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 from 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 mildest 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 by:
- Explaining and protecting your rights
- Offering legal advice and guidance
- Representing you in interactions with the prosecution, judge, and jury
- Presenting evidence supporting your side of the story
- Advocating on your behalf
- Seeking the best possible outcome in your case
We believe one false allegation or even a small mistake should not determine your future. We will fight for you.
Pennsylvania Treats Drug Convictions as Serious Offenses
The penalties you may face if convicted of a drug offense vary depending on:
- The drug in question
- The quantity of the drug
- Your criminal history
Other relevant factors may include:
- If the police believe you helped a minor obtain or use drugs
- Whether you were in a school zone or other place where minors are present
- Whether you also possessed a weapon
- Whether police think you intended to sell the drugs
For example, if law enforcement arrested you for having a small amount of marijuana for personal use, and you have no previous convictions, you may face only 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.
However, if you had 100 grams of narcotics in your possession at the time of arrest, you’ll likely face more serious consequences. Possession of Schedule I and II drugs have severe consequences. A conviction involving 100 grams or more may result in up to five years in prison and a $25,000 fine for a first offense. A second offense can result in greater fines and a longer period of imprisonment.
Because of the dangers of narcotics, possessing even two grams — especially if police have any reason to believe you might intend to traffic 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. Non-legal consequences of a conviction may include:
- A driver’s license suspension
- Loss of employment
- Difficulty finding a new job
- Failed background checks
- 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 Lawyer in Montgomery County
As attorneys who represent clients in drug possession cases, we know what is necessary for the prosecution to secure a conviction. We can build a defense strategy for you.
When you ask us to handle your case, we will immediately go to work investigating the circumstances that led to your arrest. We may:
- Gather evidence to support your innocence
- Analyze the evidence the prosecution has against you
- Analyze the police’s actions to identify any 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 comprehensive case.
When the 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 charges or no charges filed.
Why Choose McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. to Defend You from Drug Possession Charges?
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. provides passionate representation to those facing drug possession charges in Montgomery County. Regardless of the severity of the allegations against you, a conviction or unfavorable plea could have lifelong consequences.
Lead attorney David McKenzie is a former criminal prosecutor. He views each client’s case from the perspective of both a defense attorney and a prosecutor. His experience on the prosecution’s side of a criminal case may be useful to you.
Our clients appreciate:
- That their attorney is available to them via text, email, or phone call—whenever you need him
- Our firm’s familiarity with the criminal justice system in Montgomery County
- Our active communication, as we ensure that clients are fully aware of each development in their case
- Our dedication to securing the best possible result in their cases
When clients find themselves in a jam, they know that McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. will work tirelessly to get them out of it.
We never accept the easy outcome of a case. We are seeking the best outcome for you and your loved ones. No two cases are alike, and we’ll take the approach that we believe is right for your case.
Client Testimonials Supporting McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.
Our former clients explain how David McKenzie and his team fought for them:
- “Excellence in every sense of the word! From the initial consultation to the hearings and conclusion of the case, David McKenzie kept me extremely informed, aware of all possible outcomes and plays, and ultimately resolved my case with the best possible outcome. Hands down, he is the absolute BEST! If you are in need of a criminal attorney and your freedom in any way has been threatened, look no further!” – Teresa Gibbs, former client
- “Nothing but good things to say about my experience with Attorney McKenzie. Being someone new to the legal process he always made himself available to answer any questions I had. He made sure I was informed every step of the way. Thank you for everything!” – John Ludwig, former client
- “David McKenzie was referred to us by a close friend and we could not have been happier with the results. David was professional, knowledgeable, effective and very family friendly. He made my son feel more at ease at a very stressful time. Would recommend in a heartbeat.” – James George, former client
- “Intelligent, honest and reasonably priced, Mr. McKenzie got the best possible outcome for my boyfriend. He will always return your calls, and never sends someone else from his office to handle his cases. Having hired many local lawyers over the years, I notice that you often speak with one person in the office yet see another in the court room. Not with Mr. McKenzie! He makes no false promises and lets you know all the possible end results so you can make an educated decision. Hire this guy!” – Stephanie Liebert, former client
These are just a few of the many positive testimonials attorney David McKenzie has earned. We’re ready to go to work for you, just as we did for these clients.
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 the 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 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 positive outcome in your case.
You can reach Montgomery County drug possession lawyer David McKenzie today at (610) 680-7842.
