Fighting Drug/Narcotics Possession Charges in Pennsylvania
Drug possession is one of the most common charges in the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. Because the charge is so common, many lawyers — including both prosecutors and defense attorneys — have gotten used to treating every case pretty much the same way.
I'm Pittsburgh attorney Ralph Karsh, and I am devoted to doing what is right for each client. That means examining the facts of your specific case and helping you decide what to do. If you've been charged with drug possession, contact my office to set up a free consultation.
Protecting Your Future From the Consequences of Drug Charges
Possession of controlled substances for personal use is seen by many people as a relatively minor criminal charge. However, getting convicted of drug possession — whether the drug in question is marijuana, cocaine, heroin or anything else — can have major consequences.
It is definitely possible to get jail time for drug possession. Also, a criminal record for drug possession can be very damaging to your employment and educational options. It will also result in an automatic six-month suspension of your driver's license.
The consequences can be even worse if you are charged with possession with intent to distribute, which essentially means you are being accused of drug trafficking based solely on the amount of drugs the prosecutors claim you had.
Doing What It Takes to Achieve Your Personal Goals
There are two ways to fight the consequences of drug possession charges, and I am equally prepared to take either route for any client, no matter how seemingly minor the charge.
- It is often possible to minimize the damage of drug possession charges by applying for alternative rehabilitation programs or negotiating with prosecutors to reduce the charges to a summary offense.
- You also have a right to vigorously fight the charges in court, raising issues such as the credibility of the evidence and the legality of any searches and seizures.
- If you have been charged with having illegal drug paraphernalia, keep in mind that I have had considerable success in getting charges in these cases reduced to non-drug offenses.
I am ready to stand up for my clients' constitutional rights when they have been violated, but I also understand that many people want these charges to go away as quickly as possible, and I am familiar with the compromises that are commonly available.
Contact me to discuss what I can do to help you fight your drug possession charges.
