Scranton Drug Crime Lawyer

A drug conviction in Pennsylvania carries consequences that go beyond court penalties. The state’s strict drug laws mean even minor possession charges can lead to severe impacts.

William D. Thompson of Thompson Law brings extensive criminal defense experience to each case he handles. As a Lackawanna County drug crime lawyer who understands the impact conviction has on individuals and families, he will listen to your story and develop an effective solution. Call for a free consultation. Se habla español.

Understanding Drug Crimes In Pennsylvania

Drug charges range from minor offenses to severe felonies. Even a small charge, such as simple possession, can have long-term consequences that may affect your employment, housing and access to professional licenses.

For more serious charges like manufacturing, trafficking or possession with intent to distribute, the penalties can include lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.

Mr Thompson’s experience as a Scranton drug crime lawyer allows him to handle these and other drug-related offenses:

• Simple possession of controlled substances
• Possession with intent to deliver or distribute illegal drugs
• Drug trafficking across state or county lines
• Manufacturing or cultivating controlled substances, including marijuana
• Possession of drug paraphernalia, such as syringes, pipes or scales

Each of these offenses carries varying degrees of penalties depending on the type and quantity of the drug involved, prior criminal record and specific circumstances of the case.

Hands-On Defense Strategies For Drug Charges

Every drug case presents unique circumstances requiring the careful legal analysis of an experienced Scranton drug crime lawyer. Common defense approaches include:

• Challenging unlawful searches and seizures: If the evidence against you was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, it may be excluded from the case.
• Arguing lack of intent: In some cases, the prosecution cannot prove that you knowingly possessed or intended to distribute drugs.
• Examining evidence integrity: The chain of custody for drug evidence must be properly maintained; any discrepancies could result in the dismissal of charges.

The prosecution must prove every element of a drug charge beyond a reasonable doubt. As such, a sound defense typically requires guidance from a drug crime lawyer with deep knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal law.

Drug Crimes And Pennsylvania’s Drug Court Programs

In some instances, individuals who have been charged with or convicted of a drug crime may be eligible to seek reduced penalties, including drug court programs. These types of programs attempt to break the cycle of substance abuse and addiction rather than forcing offenders into mandatory prison sentences that do not necessarily fix the true behavioral problem.

Pennsylvania drug courts primarily help offenders by enforcing the following:

• Judicial supervision
• Mandatory, frequent court appearances
• Mandatory, frequent drug testing
• Structured substance abuse treatment
• Recovery services and rehabilitation
• Other incentives to rehabilitate the offender

Court programs utilize a high level of supervision, which could include a drug court team. The drug court team is typically made up of a judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, probation officers, treatment providers and court coordinators. This helps ensure that the patient /offender has an effective balance of authority and support throughout his or her recovery. If an offender does not comply with the drug program, members of the drug court team are able to take prompt action in reinstating criminal proceedings or imposing the appropriate sanctions.

Take Action Today With A Scranton Drug Crime Lawyer