Both law enforcement officers and legislators in Pennsylvania view illicit drugs as a serious threat to public health. Accordingly, the state has passed laws that impose harsh penalties for drug-related offenses. A conviction for drug crimes in West Chester could rob you of your freedom, reputation, and money. However, a lawyer can represent you in court and contest these charges.
A West Chester criminal defense lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. can protect your rights, whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge. Our legal team will do everything we can to instill reasonable doubt in jurors’ minds, then pursue a favorable outcome.
Our Drug Crimes Lawyer in West Chester Manages These Cases
Pennsylvania drug law classifies several different drugs as illegal or controlled substances. It also prohibits several different drug-related activities. We defend clients facing charges related to:
- Simple possession (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines)
- Possession of drugs with intent to distribute
- Manufacture of narcotics or illegal drugs
- Conspiracy to traffic or distribute illegal drugs
- Illegal possession of prescription drugs
- Illegal distribution of prescription drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
If you don’t see your specific case listed here, you could still benefit from working with our criminal defense lawyers.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving West Chester, call (610) 680-7842
Our West Chester Drug Crimes Lawyer Is a Former Prosecutor
Putting yourself in your adversary’s shoes can be an advantage in any battle. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. was founded by David McKenzie, who spent time as an Assistant District Attorney in Dauphin County before opening his firm. This experience gave Attorney McKenzie insight into how prosecutors build drug cases, teaching him different defense strategies.
Attorney McKenzie knows what defenses are effective, and he knows where to attack the prosecution’s case. In a trial where your freedom is on the line, every potential advantage counts, and Attorney McKenzie’s experience can be to your benefit as a defendant.
Our West Chester Lawyer Offers Client-Centered Care That Puts You First
Almost everything about being a criminal defendant is stressful. That’s why we believe in doing more than just practicing law; we believe in client service. When you partner with a criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can communicate with them when you need to. If you have a question about your case, simply reach out to us in whatever way you feel most comfortable.
We communicate with clients via emails, phone calls, texts, and even social media. We don’t just believe in practicing law; we believe in serving our clients. The way we see it, the more informed you are as a defendant, the better we can work together.
West Chester Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Your West Chester Drug Crimes Attorney Strategizes Your Defense
Drug crimes are emotional issues that touch many areas of society, and defendants in drug crimes cases are not always treated fairly in the criminal justice system. Our drug crime lawyer will protect your rights throughout the trial. You’re innocent until proven guilty––and we ensure the court system treats you that way.
We will put our experience to work to formulate a criminal defense that gives you the best chance of a positive outcome. The reality is there are numerous potential defenses against drug charges. Your West Chester drug crimes lawyer may assert that:
The Police Engaged in Entrapment
Entrapment is when an undercover officer coerces you into committing a crime that you wouldn’t normally. Here’s an example. Imagine that an undercover police officer posed as a drug dealer, threatening your life if you didn’t buy an illicit substance. Because you wouldn’t have engaged in this behavior had you not been threatened, we can argue that the police overstepped their boundaries when attempting to make an arrest.
You Are Not Guilty of the Charges You Face
The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you participated in a drug-related crime. If there isn’t evidence to support the prosecution’s case, we could argue to have your charges dismissed.
The Police Unlawfully Conducted Your Arrest
Police officers must have probable cause to arrest or search you. They can’t just pull over random people, search them, and hope that someone possesses illicit substances. If we can prove you were searched unlawfully, it may be grounds to have any evidence uncovered during the search dismissed.
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Our Law Firm Protects You From the Penalties of a Drug Crime Conviction
Per state law, the penalties of a drug crime depend on many things, including your criminal record, the type of drug, and the nature of the crime itself. For instance, an arrest for simple possession of marijuana (less than 30 grams) is punishable by up to 30 days of jail time and a fine of up to $500. An arrest for more than 30 grams of marijuana is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Penalties for a first-time conviction of “harder” drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, include up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000. However, even a first offense with some drugs carries a mandatory minimum sentence, which means you must serve at least one year. A second conviction for simple possession can lead to a maximum three-year prison term and/or a fine up to $25,000.
Long story short: our lawyer protects you from the penalties of a drug crime conviction. At the conclusion of your case, we want you to walk away with your rights, dignity, and freedom intact.
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Get Peace of Mind With a West Chester Drug Crimes Lawyer
Being arrested for a drug crime in West Chester is not the end of your life. You have the right to secure assistance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. When McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. takes your case, we take on your case like it’s our freedom on the line. We do everything in our power to present a compelling case to the judge and jury, considering any relevant factors.
Our drug charges team offers free consultations to anyone facing criminal charges in West Chester. No matter how difficult you think your case is, we want to help, and we are here for you. Secure legal representation today.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
