Drug-based infractions incur penalties that are associated with the quantity found on the accused at the time of their arrest. These offenses encompass controlled substances that are most commonly distributed illegally throughout Pennsylvania. All penalties are doubled when a minor is involved. Anyone who is charged with these offenses should hire a Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer to represent them.
Penalties for Drug Charges
Possession of controlled substances that are thirty grams or less are classified as a misdemeanor. It requires a jail sentence of no less than thirty days. The maximum fine for this infraction is $500.
Quantities of thirty grams or more are also misdemeanors. Anyone convicted of this infraction will spend one year in jail. They will include a fine of no more than $5,000. In some jurisdictions this charge could be classified as distribution based on the type of controlled substance identified. Anyone accused of this drug charge should consult a Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer immediately following their arrest to defend them.
Sale or distribution of controlled substances that begin at thirty grams or less are the lowest classification for these charges. The crime incurs a jail sentence of thirty days. Fines do not exceed $500.
Felony drug charges begin with distribution charges in which the accused possesses at least two pounds of the drug. These charges incur a one-year sentence and $5,000 in fines. Quantities between ten and fifty pounds incur three-year sentences and $25,000 fines; charges of sale in which less than 1,000 pounds were discovered incur the same penalties. Any quantities over 1,000 pounds incur a prison sentence of ten years and fines of $100,000. These charges require the legal assistance of a Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer to build a defense.
An additional two to four years is added to any infraction that occurs near a school. The limitation for proximity is 1,000 feet from the entrance of the school. The judge has the right to increase the maximum at his or her own discretion. To fight against these charges, anyone who is accused should hire a Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer to represent them.
