Bucks County Drug Lawyers
What to Do If You’re Charged with Drug Possession in Pennsylvania
Being charged with a drug offense in Bucks County can be scary and affect every part of life — your job, your family, your future, and your peace of mind. Whether it’s simple possession, PWID (possession with intent to distribute), or a small amount of marijuana, the potential consequences and penalties can hang over your head.
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Doylestown, PA, it’s crucial to understand the legal processes and potential consequences that lie ahead.
A first-time misdemeanor conviction for simple possession could mean up to one year in county jail and fines of up to $5,000.
But being charged with a drug crime doesn’t always mean you will be found guilty or have to face the maximum penalty. Until you are proven guilty, you can still fight your charges. Several scenarios exist that could result in a case dismissal or a reduction of charges.
Wana Saadzoi at Saadzoi Law is an experienced Pennsylvania Drug Attorney who thoroughly understands the Bucks County court system. She knows how to fight hard for a full case dismissal or for charges to be significantly reduced.
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Call Today for a Free Consultation
Bucks County Drug Attorneys
📞 610-566-5956
Serving Bucks, Delaware, Chester, & Montgomery Counties
What Penalties Do I Face for a Drug Crime Conviction in Pennsylvania?
If you’re in Bucks County and have been charged with a drug crime, the penalties will depend on (a) what drug it is, (b) how much, (c) whether the charge is simple possession or intent to distribute (PWID), and (d) your criminal record or other aggravating factors.
Federal Law groups classify drugs into Schedules I through V. Schedule I is the “most serious” — no accepted medical use in many cases and highest risk of abuse — think heroin, LSD, MDMA, and, under PA law, also marijuana. Schedule II is still serious (some prescription drugs, methamphetamine, etc.). Then, Schedules III-V are progressively “less serious,” though that doesn’t mean there is no risk. Even someone with a prescription drug in the “lower” schedules can face serious trouble if accused of misuse or distribution.
Small Amount of Marijuana, Fentanyl, Simple Possession, and PWID
There are two broad types of drug crimes with very different penalties: Simple Possession and PWID or Possession with Intent to Distribute drugs or a controlled substance. There is also a lower penalty for under 30 grams of Marijuana and higher penalties for Fentanyl.
If the charge is simple possession, for a first offense, penalties can include up to a year in jail plus fines (which can be thousands), depending on the schedule of the drug.
Possession of marijuana under 30 grams has lighter penalties (often up to 30 days in jail and up to a $500 fine), but over that amount is a much higher penalty.
If your charges are PWID, that’s a big step up, and penalties drastically sharpen. The courts will look at how much of the drug was there, whether it was obviously packaged for sale (baggies, scales, etc.), big amounts of cash, communication that suggests distribution, etc. Convictions for PWID can mean multiple years in prison, much larger fines, and more long-term consequences.
Penalties can also increase if minors were involved, if the offense happened near a school zone, or if you have past convictions. Those can all bump up what you face. In Bucks County, the Court of Common Pleas handles most felonies and serious misdemeanors.
Most drug offenses are simple possession charges, which means prosecutors are trying you for drugs in your possession that were most likely intended for personal use.
A simple possession conviction, depending on the type of illegal substance, usually comes with jail time and heavy fines, not to mention a permanent misdemeanor on your criminal record. You will also most likely lose your driver’s license for at least one year.
Penalties of a First Drug Crime Conviction – Cocaine, Heroin, Illegal Prescription Meds, etc.
With the exception of Marijuana and Fentanyl, most simple possession first-time drug offenses in Pennsylvania carry the following penalties:
- Up to one year in jail;
- Up to $5,000 in fines;
- A misdemeanor on your permanent record.
In addition to these penalties, it is also possible you will lose other rights, such as your driver’s license, legally owning a firearm, and loss of parental rights. You may also be required to enter drug treatment programs.
Subsequent offenses carry a penalty of up to three years in prison and fines of up to $25,000, as well as other penalties.
Prescription Drug Offenses: Misuse or distribution of prescription medications can lead to criminal charges with varying penalties, depending on the specific drug and circumstances.
Penalties of a Drug Crime Conviction – Marijuana
Marijuana: small amount (less than 30 grams):
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- Up to 30 days in jail;
- A $500 fine, and;
- A misdemeanor.
- Six-month license suspension from PennDOT.
Read the NORML website for more information on marijuana penalties based on type and amount.
Penalties of a Drug Crime Conviction – Fentanyl
A drug possession conviction of any amount of Fentanyl is a minimum of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Punishments for any amount of Fentanyl are steep, due to its lethality. A conviction means prison.
