Criminal Defense Lawyers

Pennsylvania Possession of Cocaine Lawyers

Facing Cocaine Charges in Pennsylvania? Our Lawyers Can Help

You’re Not Alone – We Understand What You’re Going Through

Receiving a call that the police want to speak with you about cocaine possession is terrifying. Your mind starts racing – how did they find out? What will happen next? Will I go to jail? We get it. The fear and anxiety of being accused of a drug crime like cocaine possession can be overwhelming.But take a deep breath. You’ve found the Spodek Law Group, and we’re here to fight for you. Our team of top Pennsylvania cocaine lawyers have helped countless clients in situations just like yours. We’ll break down exactly what you’re facing, explain all your options, and build an aggressive defense to get you the best possible outcome.So don’t give up hope just yet. With the right legal team by your side, beating cocaine charges is absolutely possible. We’ve done it before and we can do it again for you.Call us 24/7 at 212-300-5196 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Cocaine Laws

Before we dive into defense strategies, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re being charged with under Pennsylvania law. There are a few key cocaine offenses:

Simple Possession of Cocaine
This means you possessed a small amount of cocaine for personal use, without intent to distribute or sell it. For a first offense, it’s a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID) Cocaine
If police believe you intended to sell or distribute the cocaine, you’ll likely face felony PWID charges. Penalties depend on the amount but can include over 10 years in prison and $250,000+ in fines.

Cocaine Trafficking
For large amounts over 1000 grams, you could be charged with drug trafficking which carries a minimum 7 year sentence.The amount of cocaine, your prior record, and other aggravating factors like weapons or selling to minors can further increase penalties. So it’s crucial to have a lawyer who can argue for the least severe charges.

Our Proven Strategies to Beat Cocaine Cases

While the charges may seem daunting, our cocaine lawyers have a ton of experience getting charges reduced or dismissed entirely. Here are some of our proven defense strategies:

Challenging the Search and Seizure
Police need a valid warrant or probable cause to search you, your home, car, etc. If they violated your 4th amendment rights, we can get the cocaine evidence thrown out.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For possession charges, prosecutors must prove you knew the drugs were cocaine and intended to possess them. For PWID, they need evidence you planned to sell or distribute. We’ll poke holes in their claims.

Entrapment Defense
If an undercover officer lured or coerced you into a cocaine crime you wouldn’t have committed, that’s entrapment and grounds for dismissal.

Substance Defenses
Was it actually cocaine? What weight? What purity? We’ll challenge the chemical analysis and amount.

Sentencing Alternatives
For lower-level offenses, we can explore options like probation, rehab, or drug court to keep you out of jail.Every case is different, so we’ll carefully analyze all evidence and circumstances to build a personalized defense aimed at the best outcome. Maybe it’s suppressing evidence, taking it to trial, or negotiating a plea bargain – we’ll leave no stones unturned.

Spodek Law Group has over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest drug cases nationwide. When your future is at stake, you need attorneys with our level of expertise on your side.

What to Do If You’re Under Investigation

In some cases, you may not have been charged yet but know you’re under investigation for cocaine possession or distribution. This is actually an advantage, as it gives us time to get ahead of charges.The first step is to SHUT UP and get a lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you think it’s harmless. Let us deal with law enforcement.Next, we’ll gather all evidence and information about the investigation – who the targets are, what allegations exist, what evidence they have, etc. This allows us to start building your defense before charges are even filed.We can also proactively seek to avoid charges by presenting your side of the story and mitigating factors to prosecutors. Maybe it was a small amount for personal use, you have no priors, you’re employed/student, etc. Giving them full context upfront can keep charges from being filed at all.The key is having an experienced legal team intervening early. The Spodek Law Group has a proven track record of resolving cases before charges through strategic pre-indictment advocacy.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group?

