Drug Crimes

Fighting for you when you face drug-related charges
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Drug Crimes Attorney In West Chester, Pennsylvania

Facing Drug Trafficking Or Possession Charges?

A drug crime conviction can leave you with a permanent criminal record, thousands of dollars in fines, and land you in jail or state prison. That is why it is critical to start developing a defense strategy to fight the drug crime charges from the moment you get arrested. If you have been arrested, you can – and should – refuse to talk to the police before you speak with a lawyer.


Our team at the Strand Law Offices, LLC, is prepared to help you mount a defense against your drug charges. We work hard to defend our clients facing drug crime charges to protect their freedom and future. We handle drug crime cases in West Chester, Lancaster, and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania.

Contact Strand Law Offices, LLC to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. 610-708-0888

Federal Drug Crimes

Under certain circumstances, drug charges in Pennsylvania can become federal. Those circumstances include:


  • You were arrested for a drug-related crime by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA);
  • You were arrested on federal property; or
  • The alleged drug crime reached beyond the state’s borders.


If you face a federal drug charge, your charge will be heard in federal court. The penalties for federal drug crimes may include substantial prison time and hefty fines, resulting in $500,000 or more. If your drug crime was federalized, you must contact a skilled defense attorney who handles both state and federal drug crimes to help you fight the charges

Drug Charges in Pennsylvania

Each year, thousands of people are arrested for drug-related charges across Pennsylvania. In Chester County, which includes West Chester, about 5,000 people get arrested for charges related to drugs and alcohol, according to the website of the Office of Attorney General in Pennsylvania. Drug charges in Pennsylvania are categorized into three types:


  1. Possession. It is illegal to possess any amount of illicit drugs or controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and others.
  2. Delivery. Delivery, known as possession with the intent to deliver (PWID), means delivering, distributing, or selling illegal drugs. Several drugs found in the defendant’s possession can elevate possession charges to PWID.
  3. Manufacture. The third category of drug crime offenses applies to the cultivation and manufacture of controlled substances or illegal drugs. Possible penalties for drug manufacture charges can be rather severe.


If you have been arrested for any of these drug-related charges in Pennsylvania, consider contacting a drug charge defense attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to help you determine the most appropriate and effective defense strategy for your particular circumstances.

Drug Schedules

Pennsylvania law divides illegal drugs and controlled substances into five schedules. The schedules are based on the drug's potential for abuse and medicinal value. Below is the list of drug schedules and examples of drugs in each category:


  • Schedule I drugs have no medicinal value and the highest potential for abuse. Examples include marijuana, heroin, MDMA, LSD, and others.
  • Schedule II drugs have limited medicinal value and a high potential for abuse. Examples include methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, morphine, and others.
  • Schedule III drugs have a higher medicinal value and a potential for abuse that is lower than schedule I and II drugs. Examples include Vicodin, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and others.
  • Schedule IV drugs have a widely recognized medicinal value and a lower potential for abuse. Examples include Xanax, Valium, Soma, and others.
  • Schedule V drugs have the highest medicinal value and the lowest potential for abuse. Examples include Lyrica, Robitussin, and some cough medications that contain codeine.


Regardless of the illegal substance involved in your drug crime case, the penalties can be rather severe. Consider contacting a drug crime defense attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to determine the best defense options in your case.

Possible Penalties for Drug Charges

Drug crimes in Pennsylvania are either a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanor drug charges are punishable by up $5,000 in fines and a maximum jail sentence of 12 months. Possible penalties for felony drug charges can include up to $250,000 per count and a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. However, punishment is based on the type and schedule of the drug.


While drug possession carries a minor punishment than some others, a conviction on your record can have consequences that can impact the rest of your life.

Contact a Drug Crimes Attorney Today

If you have been charged with drug possession, trafficking, manufacture, or distribution, do not try to handle your criminal case alone. We understand the potential impact a drug crime conviction can have on your life. Our drug charges defense attorney at Strand Law Offices, LLC, has a proven track record of successfully defending clients in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster County. Call our law firm to schedule a consultation today and discuss your defense options.

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