Indirect Penalties of a Drug Crime Conviction
You also face other difficulties associated with any criminal conviction, such as increased insurance premiums, the inability to obtain student loans or financing for a car or home, loss of driving privileges, loss of firearm rights, loss of parental rights, and difficulties in finding employment or renting a home. The problems stemming from a conviction can impact your future for the rest of your life.
Get Aggressive Representation
Call Today for a Free Consultation
Bucks County Drug Lawyers
📞 610-566-5956
Serving Bucks, Delaware, Chester, & Montgomery Counties
Is It Possible to Fight Drug Charges in Pennsylvania?
Yes. There are several defenses available to fight drug charges in Pennsylvania. At Saadzoi Law, we thoroughly investigate the police handling of your case and the details surrounding it to provide the best defense possible. We will investigate any potential missteps the police may have made. If any are found, it could result in a full dismissal.
Defense strategies against drug charges include:
- Challenging the Search and Seizure: If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, it may be inadmissible in court, providing a strong defense angle. In addition, if police lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause to arrest you in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, a Motion to Suppress can be filed.
- Insufficient Evidence: Attorney Saadzoi will scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence and challenge its sufficiency to secure a conviction. This can include Lack of Knowledge of Possession or Lack of Intent to Distribute. For example, if the drugs were found in your home but were brought in by someone else or another family member, a lack of knowledge may aid in your defense. Sometimes people are charged with “constructive possession”, where the drug isn’t physically on them, but the prosecutor claims they had control via the environment or access. This can be argued. For Lack of Intent, just because there were multiple baggies or more than a small amount doesn’t automatically prove intent to distribute. Sometimes it’s personal use. Our drug defense attorneys will seek to negotiate a reduction to simple possession, which has much lower penalties.
- Proving Unlawful Entrapment: In some cases, law enforcement may have induced or coerced individuals into committing a drug-related offense, making the arrest unlawful.
- Violation of Rights: If your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest or detention, this can be a powerful defense strategy.
- Negotiating Plea Bargains: In some cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea deal to reduce charges and penalties.
Other mitigating factors that may lower charges and penalties:
There are drug diversion and drug treatment programs in Bucks County that can help mitigate penalties and expedite the process. (See below for specific program information.) Especially if this is a first nonviolent offense or your situation involves substance use issues, courts may allow alternatives instead of jail.
Plea negotiations are always possible. If the evidence is strong, it is sometimes possible to obtain a reduction in charges. A careful plea might save you from worse penalties.
If you have an otherwise clean background, including family responsibilities and a treatment history, anything that can demonstrate you’re not a danger and are committed to recovery, may help you receive better deals or sentencing.
Get Aggressive Representation
Call Today for a Free Consultation
Bucks County Drug Attorneys
📞 610-566-5956
Serving Bucks, Delaware, Chester, & Montgomery Counties
Information on Bucks County Courts & Diversion Programs
Bucks County offers several programs designed to support individuals in their recovery and help them avoid incarceration or reduce their jail time.
Drug Diversion Programs in Bucks County
These are programs designed so that, instead of the case going full-tilt through the criminal justice system, if you meet eligibility, complete certain requirements (treatment, community service, etc.), the charge can be dismissed or downgraded. If you are a first-time or nonviolent offender, you may be eligible for programs that keep you out of jail.
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District Court Diversion Program (DCDP): For Bucks County residents with no prior criminal record. It’s treatment-focused. Misdemeanor drug offenses may be eligible. If you complete the program (which might include treatment, check-ins, and paying court costs), charges may be dismissed.
- The District Court Diversion Program is a treatment-focused program for Bucks County residents with no prior criminal record aimed at diverting misdemeanor drug offenses from the criminal justice system. Participants participate in drug treatment for 60 to 90 days, pay court costs, and check in with the District Magistrate at regular intervals. Successful completion of the program will result in dismissal of the charges.
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Bucks County ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition): Nonviolent offenses, first-time, etc. If accepted, there are conditions to satisfy (often community service, treatment, restitution, court costs). After you complete them without getting into more trouble, charges may be dismissed.
- Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition is a program for persons with pending charges that are first-time, nonviolent offenses such as DUls and retail theft offenses. Persons make application with the District Attorney’s Office and if approved, are given various conditions to complete during a non-reporting period. These conditions can include, but are not limited to, payment of court costs and restitution, community service and treatment requirements such as drug and alcohol evaluations. Once the conditions are completed and if the participant has not incurred any additional charges, the case will be dismissed and expunged.
