Erie Drug Possession Lawyer

Whether you are charged with possession or a more serious drug-related offense, a conviction could lead to confinement at Erie County Prison or the nearby State Correctional Institution – Albion. With legal representation from an Erie, PA, drug possession lawyer, you can fight your charges and avoid the most serious penalties under the law.

Why Choose The Levenson Law Firm?

Being arrested and charged with a drug crime can be an unsettling experience. The criminal defense team at The Levenson Law Firm is here to help by offering strategic legal counsel that creates a path toward a favorable outcome in your case. We don’t settle for unfavorable plea bargain agreements and are always honest and upfront with our assessments and advice.

Trust our legal team, which has decades of experience, to always place your interests first. We know that the criminal courts can be an unforgiving and intimidating place. Working with an established criminal defense team can balance the scales of justice in your favor so that you do not have to worry about facing the severe consequences of a drug crime.

Understanding Drug Possession Charges and Defenses in Erie

Drug possession charges are a common reason why defendants are ordered to appear at the local courthouse. The charges are often linked to traffic stops, public complaints, or overdose response calls. In the first nine months of 2024, Erie reported 187 overdoses, which was down from 297 during the same period in 2023.

Overdose deaths also declined. There were 26 overdose deaths in 2024 compared to 51 the year prior. While these drops are encouraging, they have not slowed aggressive drug enforcement at the local and state levels.

Depending on the type and amount of drug confiscated, defendants can face misdemeanor or felony charges. Being arrested on federal property can lead to federal prosecution. The nearest federal facility, FCI McKean in Lewis Run, holds 1,066 inmates.

The Consequences of a Drug Possession Conviction in Erie

A drug charge conviction leads to immediate and long-term consequences. You could lose your freedom and be taken to the local county jail to serve a misdemeanor sentence. Even first-time offenses handled at the Erie County Courthouse on West 6th Street can lead to serious consequences if the substance is classified as a serious drug.

Convictions can also adversely affect future job prospects, housing eligibility, and the loss of certain professional licenses. Repeated offenses or possession near schools or public parks can lead to enhanced penalties. In some cases, charges involving fentanyl or large quantities of narcotics tied to gang activity may lead to federal prosecution.

Why You Need a Strong Legal Defense for Drug Possession in Erie

Police in Erie often file drug possession charges quickly, especially during traffic stops near Peach Street or in downtown areas like Perry Square. These cases may start with minor infractions but escalate quickly once drugs or paraphernalia are found.

Prosecutors at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office push hard for convictions, even in cases involving small amounts of a drug. Without strong legal defense, a simple possession charge can spiral into probation violations, license suspensions, or even time in jail.

An attorney can investigate whether your rights were violated during the arrest and offer strategies for fighting your charges so you do not end up with a serious drug charge conviction that follows you for life.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Get a Possession Charge Dismissed in PA?

A: You can get a possession charge dismissed in PA if evidence was gathered through an illegal search or the arrest lacked probable cause. Charges may also be dropped when lab results are inconclusive or substances are mishandled. Dismissals often rely on procedural flaws in how the case was built. Challenging weak points in the state’s case early on increases the chance of stopping prosecution before it moves forward.

Q: How Do You Beat a Possession Charge in PA?

A: Beating a charge in PA often involves proving the drugs were not yours or that you did not know they were present. Successful defenses may also show that law enforcement violated your rights during a stop, search, or arrest. If the chain of custody is broken or the evidence is unreliable, the entire case may collapse before reaching a courtroom verdict.

Q: How Much Is a Lawyer for Simple Possession?

A: The cost of hiring a lawyer for simple possession may vary depending on the complexity of the charges and the location. While legal costs are important, the greater concern is avoiding a permanent criminal record, license suspension, or probation. The long-term consequences of a conviction can include difficulty with jobs, housing, or education. Investing in strong legal representation can lead to long-term outcomes that make the cost of an attorney well worth it.

Q: How Do I Win a Drug Possession Case?

A: You win a drug possession case by finding errors in the prosecution’s case, such as unlawful searches, faulty lab results, or unreliable witnesses. The state must prove possession beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are gaps in evidence or credibility issues, charges may be dropped or reduced. Strong cases fall apart when investigators overlook procedures or rely on assumptions rather than solid proof.

Q: Is Possession Always a Felony in Pennsylvania?

A: No, possession is not always a felony in Pennsylvania. Simple possession is usually charged as a misdemeanor, especially for first-time offenses involving small amounts of controlled substances. However, the charge can escalate to a felony if the quantity suggests intent to deliver, if it involves certain substances like fentanyl, or if the accused has prior drug convictions.

Prepare Your Defense Today by Contacting The Levenson Law Firm

A drug crime conviction can follow you for life. With strong legal representation, your charges can be reduced or dropped. At The Levenson Law Firm, our trial-ready defense attorneys use a range of strategies tailored to your case, from challenging the evidence to questioning the legality of searches and seizures.

Once you secure representation from our firm, we can focus on building a strong defense by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and fighting for a favorable outcome. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.