At the Law Office of Lonny Fish, our criminal defense attorneys proudly defend the constitutional rights of individuals who are facing drug crime charges in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. From drug possession, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, drug cultivation, and possession of paraphernalia to illegal assembly of chemicals, our respected and effective team of criminal attorneys is fully equipped to vigorously defend your rights and challenge the evidence against you. We may be able to have your charges reduced, or even have your case dismissed.
However, it is important that you contact us as soon as possible for help. The earlier our drug crime defense lawyers are able to get involved in your case or the investigation into your alleged activities, the more strongly positioned we will be to dispute the accusations against you. The longer you wait to seek legal help and hire a defense attorney, the fewer strategies will remain viable in the defense of your case.
At Liberty Law Team, our attorney Lonny Fish has years of experience defending the rights of the accused. He will fight for you and do everything in his power to get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today at (215) 732-3474 for a free consultation.
Types of Drug Charges Our Criminal Lawyers Handle
At the Law Offices of Lonny Fish, we comprise a team of highly successful criminal defense attorneys who have years of experience representing defendants charged with misdemeanor drug offenses and felony drug offenses. As such, we possess an in-depth and exceptional understanding of the laws surrounding your case. We know exactly how to build an effective defense strategy that is based on compelling evidence. You can be confident that we will utilize and exhaust each of our resources in the fight to reach a favorable resolution on your behalf.
Our Philadelphia criminal defense law firm is equipped to handle a wide array of drug charges, ranging from minor offenses to extremely serious federal crimes such as allegations of interstate drug trafficking. Types of drug-related criminal cases we handle include:
- Drug Possession/Possession of Controlled Substances (Actual Possession, Constructive Possession): Possessing even a small amount of an illegal drug can result in a felony charge. The penalties for this offense can range from probation to several years in prison.
- Manufacturing: If the police allege that you were involved in the manufacture of drugs, you will be facing felony charges. The penalties for this offense depend on the type of drug involved but can range from several years to life in prison.
- Trafficking: Trafficking is the most serious drug offense and is punishable by up to 40 years in prison. Also, because trafficking involves large amounts of drugs, you may be facing federal charges.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Bongs, Pipes, Drug Equipment)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute/Deliver (PWID): If the police believe that you are selling drugs or intend to sell them, you will be facing more serious charges. This offense is usually a felony and can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
- Prescription Fraud
- Selling Drugs to Minors
We have experience investigating alleged crimes involving many types of narcotics and controlled substances, ranging from commonly charged substances like cocaine and marijuana (pot, weed, cannabis) to less frequently prosecuted substances such as peyote and DMT. We understand the unique sentencing laws and drug diversion programs that apply to each substance and use our nuanced understanding of Pennsylvania’s drug laws to fight for outcomes that are favorable to our clients.
Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction in Philadelphia
A drug crime conviction can have a lasting effect on your life. If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose your right to vote and own a firearm. You may also have trouble finding a job or housing.
A drug crime conviction can also lead to immigration consequences if you are not a U.S. citizen. You may be deported or denied entry into the country if you are convicted of certain drug crimes.
If you have been charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Liberty Law Team, our attorney Lonny Fish has years of experience defending the rights of people just like you.
The penalties for drug charges depend on factors like what type of substance is involved, the quantity of the substance involved, and the nature of the alleged offense. Some drug crimes are graded as misdemeanors, while others are prosecuted as high-level felonies carrying years or decades of prison time. Other penalties that can result from a drug-related conviction include probation, loss of your driver’s license, and the creation of a criminal record, which can cause problems when you are applying for jobs, loans, student programs, training programs, or housing.
Due to the extremely serious nature of drug offenses, it is imperative that you take immediate action. You need to secure the representation of a highly skilled and reputable Philadelphia criminal defense attorney.
What are Ways to Defend Yourself Against Drug Crime Charges?
Common defenses of drug crimes are the mere presence or mere association. As always, the Commonwealth has the burden of proving that a crime occurred and identifying you as an actor. Another defense strategy could be that the narcotics possessed were for personal use or that one was not in possession or constructive possession of the item(s).
If an item is not on one’s person, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was constructively possessed. In order to prove constructive possession, one must prove that one has the knowledge, dominion, and the intent to exercise control over that item.
Additionally, one can defeat a drug charge by litigating motions to suppress. If items were recovered as a result of an unlawful search and seizure, them, and their fruits would be prohibited at trial.
At times, those who sell drugs do so to support their own habits. To those, there are many programs available, including Drug Court, Section 17, ARD, Veterans Court, State Intermediate Punishment, and County intermediate punishment. If these programs are not an option, at sentencing, it is important to stress rehabilitation rather than jail for those who need it. Alternatively, many of these drug cases can be defended. Which Drugs are Most Often Associated with Drug Crime Charges?
The following drugs are most often associated with drug crime charges:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- LSD
- PCP
Our Philadelphia Drug Crime Attorneys Can Help
If you or a family member has been arrested for a drug offense in the Philadelphia area, you need to contact the Law Office of Lonny Fish as soon as possible for legal assistance. We bring decades of collective experience to the table and would be proud to offer you the hard-hitting defense strategies that you require at this time. It is important to understand that drug offenses are heavily investigated, severely prosecuted and aggressively sentenced throughout the state of Pennsylvania. You need a fierce advocate to help you navigate through the complexities of the legal system.
Do not try to face your charges alone .A drug crime lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed. At Liberty Law Team, we will work hard to get you a favorable outcome in your case. Don’t wait until it is too late; call us today at (215) 732-3474 to schedule a free consultation. We will fight for you.