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Drug Court: This is more intense, longer-term, but can be a way to avoid incarceration. If someone is diagnosed with substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders and meets the eligibility requirements (no violent offense, etc.), they may enter Drug Court. It has phases, strict supervision, treatment, meetings, etc. Successful graduation may lead to reduced charges or more favorable sentencing.
- Drug Court is a treatment court which provides participants drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to incarceration. This program is open to Bucks County residents who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and who have no history of violence. Participants are placed on probation for four years.
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Veterans Program: If you are a veteran with specific issues (PTSD, or substance abuse tied to military service), this program may help.
- This program is a diversionary program designed to assist veterans suffering from physical, mental health and/or substance abuse issues, as a result of their military service to our country. The program is available to veterans who have been honorably discharged from any branch of the military who suffer from PTSD, substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury or military sexual trauma.
- Youthful Offenders Program:
- The YOP program is for individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 who have committed a nonviolent, first-offense felony.
These programs are not automatic. You’ll need good legal counsel to help apply, to meet eligibility, and to follow the rules exactly so you succeed. Failing a program can sometimes lead back to more serious exposure.
Bucks County Court Structure & Judges
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The Court of Common Pleas in Bucks County is in Doylestown (Bucks County Justice Center, 100 N Main Street). These courts serve as the issuing authority for all felony and misdemeanor cases, as well as for all traffic and summary cases.
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Before cases reach Common Pleas, many begin with Magisterial District Courts (there are ~18 in Bucks County). These “minor courts” handle preliminary arraignments, bail, preliminary hearings, and summary offenses, among other matters. What happens here early can shape the rest: what bail is set, whether you go into diversion, and whether there’s a recommendation for program eligibility.
Saadzoi Law
Call Today for a Free Consultation
Bucks County Drug Attorneys
📞 610-566-5956
Serving Bucks, Delaware, Chester, & Montgomery Counties
How Saadzoi Law Can Help Fight Your Drug Charges in Bucks County, PA
Attorney Saadzoi is a knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate attorney. She brings a unique set of qualities and determination that make her the best possible Drug Lawyer in Doylestown and Bucks County, PA.
Attorney Saadzoi will do everything possible to fight for your charges to be reduced or dismissed altogether. Battling drug charges on your own could increase the likelihood that you will face conviction and penalties to the fullest extent of the law.
Our experienced drug attorneys can help determine if you’re eligible for the Bucks County District Court Diversion Program (DCDP), Drug Court, ARD, or CAP. We help with applications, help you understand your legal rights, and program requirements
We prepare aggressively for court: analyzing the charges, reviewing the arrest/search, digging for possible constitutional issues, challenging lab reports, chain of custody, etc.
We know how the Magisterial District Courts’ initial hearings can shape your case (bail, preliminary hearing, etc.), so we do all that is possible to get the best possible outcome for your case.
In court, whether it’s before a Magisterial Judge or a Common Pleas Judge, we advocate not just for legal technicalities but for you as a person — your family, your work, your future. We incorporate mitigation strategies, such as treatment history, support systems, and rehabilitation, where applicable, to advocate for alternatives to incarceration.
What Makes Wana Saadzoi the Best Drug Lawyer in Bucks County
- Legal Expertise: Attorney Saadzoi possesses extensive knowledge of drug laws, both at the state and federal levels, providing her clients with the most comprehensive legal representation available.
- Experience: With a proven track record of successfully defending clients in drug-related cases, Attorney Saadzoi has the expertise necessary to handle even the most complex and challenging scenarios.
- Client-Centered Approach: Attorney Saadzoi is dedicated to her clients’ well-being and their rights. She works tirelessly to build strong attorney-client relationships, ensuring open communication and a thorough understanding of each case.
- Aggressive Defense: She is not afraid to stand up to law enforcement, prosecutors, or judges to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for you.
- Local Expertise: With a deep understanding of Buck County’s legal landscape, Attorney Saadzoi can effectively navigate local procedures and customs.
Call Saadzoi Law – An Experienced and Aggressive Criminal Lawyer
Contact Attorney Wana Saadzoi if you are facing criminal charges or are the subject of a criminal investigation. As your lawyer, I will fight to protect your legal rights.
Call 610-566-5956 to schedule a free legal case evaluation.
Saadzoi Law
Call Today for a Free Consultation
Bucks County Drug Attorneys
📞 610-566-5956
Serving Bucks, Delaware, Chester, & Montgomery Counties
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