North Huntingdon Drug Crime Lawyer

North Huntingdon Drug Crime Attorney

Drug charges are one of the most common reasons North Huntingdon residents visit the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas in nearby Greensburg. Drug charges carry serious potential consequences that can jeopardize your freedom and future. A North Huntingdon drug crime lawyer can represent you in court, where they can take proactive steps to reduce your chances of ever facing drug crime penalties.

Proven Drug Crime Defense Backed by Decades of Experience

Anyone facing drug crime charges in North Huntingdon quickly realizes that the state’s criminal justice system is daunting and unforgiving. The team of criminal defense attorneys at The Levenson Law Firm can balance the scales of justice in your favor by delivering exceptional legal services that fight the prosecution’s version of events.

Our attorneys bring several decades of combined criminal law experience to every case. As members of respected legal organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, our legal team stays informed on evolving drug laws and courtroom strategies.

Understanding Drug Crime Charges in North Huntingdon

Drug crime enforcement in North Huntingdon remains a top priority for local and federal authorities. In February 2025, police conducted a major raid on Star Smoke and Vape, uncovering illegal levels of Delta-8, Delta-9, and THCA products that were allegedly sold to minors.

Federal data shows that 409 drug cases were sentenced in the Middle District of Pennsylvania during fiscal year 2023 alone. Statewide, Pennsylvania reported a 9% drop in overdose mortality rates in 2023, with 37.1 deaths per 100,000 residents. Still, enforcement efforts remain strong, particularly in North Huntingdon neighborhoods like Shafton, Larimer, and Westmoreland City.

Common Drug Crimes

Common drug crimes cover a range of offenses involving controlled substances. Lower-level offenses include minor possession, while more serious offenses that can lead to prison time include drug manufacturing and trafficking.

Possession of drugs is one of the most frequently charged offenses and often involves drugs like:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Unauthorized prescription medications
• Fentanyl
• MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
• LSD (Acid)
• Psilocybin mushrooms

When someone is arrested in possession of large amounts of drugs, they may be charged with intent to distribute. Possessing packaging materials or large sums of cash can also be used as evidence that the suspect was involved in manufacturing or distributing drugs.

Operating a meth lab or growing marijuana illegally are considered serious offenses in Pennsylvania. These crimes may involve federal agents who may investigate a potential drug lab before getting court approval to raid a home or facility.

Other related crimes include drug paraphernalia possession and driving under the influence of drugs. Penalties for drug offenses can vary widely based on the type of drug that was confiscated. The amount of drugs and prior convictions can also affect what type of charges are brought.

Defense Strategies for Fighting Drug Crime Charges

There are several ways to beat a drug charge. One of the first steps we can take in your defense is to examine the evidence used against you to determine if the case is credible. If you were charged based solely on eyewitness testimony, we could argue that you were misidentified. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable and may not allow prosecutors to reach their burden of proof when proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Questioning whether you were in possession of or knew about the drugs is another common defense strategy. If the drugs were left in your car or near you without your knowledge, the prosecution may not be able to prove that you met the elements of the offense.

We can also explore whether your rights were violated during your arrest. Unlawfully obtained evidence can be deemed inadmissible in court. Any steps that reduce the severity of your charge could also position you for a favorable outcome in your case. For example, a trafficking charge might be reduced to simple possession if the defense can demonstrate there is insufficient evidence of intent to distribute.

How Plea Bargaining Could Affect Your Case

Although defendants have the right to a trial, the realities of backlogged dockets and limited jail capacity mean that prosecutors commonly rely on plea bargaining to resolve criminal cases. Once prosecutors review a case, they may offer a reduced sentence in return for a guilty plea. In some cases, prosecutors may even reduce the offense to entice the defendant to accept the deal.

Accepting a plea bargain agreement generally does not mean that your case is automatically settled. There are often requirements to fulfill, such as undergoing probation and complying with drug testing restrictions throughout that period. Any plea bargain must be approved by the judge overseeing your case.

For many defendants, a favorable plea bargain agreement can allow the accused party to avoid serious penalties. While you are not required to accept the offer, it’s important to understand that prosecutors are not obligated to extend a better deal later. Our legal team can play a critical role when it comes to evaluating any plea bargain agreement.

Why You Should Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

The decision to hire a drug crime lawyer can be an important first step for protecting your rights and fighting your charges. An attorney from our firm who understands North Huntingdon drug crime laws can explore effective defense strategies that could lead to your charges being reduced or dropped.

Having an attorney allows you to have a representative who speaks on your behalf. With legal representation, you are at risk of saying something incriminating that could compromise your case. Our attorneys bring decades of experience helping clients navigate the criminal justice system.

We can advise you on which legal strategies to pursue. If you have questions about the potential outcomes of any decisions you make, such as accepting a plea bargain agreement, we can advise you accordingly. If your case goes to trial, legal representation plays a critical role in the outcome of your case. Our team can prepare for a trial, where we argue before a judge or jury that you did not commit the crime of which you are accused.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Drug Crime Lawyer Cost in PA?

A: The cost of a drug crime lawyer in PA depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of the charges, and the attorney’s experience and reputation. Misdemeanor drug cases generally cost less to defend than felony charges like trafficking. While some lawyers charge flat fees, others bill hourly. Our reputable lawyers are open and transparent about their fee structure and billing practices.

Q: How Can You Beat a Drug Possession Charge?

A: You can beat a drug possession charge by challenging the legality of the initial search and scrutinizing the evidence used by the prosecution. If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, for example, any evidence they collected may be ruled inadmissible in court. Other defenses include proving that you lacked knowledge about the drugs or that the substance wasn’t illegal. Our skilled lawyers can examine every possible angle to get the case dismissed.

Q: Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Pennsylvania?

A: First-time drug offenders may avoid jail if their attorney can secure alternatives to incarceration, like diversion programs or probation, especially for charges like marijuana possession. Options like Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) are available in some counties and can keep a conviction off your record. More serious drug charges may need to be fought in court, such as possession with intent to deliver or trafficking.

Q: Is Drug Trafficking Hard to Prove?

A: Drug trafficking charges can be hard to prove, depending on the evidence. Prosecutors must prove that you intended to distribute drugs. In other words, that you did not use the drugs solely for personal reasons. Law enforcement and prosecutors infer the intent of the defendant by considering the quantity of drugs present as well as the presence of packaging materials. These can be subjective decisions that can be fought in court with the help of a defense attorney.

Q: What Happens After a Drug Crime Arrest in Pennsylvania?

A: After a drug crime arrest, the court process typically includes arraignment, bail hearings, pre-trial conferences, and potential plea negotiations. Your attorney may seek a dismissal of your case or for evidence to be suppressed. After a drug charge in Pennsylvania, your lawyer may work to negotiate reduced charges or push for a trial date to be set. Each decision you make along the way can dramatically affect your future and the outcome of your case.

Find Effective Solutions for Your Drug Crime Charges

Drug charges can quickly escalate from simple possession to more severe offenses like distribution or trafficking. Aggravating factors like prior offenses can also leave your future and freedom in jeopardy. Given the stakes, hiring a drug crime attorney with experience is critical for securing a favorable outcome in your case.

At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, we bring decades of federal and state criminal defense experience to the benefit of our clients. Stanton Levenson, a Harvard Law graduate, works alongside his daughter, Amy Levenson Jones, a former federal judicial clerk. Together, they build strong, detail-oriented defense strategies that deliver results. Contact our office today to learn how our legal team can fight your charges.