There is no reason you need to face a Montgomery County drug possession accusation or charge on your own. Having a drug possession defense lawyer on your side can reduce the stress and fear you experience, and help you know what to expect during the criminal justice process.
We may argue that the prosecution should drop the charges against you. If this is not possible, we will advocate on your behalf and use legal strategies to pursue the lowest penalties possible based on the facts of your case.
What are the six stages of the criminal justice process?
David McKenzie, a drug possession lawyer in Montgomery County, will walk you through the criminal justice process, including:
- Explaining and protecting your rights
- Offering legal advice and guidance
- Representing you to the prosecution, judge, and jury
- Presenting substantial evidence of your side of the story
- Advocating on your behalf
- Arguing for the best possible outcome in your case
We believe one false allegation or even a small mistake should not determine your future opportunities. We will fight for you. Call us today at 610-680-7842 for your initial consultation.
Pennsylvania Treats Drug Convictions as Serious Offenses
The penalties you may face if convicted of a drug offense vary, depending heavily on:
- The drug in question
- The quantity of the drug
- Your history of run-ins with the law
Other factors may play a role, as well:
- If police believe you helped a minor get or use drugs
- You were in a school zone or other place where minors are present
- You also possessed a weapon
- Police think you intended to sell the drugs
For example, if they arrested you for having a small amount of marijuana for personal use, and you have no previous convictions, you will likely face misdemeanor charges. A misdemeanor could mean up to one month in jail and a $500 fine. We may be able to argue for probation instead of jail time.
Now imagine that you had 100 grams of narcotics in your possession instead. Possession of Schedule I and II drugs have severe consequences. A conviction involving 100 grams or more may call for up to five years in prison and a $25,000 fine for the first offense. A second offense doubles the maximum penalty and calls for up to seven years in prison.
Because of the dangers of narcotics, possessing even two grams — especially if police have any reason to believe you might intend to traffick it — can lead to significant fines and jail time.
Of course, the penalties of a drug conviction do not end at the sentence handed down by the judge. The consequences of this type of conviction are pervasive and may affect almost every area of your life:
- A driver’s license suspension
- Loss of employment
- Difficulty finding a new job
- Hard time passing a background check
- Higher car insurance premiums
- Mandatory attendance in a drug abuse prevention program
- Losing the right to own a firearm
- Loss of parental rights or custody
The Role of a Drug Possession Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County
As attorneys who represent clients in drug possession cases all the time, we know the type of evidence and the strength of the case necessary for the prosecution to secure a conviction. We can build a robust defense strategy for you, in an effort to keep them from reaching the burden of proof in your case.
When you ask us to handle your case, we will immediately go to work investigating the situation and circumstances that led to your arrest, including:
- Gathering evidence to support your innocence
- Working to analyze the evidence the prosecution has against you
- Analyze the police’s actions to rule out rights violations
- Create a defense strategy based on the facts of your case
By getting a better understanding of precisely what happened before, during, and after your detainment or arrest, we can build a stronger case for arguing that prosecutors drop the charges against you or for getting an acquittal in court.
When those who stand accused or their family members call us early in the process, we can represent them when police first bring them in for questioning. An early start allows us to participate in the process and prevent the accused from incriminating themselves.
If you enlist our help this early in your case, we can:
- Sit with you and offer advice during police interviews.
- Ensure your rights remain protected.
- Stand beside you and represent you during your arraignment.
- Argue for lesser chargers or no charges filed.
Possible Outcomes of a Montgomery County, PA, Drug Possession Case
Depending on the facts of your case and the defense strategy we employ, some of the possible outcomes of a Montgomery County drug possession case include:
- We find evidence to prove that you are innocent, and request the prosecution drop the charges.
- We see evidence that police violated your rights, and ask the judge to throw out the evidence against you.
- We negotiate a plea deal, and you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for less severe penalties.
- You plead guilty to the drug possession charge and accept the given punishment, as is common when people do not have a lawyer on their side.
- The jury finds you guilty, and you receive a sentence from the judge.
- We present your side of the case in court and create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors.
Talk to a Drug Possession Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County About Your Case
If you face drug possession allegations or charges in Montgomery County, you do not have to try to fight this on your own. We can walk you through the criminal justice process, presenting a defense strategy to help minimize the impact this ordeal has on your future. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. is here for you. We will protect your rights and fight aggressively for a good outcome in your case.
You can reach Montgomery County drug possession lawyer David McKenzie today at 610-680-7842.
