Drug Crimes in Mercer

Aggressive Defense Against Drug Crime Charges

Drug-related charges are classified as both state and federal crimes, regardless of whether a local police officer or a federal agent makes the arrest. Because of this, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between state drug crimes and federal drug offenses.

Hire an Attorney if the Police Interrogate You

If you are charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania, it is in your best interest to immediately speak with an experienced Mercer criminal lawyer instead of the police. We have successfully represented hundreds of clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in both state and federal courts. Our Logue Law Group is dedicated to providing a strong defense for your case.

Various Kinds of Drug Crime Charges

The specific charges for drug crimes depend on the circumstances surrounding the arrest. These can include:

• Drug Possession
  Possessing illegal drugs or controlled substances without the intent to sell can lead to an arrest if law enforcement finds the drugs on your person or within your property. This is often considered a less severe offense and is typically handled at the state level. A knowledgeable Mercer criminal lawyer can help navigate these charges.
• Sale, Distribution, & Trafficking of Drugs
  Possessing drugs with the intent to sell is a more serious charge. Depending on the conditions of the arrest and the intended location of the sale, this can be classified as either a state or a federal offense. These charges are less common than simple possession but carry much harsher consequences.
• Drug Manufacture
  If you are caught manufacturing or possessing equipment used to manufacture illegal drugs, you could face state or federal drug charges. These penalties are severe and become even more so if combined with a charge of selling the manufactured substances. Consulting a Mercer DUI lawyer who also has experience in drug crime defense can be beneficial.

When Does a Drug Charge Become a Federal Offense?

A drug charge becomes a federal offense under several circumstances. One common scenario is when the arresting officer is a federal agent, such as from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA’s mission is to combat drug use and distribution across the country. If a DEA agent arrests you, the charges will likely be federal.

Often, an individual facing federal drug charges may provide information to federal officers about other drug-related activities in exchange for a more lenient sentence. This can lead to the arrest of others involved in drug possession, production, or sales. Arrests that result from such informant tips are also considered federal offenses.

Because federal agencies often partner with state law enforcement to reduce drug crimes, local charges can sometimes be upgraded to federal crimes. When this happens, the nature of the offense does not change, and there is no appeal process to reverse the upgrade. A skilled Mercer DUI lawyer can clarify the complexities of your case.

Consequences of State Drug Crimes

State drug crimes generally carry less severe penalties because they are often considered minor offenses. The penalties can range from a short jail term to a period of probation, depending on the specific charges. In some cases, if the individual has no significant history of similar offenses, the charge might result in only a fine. Every state has its own laws and sentencing guidelines for drug crimes, so the penalties will depend on the state where the arrest took place.

Consequences of Federal Drug Offenses

Federal drug charges come with much stricter penalties, and the possibility of parole is often not an option. Even for a minor misdemeanor, a federal conviction can lead to more severe consequences, such as longer prison sentences or higher fines compared to a state charge. Federal drug offenses, like possession, sale, or trafficking, are typically more serious in nature than state-level crimes, which is why they result in more severe consequences. Seeking advice from a Mercer DUI lawyer can be crucial in these situations.

If you contact a criminal lawyer, you can gain a better understanding of the local and state drug laws in this area and learn how to best defend against the charges you face. Our legal services extend to areas across Mercer County and all over Pennsylvania. Contact Mercer criminal lawyer today at 412.389.0805 for an initial consultation.