Drug charges can have a lasting effect on your life, regardless of whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. A conviction will automatically show up on a background check. If you are looking at a career in the field of medicine or are already working in that field, a drug charge may prevent you from getting or renewing your occupational license. You need our knowledgeable drug possession lawyers to defend your rights.
The attorneys of Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, P.C., understand how serious any drug charge can be. We also understand how frightening it is to be up against the criminal justice system, whether you were charged with simple possession or possession with the intent to deliver. We offer competent counsel and compassionate care, and we are on your side from beginning to end. The sooner we are hired as your legal counsel, the greater the opportunity for us to limit the amount of trouble you may be in. Part of our job is damage control; this may include representing you during initial interviews and hearings or negotiating the charges against you before they are filed.
Protecting Your Future And Your Freedom with Drug Possession Lawyers
Many drug crimes are considered felonies in Pennsylvania, even if it is your first arrest. A felony charge can have lasting effects, including not being able to own a gun. A drug crime conviction can result in a sentencing enhancement if you are convicted of any other crime further down the road.
For students, a drug charge may result in loss of your scholarship funding or expulsion from school. We represent students at the following Lancaster-area institutions:
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Millersville University
- Elizabethtown College
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
- Lebanon Valley College
Our experienced trial attorneys look for all possible defenses in your case. We will be honest with you about the charges you are facing and explain all of your options, which may include alternative sentencing possibilities such as drug court and boot camp instead of jail. Our goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
Aggravating Factors In Pennsylvania Drug Cases
Being caught in possession of any amount of drugs, narcotics, designer drug or any dangerous controlled substance is a crime in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. You may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the type of drug you were caught with, amount of drug and your criminal history. There are certain aggravating factors that can further complicate your drug possession charges such as being caught with the drugs in you car, automobile or vehicle. If you have been caught with drugs in Pennsylvania contact our attorneys for consultation.
Driving While In Possession Of Narcotics Penalties
If caught driving with drugs in your car you may face:
- Criminal drug possession or trafficking charges
- Felony drug charges
- Vehicle may be impounded
- License revocation or suspension
- Fines
- Possible probation, house arrest or jail sentence
Drugs Commonly Found In Vehicles In Pennsylvania
Many drugs are used recreationally today and can be transported in a vehicle. Examples are:
Bath salts
Heroin
Hashish
Methamphetamines
Marijuana
Ecstasy/MDMA
Cocaine
Illegally obtained prescription medications
Drug paraphernalia
Driving While In Possession Of Street Drugs Defense
Our attorneys will thoroughly analyze all circumstances surrounding your drug possession case. In addition, we will make sure the police had probable cause to pull you over initially, that they had the right to search your vehicle and he will determine whether or not you were aware the drugs were in your car.
Let our attorneys put their experience defending DUI and drug possession cases to work for you. We represent both Pennsylvania residents and non-Pennsylvania residents who were caught with drugs in their car at time of a routine traffic stop. Our team will fight to protect your rights and do everything possible to lessen the consequences of your pending criminal charges. We handle both misdemeanor drug possession charges and felony drug possession charges.
Contact Our Drug Possession Lawyers Today
Our drug possession lawyers are here for you when you need us. Call us at (610) 685-8000 or contact us online to schedule your free 30-minute initial consultation. We can meet with you at our office in Reading or Lebanon, and we will come to you in jail, if necessary.
