DRUG CRIMES – MDMA/Ecstacy, PCP, Hallucinogens (LSD)
What happens when you are charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania?
MDMA (Ecstasy), PCP, Hallucinogens (such as acid or mushrooms) and methamphetamine have become increasingly popular over the years, especially with teenagers and college students. As such, so have the amount of arrests in connection with these drugs.
They are classified as Schedule I and II drugs under Pennsylvania and Federal law and possession of either is a very serious offense in Pennsylvania.
If you are charged with possession of one of these “party drugs” you may be wondering what is the worst that could happen. The answer is many things that could potentially ruin your life and your future – like jail time, a suspended license, huge fines and a permanent criminal record.
These are life-altering consequences – making it difficult to find a job, a place to live, get into college or even obtain car insurance. However, you are still innocent until proven guilty.
An arrest is not a conviction.
An arrest can be extremely scary and you will need the expertise of a skilled and aggressive Pittsburgh Drug Lawyer to help navigate the court system. A knowledgeable criminal attorney will prepare and build a strong case in your defense.
At Shrager Defense Attorneys, we will fight your charges with the intent of having your sentence reduced or your charges completely dropped and your record wiped clean.
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PITTSBURGH DRUG LAWYERS
Don’t Be Scared; Be Prepared!
An arrest is not a conviction.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540
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Possession of MDMA, PCP, Hallucinogens in PA – Charges, Penalties & Sentencing
There are sentencing guidelines that courts in Pennsylvania and the U.S. Federal Courts must follow for drug convictions, misdemeanors and felonies. These guidelines are very severe for narcotics. Read the full PA sentencing guidelines here.
Read the U.S. federal trafficking penalties.
The below penalties apply after a drug conviction for MDMA/Ecstasy, PCP, acid, and mushrooms, according to Pennsylvania drug sentencing guidelines.
Simple Possession of Schedule I or II Drugs (less than two grams)
The punishment for a simple possession of a Schedule I or II drug conviction in Pennsylvania is a misdemeanor that carries a mandatory minimum of one year in prison, a $5,000 fine and six month license suspension for a first time offense.
Generally speaking, if you are charged with simple possession, it is usually believed by the police or arresting officer that the small amount of narcotics you had in your possession were intended for personal use only.
Possession does not mean you have to be physically holding the drugs in your hand. They can be anywhere on your person, or anywhere it is deemed you have “control”, such as your car or somewhere inside your home.
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule I or II Drugs
Possession with Intent to Deliver, or PWID of drugs, is also known as drug trafficking. You may face these charges if the police suspect you of selling, distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance.
If you are found with a high quantity of a Schedule I or II drug, you may be charged with PWID.
Penalties upon conviction of PWID MDMA, PCP or Hallucinogens (LSD) include:
- MDMA (Schedule I Non-Narcotic): Felony, imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), or both.
- LSD (Schedule I Non-Narcotic): Felony, imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), or both.
- PCP (Schedule II Non-Narcotic: Felony; imprisonment not exceeding ten years, or a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), or both. This fine can be increased to exhaust the profits obtained from the illegal activity.
If you are charged with PWID of Methamphetamine, PCP, Acid, Mushrooms or MDMA/Ecstasy, you may be charged in both Pennsylvania and United States Federal courts. If this is the case, you will need an experienced federal attorney to help defend your rights.
Read the United States Federal Trafficking Penalties for MDMA (Ecstasy), PCP, Hallucinogens and Methamphetamine for more information.
_________________________________________________________
PITTSBURGH DRUG LAWYERS
Don’t Be Scared; Be Prepared!
An arrest is not a conviction.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540
_________________________________________________________
WHAT A PA DRUG ATTORNEY CAN DO FOR YOU
If you find yourself under arrest for possession of a drug you should immediately seek the help of an attorney. An experienced drug crime attorney has the ability to examine police reports, interview witnesses, and make sure there was probable cause for arrest.
Perhaps you were found with drugs in your car but the police stopped you unlawfully. A knowledgeable attorney will be of utmost importance. In addition, an attorney also knows the law and will be invaluable in helping to explain your situation to you, in terms you can understand.
Oftentimes people who are charged with drug possession are struggling with addiction. An aggressive attorney may be able to persuade the District Attorney to allow you to enter a drug treatment program instead of serving time in prison.
Options exist like The Allegheny County Drug Court Program, which is a rehabilitative program that can shorten prison sentencing. The Probation without Verdict Program (PWV) is another option which could allow your charges to be dropped completely and your criminal record expunged.
Protect your future: Call or Text David J. Shrager Today
An arrest for MDMA/Ecstasy, methamphetamine, PCP, mushrooms or other hallucinogens is a serious threat to your future and freedom. Attorney Shrager will aggressively attack the charges brought against you and build a strong defense to protect your future and your rights.
Our Pittsburgh law firm has won high profile cases for people who have been arrested or charged with drug crimes in Pennsylvania and neighboring states.
See what our clients have to say about how Attorney Shrager has handled their cases. Also see our Avvo reviews – Attorney Shrager has a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating.
We are dedicated to our clients and treat them with respect and dignity. We will work closely with you to help you understand your situation and your options and we are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
If you or a family member have been arrested or charged with a drug crime for any of the following, call Pittsburgh Attorney David Shrager today.
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FREE Legal Consultation
Call or Text 412-969-2540 right now for a FREE initial legal consultation. Speak directly with David J. Shrager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.
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