Washington Drug Crime Lawyer

Washington Drug Crime Attorney

Drug crime charges in Washington, Pennsylvania, can lead to serious legal consequences, including incarceration, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. A Washington drug crime lawyer can navigate these complex cases, which are often prosecuted aggressively and may involve both state and federal laws.

Charges can stem from possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking in drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, or prescription medications obtained without a prescription. As a result of aggressive prosecution, even a misdemeanor drug charge can have a serious negative impact on your employment, housing, and future opportunities.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

With a legacy spanning more than five decades, Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices has built a reputation for handling complex drug crime cases in Washington, PA. The father-daughter team behind the firm has been repeatedly honored by Super Lawyers for over 15 years. We are active in organizations such as the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Our approach combines in-depth legal knowledge with a strategic focus on achieving practical, effective results for clients.

Common Drug Charges Prosecuted in Washington County

Understanding your charges marks the initial step toward constructing an effective defense. Drug crimes in Washington County range from small-time possession cases to large-scale drug trafficking operations. Charges could be for possession of:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Fentanyl
• Illegally obtained prescription pills

Possession with intent to deliver (PWID) is much more serious than simple possession. It can carry extensive prison sentences and significant fines. Manufacturing or cultivating a controlled substance also carries heavy penalties, especially when firearms and/or minors are involved. Drug cases in Washington County are handled in the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. Local prosecutors in the community take an aggressive stance against drug offenses.

Of the 1,465 Pennsylvania cases reported to the United States Sentencing Commission, 43.1% were drug charges, including trafficking and simple possession.

How Search and Seizure Laws Affect Drug Crime Cases

The Fourth Amendment provides protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. During the investigation of drug crimes, police commonly conduct searches of vehicles, residences, and personal property to obtain evidence for their case. In Washington County, police must have a valid warrant or meet a recognized exception to the warrant requirement before a search can be conducted.

Evidence that is found from an improper search, such as stopping someone without reasonable suspicion or searching a home without probable cause, may be thrown out of court in some cases. Challenging the validity of a search can be an effective defense strategy. An experienced Washington drug crime attorney can assess police conduct in your case and advise you on whether your constitutional rights have been violated.

What Should I Do If I’m Being Charged With a Drug Crime in Washington, PA?

If you are being charged with a drug crime in Washington, it is crucial that you remain calm and refrain from making any statements to the police until you have consulted a lawyer. Everything you say, even in casual conversation, can be used as evidence against you.

Contact a Washington drug crime lawyer as soon as possible so they can review the charges against you, inform you of your rights, and start building a defense strategy. Preserve any evidence that may be useful to your case, such as receipts, text messages, or information about potential witnesses.

Do not discuss the details of your case with friends, family, or social media contacts. Time is of the essence, so taking swift and strategic action can greatly improve the outcome of your case.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Pennsylvania?

A: Drug possession penalties in Pennsylvania vary based on the substance, the amount, and your prior convictions, if any. Simple possession of a small amount of marijuana may lead to fines and possible jail time, while possession of controlled substances, like heroin or cocaine, may carry felony charges and lengthy prison sentences. In Washington, PA, these cases are prosecuted under state law, but certain offenses may also lead to federal charges and harsher penalties.

Q: Can Drug Evidence Be Suppressed in Court?

A: Yes, drug evidence can be suppressed in court if it was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, such as during an unlawful search or seizure. A defense lawyer in Washington, PA, can file a motion to suppress evidence if the police lacked a warrant, had no probable cause, or did not follow proper procedures. Suppressing evidence can weaken the prosecution’s case, and it may even result in reduced charges or dismissal.

Q: What Is Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID)?

A: A felony in Pennsylvania, possession with intent to deliver (PWID) applies to individuals who possess controlled substances because they plan to sell or distribute them to others. In Washington, PA, the prosecutor often uses drug crime laws to check the quantity of drugs, packaging, scale, or cash for evidence of intent. Convictions for PWID are punished much more severely than those for simple possession.

Q: Can I Qualify for the Washington County Drug Court?

A: Washington County provides a drug court called The Washington Problem Solving Court for some non-violent offenders who suffer from substance abuse. Eligibility is based on the specific charges, your criminal history, and your willingness to accept treatment and supervision. The program offers the possibility of reduced sentences or dismissal of charges upon completion. An attorney can determine if you are eligible and assist you through the application process.

Contact a Washington Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug crime penalties can be life-altering. If you are convicted, these offenses may result in jail or prison time, substantial fines, and a criminal record that will stay with you forever. Defending against drug crime charges requires understanding complex Fourth Amendment concerns, along with constitutional and evidentiary defense strategies. Both federal and state authorities may take legal action against drug-related crimes.

At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, we have over 50 years of combined criminal defense experience and a history of handling high-stakes cases like yours. Our attorneys are experienced with the court system in Washington County, including local court procedures and how to counter the prosecution’s evidence.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, whether it be possession, PWID, or trafficking, it is essential to take immediate action. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.