If you or a loved one has been accused of drug trafficking in Philadelphia, a lawyer from our office can make sure you understand your rights. We want to fight hard to protect you from fines, prison time, and other legal penalties.
The legal system can be very challenging and unfriendly to those unfamiliar with its many intricacies. Let us guide you through the process. We want to do everything possible to get you through this difficult time.
Drug Trafficking Penalties
According to state law, as codified at 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 7508, the penalties an individual may face for drug-related crimes can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- What type of drugs were involved
- What amount of drugs were involved
- If you were previously convicted of the same or a similar crime
For example, the potential penalties for a first marijuana trafficking conviction are as follows:
- Trafficking between 2 and 10 pounds carries a minimum sentence of 1 year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Trafficking between 10 and 50 pounds carries a minimum sentence of 3 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
- Trafficking over 50 pounds carries a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
Prior convictions can as much as double the minimum penalties. There is also a time limit of two to five years to fight a conviction as per 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552. Call our office today to see how our lawyers can help your case before time runs out.
What Do These Penalties Mean for You?
It is not an exaggeration to say that your life as you know it may end if you are convicted of drug trafficking. The penalties you incur could wreak havoc on many aspects of your life, including but not limited to your:
- Financial stability: Fines can deplete your life savings or even force you into debt. Also, a lengthy prison sentence could make it impossible for you to keep your job.
- Future prospects: Potential landlords, employers, or universities may hesitate before doing business with a person who has a drug trafficking conviction.
- Personal life: It is an unfortunate fact that people with convictions are often unfairly stigmatized. Some people, even those you consider friends, may distance themselves if you are convicted.
- Mental health: Incarceration can have a severe and negative impact on your psychological wellbeing. Also, the knowledge that you have a criminal record may affect your self-image and self-confidence.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360
What Can Our Firm Do for You?
Being accused of a crime is enough to throw anyone off balance. Let our team handle all of the tough legal work and educate you about your rights by:
- Going over your options: Each case is unique and requires a tailored approach. We can go over each possible approach with you and help you settle on the one that is best for you and your family.
- Arguing for a dismissal: In certain circumstances—for example, if the prosecution has very little evidence—we can try to persuade the judge to dismiss your case and let you go home right away.
- Negotiating a plea: A plea agreement can ensure you spend less money on fines and spend less (or no) time in prison.
- Handling all paperwork: Any time a form needs to be filled out and submitted to the other parties involved in the case, we can take care of it for you.
- Representing you in court: We can argue vigorously on your behalf in front of a judge and jury if your case goes to trial.
- Being available to you: We know how scary it is to have a charge like drug trafficking hanging over you. All of our clients are encouraged to call us whenever they have questions or concerns.
As a start, we can evaluate your case at no cost or obligation to you. Everyone who calls can speak to a member of our team and find out if and how the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC. may be able to assist them.
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Strengthening Your Defense Against Drug Trafficking Charges
If you are not convicted, it is much easier for you to get your criminal record expunged. Expungement, per the Pennsylvania Bar Association, means that the official, public record of your arrest and accusation is permanently deleted. This may make it easier for you to find work and resume your normal life post-arrest.
To protect your rights and avoid a devastating conviction, Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC. can investigate the facts of the case. This may include:
- Reviewing police reports and conduct: If there is any sign of misconduct, we can ensure that any evidence linked to the misconduct is thrown out. We may even be able to get the charges dropped all together.
- Collecting witness statements: This includes testimony from anyone who may have information about the alleged trafficking and/or character witnesses who can confirm that you are a good citizen.
- Speaking with experts: We can call in professionals with relevant expertise to comment on the validity (or lack thereof) of the prosecution’s case.
- Requesting documents and other evidence: For example, we can review any available security camera footage of the alleged crime.
We have a limited amount of time to seek such evidence and prepare it for submission to the courts. This is because of:
- Legal deadlines: Lawyers are given only so much time to get their cases ready.
- Availability of witnesses: Everyone has their own schedules, so the more advance notice we can give to potential witnesses, the more likely it is that they will have time to help.
- Availability of evidence: Over time, evidence like photos or videos might be deleted or lost. The sooner we can start investigating, the easier it may be for us to locate this evidence.
To ensure that we have adequate time to build a solid defense in your drug trafficking case, it is a good idea to call our firm as soon as you can. Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC. can then get to work on building the strongest case possible.
Get Started With a Free Consultation
Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC. defends clients in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. To get a free consultation, call us at (215) 515-3360 at any time or fill out our contact form. We may be able to assign you a lawyer who can fight vigorously to protect you against drug trafficking charges.