Pennsylvania courts impose hefty penalties upon anyone convicted of drug possession, sale, or distribution charges. These penalties were created to address the growing drug problem throughout the country and to prevent drug-related deaths that have resulted from these infractions. If you were arrested on a drug charge, you should hire a Criminal Lawyer in Bucks County promptly.
Possession of Marijuana
As outlined in the Pennsylvania drug laws, anyone who is convicted of possession of thirty grams or less of marijuana will receive a jail sentence of thirty days and incur a fine of $500. If the quantity in the individual’s possession exceeded thirty grams, he or she faces a maximum sentence of one year with a $5,000 fine, and license suspension for six months. When this is the case, the court may choose to file possession with the intent to sell charges instead of simple possession.
If the accused is convicted of a first-offense, it is probable that the judge will assign probation instead of the above penalties. However, if this conviction is a second or further offense, the judge has the right to double the penalties.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
These charges apply to possession of drugs to include but not limited to heroin, cocaine, meth, or oxycontin. Anyone who is convicted of a first-offense possession charge receives a maximum of one year in prison with a fine of $5,000. The assigned prison sentence for additional convictions is based on the number of convictions. For instance, a second-offense incurs a two-year prison sentence and so on. However, anyone convicted of possession of crack cocaine in a quantity of five grams or more will receive a minimum of five years in prison.
Pennsylvania imposes strict penalties for drug offenses. These offenses do include possession of paraphernalia and the distribution of marijuana. If convicted of these infractions, the accused could face up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500. Anyone who is convicted of selling to a minor is charged with a felony with a sentence of at least two years and a $5,000 fine. If you were arrested for a drug charge, you should hire a Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer in Bucks County without delay.