When your entire future is on the line, you can’t trust an inexperienced public defender or cut-rate lawyer. You need a powerhouse firm that has won big cocaine cases time and time again. Here’s what sets Spodek Law Group apart:

Unmatched Expertise
Our team includes former prosecutors and agents from the DEA, FBI, IRS and more. We quite literally know the ins and outs of how these cases are built and prosecuted.

Aggressive Litigation
We don’t back down from taking on tough cases. Our seasoned trial lawyers have won countless acquittals, including high-profile cases you’ve seen in the media.

Innovative Strategies
We leave no stones unturned, utilizing cutting-edge forensics, hiring expert witnesses, and crafting creative legal arguments to maximize your chances.

White Glove Service
You’ll work directly with a senior partner attorney, not an associate or paralegal. We keep you informed and involved every step of the way.

Proven Results
Over our decades of practice, we’ve gotten thousands of cases dismissed or charges reduced. We fight relentlessly to protect our clients’ rights.Facing cocaine charges is an incredibly stressful experience. But with Spodek Law Group on your side, you can regain peace of mind knowing elite lawyers are handling your defense.Call 212-300-5196 now for a free consultation, or keep reading to learn more about how we can defend your specific cocaine case.

Possession of Cocaine Charges in Pennsylvania

Simple possession of cocaine is considered a misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law. However, the penalties you face can still be quite severe, especially for repeat offenses.On a first conviction, you could face up to 1 year in jail along with a $5,000 fine. While that may not sound too harsh, a drug conviction can also impact your employment, housing, financial aid eligibility, and more.For a second possession offense, the maximum jumps to 3 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. And if there are any aggravating factors like possession in a school zone, you’re looking at mandatory minimum sentences that can’t be avoided.So even for simple possession, it’s critical to have a top-notch legal team fighting to keep your record clean. Here are some of the defenses we pursue:

Challenging the Search
Police need a valid reason to search you, your car, home, etc. If they violated your 4th amendment rights with an illegal search, we can get the cocaine evidence suppressed.

Lack of Knowledge/Possession
The prosecution has to prove you knew the substance was cocaine and that you intentionally possessed it. If the drugs weren’t yours or you were unaware they were cocaine, we can argue you lacked the required intent.

Sentencing Alternatives
For lower-level amounts, we can explore options like probation, rehab, or drug court to keep you out of jail, especially for first-time offenders.The bottom line is that a cocaine possession charge doesn’t have to derail your life. With our team’s expertise, we can often get charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Don’t risk a conviction and permanent criminal record by trying to handle this alone. Call 212-300-5196 for a free consultation on your best defense.

Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID) Cocaine

While simple possession is a misdemeanor, possession with intent to deliver cocaine is a felony under Pennsylvania law. You’ll face much harsher penalties if convicted, including:

• Up to 15 years in prison
• Fines of $250,000 or more
• Mandatory minimum sentences based on weight

For example, if you’re caught with between 2-10 grams of cocaine, there’s a 1 year mandatory minimum sentence. Over 100 grams is a 3 year minimum. And the more cocaine involved, the longer the potential sentence.Prosecutors can claim “intent to deliver” based on fairly flimsy evidence like:

• Having cocaine separated into individual baggies
• Possessing scales, packaging materials, or large amounts of cash
• Any statements you made about selling or sharing the cocaine
• Past convictions for delivery or intent crimes

Even if you had no plans to actually sell or traffic the drugs, police and prosecutors will try to inflate the charges as much as possible. That’s why you need an aggressive defense to fight back.Here are some of the defenses we use to attack PWID charges:

Challenging the Evidence
We’ll scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence like cocaine amounts, purity testing, witness testimony, and more to poke holes in their claims of intent.

Lack of Intent
Just because you had a decent amount of cocaine doesn’t automatically mean intent to deliver. We’ll present evidence it was all for personal use with no plans to sell.

