Drug crimes across the nation, and in Pennsylvania specifically, are rising. According to one of the latest Uniform Crime Reports published by the FBI, drug arrests, whether it’s a drug delivery, drug possession or prescription fraud, happen every 20 seconds. In fact, from 2015 to 2016, national drug arrests have substantially gone up, going from 1,488,707 to 1,572,579 in just one short year.

Under current Pennsylvania law, it is a crime to possess any drug including marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamines. And because state laws are constantly changing, Bucks County criminal defense lawyer Keith J. Williams wants to take this time to relay to residents the three things they need to know about our state’s drug possession laws.

Be Careful, Because Drug Possession Charges Could Be Permanent

Once you are charged and convicted of drug possession, it can be mighty difficult to get the charge off your record.  Under some circumstances, Pennsylvania law does allow expungements but is not likely in drug possession cases. In order to qualify for record expungement, the arrest has to be a “summary offense” (underage drinking or another minor charge) or the arrest must not result in a conviction.

Many Factors Influence Drug Possession Penalties

If you are charged with drug possession in Pennsylvania, there are a variety of factors that are considered when it comes to the penalties you may face. The four main factors usually depend on:

  • The substance involved.
  • The amount of the substance in your possession.
  • Past conviction history.
  • The intent.

Working with the right criminal defense attorney in Bucks County will help you navigate all of the intricacies involved with the many nuances of drug possession.

There are Some Viable Defenses Available for Drug Possession Offenders

If you have found yourself with a drug possession charge, there are some viable defenses available to you. Some examples are lack of knowledge or intent, the illegal substance was not yours, you have a prescription for the drug, you are a licensed or registered practitioner that can legally possess the drug, entrapment, and unlawful search and seizure.

Authorities will immediately start building a case against you if you are found in possession of an illegal drug. Therefore, it’s essential to get yourself an attorney right away to make sure your rights are protected.

If you or someone you know is in any type of drug possession trouble, do not hesitate to contact the Keith J. Williams Law Firm at 215-340-1134 for an honest and thorough analysis of the situation.