That is why we strive to be as open as possible. Our attorneys will do everything in their power to guide you through each step of the legal process, from devising a legal strategy to considering plea bargains, and fighting passionately for you in court, if necessary.  We also understand how badly you want your freedom and will fight vigorously to help you regain it.

If you would like to find out how we can help you, call (215) 822-7575 or contact us here for a free consultation.