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Battling Philadelphia Drug Trafficking and Distribution Allegations
|Last Updated on: 6th December 2023, 02:44 pm
Battling Philadelphia Drug Trafficking and Distribution Allegations
Philadelphia has a major issue with illegal drug trafficking and distribution. As a major East Coast city and transportation hub, Philadelphia sees all kinds of illicit substances smuggled into the area for distribution across the region—everything from cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, to methamphetamine and illegal marijuana.
If you or a loved one have been accused of drug trafficking or distribution crimes in Philadelphia, it’s essential to understand the charges you may face and start preparing an aggressive legal defense strategy immediately. Let’s take a look at some of the key issues when battling these types of allegations in Philly:
Types of Drug Distribution and Trafficking Charges
There are a wide variety of drug charges you could potentially face under Pennsylvania drug laws:
- Possession with Intent to Deliver – This covers possessing illegal drugs with the intent to sell or distribute them to others. The amount you possessed often determines the felony grade.
- Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Actually delivering or selling illegal drugs to another person. Again, the type and quantity can impact the felony grade.
- Trafficking Illegal Drugs – Bringing significant quantities of illegal drugs into Pennsylvania for distribution. This carries lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentences under drug trafficking sentencing guidelines.
- Prescription Drug Distribution – Providing prescription medications to others illegally. This includes things like selling your own prescriptions.
- Operating a Drug Production Facility – Making illegal drugs in a lab environment. This includes things like covert meth labs.
Penalties for Drug Distribution Convictions
The penalties really start to ramp up when prosecutors can prove you were dealing drugs rather than just possessing for personal use. Distribution and trafficking convictions often mean years behind bars.
For example, possession with intent to deliver just 1 gram of cocaine or heroin is a felony with up to 10 years in prison just at the standard grade. That quickly jumps to up to 15 years if it occurred within 1,000 feet of a school or other protected location zones. Similar enhancements exist for repeat offenders.
On the trafficking side, bringing very large quantities of drugs into Pennsylvania can mean up to life in prison under the right circumstances per Pennsylvania drug trafficking laws. There are also hefty fines and asset forfeiture possibilities in play.
Key Defenses Against Drug Distribution Charges
Fighting back against drug dealing accusations in Philadelphia requires mounting an aggressive legal defense to challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Here are some of the main defense strategies to consider with an experienced local criminal defense lawyer:
- Illegal Search & Seizure – If police violated your 4th Amendment rights and did not have probable cause for a search, any evidence found may be excluded.
- Entrapment – Undercover cops can’t improperly induce or coerce you into committing a crime you wouldn’t normally do.
- Misidentification – Eyewitnesses make mistakes. If identification is questionable, highlight doubts.
- Possession vs. Intent to Deliver – Force the DA to prove you planned illegal distribution instead of personal use.
- Chain of Custody Issues – Drugs/evidence must be properly handled. Any gaps could raise doubts.
An in-depth independent defense investigation is crucial here. We need to scrutinize all the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses, looking for additional ways to undermine their case. Common strategies include challenging the credibility of informants, questioning the drug testing procedures used, and making sure your side of the story gets told as well.
Don’t Go It Alone – How a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Battling felony drug distribution charges is always an uphill battle in Philadelphia. The law enforcement community takes these crimes very seriously, and the district attorney typically pushes hard for lengthy prison sentences upon conviction.
Having an aggressive defense lawyer in your corner can help mitigate the risks and consequences. An experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney will thoroughly analyze the prosecution’s case, identify the flaws, and start poking holes wherever possible. We’ll also negotiate for reduced charges or diversion programs whenever appropriate.
If you or someone you love face drug trafficking or distribution charges in the Philadelphia area, don’t leave anything to chance. Schedule a free case evaluation with a lawyer right away. An arrest is just the start of the legal process – but a strong defense starts now.