Drug Charges

Delaware County Drug Charges Defense Attorney

The consequence of a drug charge conviction in Pennsylvania can be devastating. Conviction can lead to jail time in state or county prison, probation, treatment programs, large fines, the inability to hold a job, community service or deportation. My firm vehemently defends people against a wide array of drug charges. If you have been charged with possession, delivery, sales, drug trafficking, possession with intent to deliver, manufacturing, or other drug crimes, you need the right attorney on the job. As a former Assistant DA, I was promoted to handle felony drug cases after only a few months on the job.

Defending Against Harsh Mandatory Sentences

In drug cases, mandatory sentences usually apply. It is important to retain the right defense attorney for the job. Below I have provided a detailed chart of the various mandatory sentences that apply to drug crimes in Pennsylvania so that you can see the consequences for yourself.

Drug Offense Mandatories by Weight
35 P.S. §780-113(a)(14),(30), (37)
As authorized under 18 Pa.C.S.A.§7508

Controlled
Substance

Weight Requirements

Mandatory Minimum
1st Offense                        2nd or subsequent

Marijuana
(a)(1)

2lbs. to <10lbs.
10 to<21 live plants

1 yr & $5,000

2 yrs & $10,000

 

10 lbs. to <50lbs.
21 to <51 live plants

3 yrs & $15,000

4 yrs & $30,000

 

50 lbs +
51+ live plants

5 yrs & $50,000

$5 yrs & $50,000

Narcotics of
Schedule I or II
(a)(2)

2g to <10g

2yrs & $5,000

3 yrs & $10,000

 

10g to <100g

3 yrs & $15,000

5 yrs & $30,000

 

100g+

5 yrs & $25,000

7 yrs & $50,000

Cocaine (a)(3)

2g to <10g

1 yr & $5,000

3 yrs & $10,000

 

10g to <100g

3 yrs & $15,000

5 yrs & $30,000

 

100g+

4 yrs & $25,000

7 yrs & $50,000

Heroin (a)(7)

1g to <5g

2 yrs & $5000

3 yrs & $10,000

 

5g to <50g

3 yrs & $15,000

5 yrs & $30,000

 

50g+

5 yrs & $25,000

7 yrs & $50,000

 

Miscellaneous Drug Offense Mandatories
(No mandatory fines)

Charge Description

Mandatory Minimum

Authorizing Section

PROVIDES DRUG CONTRABAND TO PRISONER

2 years

18 Pa. C.S.A.§5123(a)

DELIVERY/PWI TO MINORS

1 year

18 Pa.C.S.A.§6134(a)
Violation of 35 P.S.780-113
(a)(14), (30) to a minor

DELIVERTY/PWI TO MINORS ENHANCED

2 years

18 Pa.C.S.A.§6314(b)
-w/intent to promote habitual use
-intended to engage minor in trafficking
-w/in 1,000 ft of school
-w/in 500 ft of school bus stop

SCHOOL ZONE
w/in 1,000 ft of school
w/in 250 of playground school bus

2 years

18 Pa.C.S.A. §6317

POSSESS FIREARM DURING PWI/DELIVERY

5 years

42 Pa.C.S.A. §9712.1

 

Defending People Charged in Drug Crimes Cases

My firm handles all types of drug crimes cases, including, but not limited to:

· Drug Possession: Marijuana (Pot), Crystal Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth), Speed, Cocaine (Coke), Heroin, Ecstasy (MDMA), LSD (Acid), Steroids, Prescription Drugs, and other Illegal Narcotics
· Intent to Distribute
· Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute
· Delivery
· Facilitation by Use of a Phone
· Drug Trafficking, Smuggling, and Conspiracy
· Drug Manufacturing, Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of Ephedrine or other Chemicals for  Manufacturing
· Illegal or Prescription Drugs
· Other Drug Crimes including Drug Charges involving Domestic Violence, Charges involving Guns or Firearms, or Drug Charges Involving Minors.

Contact Jason R. Antoine, Criminal Defense Attorney to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.