Sentencing Advocacy
If we can’t get the charges dismissed, we’ll fight for the lowest possible sentence by emphasizing mitigating factors like addiction issues, employment, family situation, etc.A PWID conviction can literally send you to prison for over a decade. You can’t take that risk with an inexperienced lawyer.

Spodek Law Group’s elite cocaine attorneys have won countless PWID cases in Pennsylvania through tenacious litigation. Call 212-300-5196 now for a free case assessment.

Cocaine Trafficking and Distribution Charges

For cases involving extremely large amounts of cocaine over 1000 grams, you could face charges for operating a corrupt organization, drug trafficking, or distribution of cocaine.These charges are incredibly serious, carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 7+ years in prison. And if you’re convicted as a drug “kingpin” or leader of the operation, you could be looking at 20 years to life behind bars.Prosecutors are extremely aggressive in pursuing these high-level cases. They’ll utilize extensive surveillance like wiretaps, undercover buys, confidential informants, and more to build their case.

Some common defenses we use include:Challenging the Investigation
We’ll scrutinize the investigation for any misconduct or civil rights violations that could get evidence suppressed.

Conspiracy Charges
For large operations, prosecutors often try to loop in anyone even tangentially involved under conspiracy laws. We’ll prove your role was limited or non-existent.

Sentencing Advocacy
For lower-level players, we can emphasize mitigating factors like addiction, minor role, and acceptance of responsibility to argue for the shortest possible sentence.

Forfeitures
The government will also attempt to seize any cash, property, or other assets they claim are proceeds of drug crimes. We’ll fight to protect your assets.Beating trafficking charges requires an extremely nuanced, multi-pronged defense strategy. You need elite lawyers with specific experience handling these high-stakes cases.

Spodek Law Group has secured victories against the DEA, FBI, and other federal agencies in massive drug conspiracy cases. We’re prepared to leverage all our resources for your defense.

What to Do If You’re Under Investigation

In many cases, our clients first learn about a cocaine investigation before any charges are filed. This is actually an advantage, as it allows us to get ahead of the case.If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement about a cocaine investigation, or you suspect you’re under surveillance, the most important step is:

SHUT UP AND LAWYER UP IMMEDIATELYAnything you say can be used against you to file charges. Don’t try explaining yourself or talking your way out of it. Respectfully refuse to answer questions and immediately hire an attorney.From there, we’ll intervene and deal with law enforcement on your behalf. We can gather information on the scope of the investigation, allegations, targets, evidence, and more.Using that information, we can then work proactively to avoid charges entirely or mitigate the situation. Maybe it’s presenting mitigating evidence, raising legal issues with the investigation, or negotiating for reduced charges.The key is getting our elite team involved early before charges are filed. We have a proven track record of resolving countless cases through pre-indictment advocacy and negotiations.

So if you have any inkling you’re under investigation related to cocaine, don’t wait. Call Spodek Law Group at 212-300-5196 for urgent legal protection.

Your Future Is On The Line – Hire The Best Lawyers

Being charged with any cocaine crime in Pennsylvania can have devastating, life-altering consequences. You’re facing the very real possibility of years, if not decades, behind bars.

A conviction will also leave you with a permanent criminal record that can destroy your future employment prospects, education opportunities, housing situations, and more. Not to mention the crippling fines and potential asset seizures.That’s why you can’t afford to put your defense in the hands of an overworked public defender or a general practice lawyer without specific drug crime experience. You need to hire the elite cocaine lawyers at Spodek Law Group.With over 50 years of combined experience, our team knows how to dismantle the prosecution’s case at every stage. We’ll pour through all evidence, identify every possible hole, and craft innovative defense strategies aimed at getting your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.And if your case does go to trial, you’ll want our battle-tested litigators on your side. We’ve won countless acquittals, even in high-profile cases you’ve seen in the media. We never back down from a fight.From our very first call, you’ll understand why clients trust Spodek Law Group to handle their toughest cases. We’ll treat you like family while delivering the top-tier legal representation you deserve.