Drug Possession with Intent to Deliver

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Drug Possession Attorney

Charges of drug possession with intent to deliver involve important search and seizure issues. Whether any evidence gathered is suppressed will depend entirely upon the actions and decisions of the arresting officers. In a large number of cases, police discover drugs during a traffic stop. Here, the issue is whether or not the police had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull the driver over in the first place. If this is not in question, the next issue is whether or not an officer had reasonable suspicion to search you or the immediate vicinity around you, or probable cause to search the entire vehicle. At the law office of attorney Randolph L. Goldman, we review the actions of police officers and expose violations of the Fourth Amendment, as well as questionable interrogation techniques or others violations of standard procedures.

If you've been arrested for drug possession with intent to deliver, don't assume that yours is an open and shut case just because the police found drugs. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case, contact drug crimes defense lawyer Randolph L. Goldman today.

Possession and Trafficking in Illegal Narcotics and Drugs

Criminal defense attorney Randolph L. Goldman advises and represents clients in drug possession with intent to deliver cases involving:

• Marijuana
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy
• LSD
• Mushrooms
• Prescription drugs

Penalties for Drug Possession with Intent to Deliver

Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), drugs are classified according to five schedules. Those that represent the highest risk for abuse and do not have a standard medical use are listed under Schedule I. Those with an accepted medical use and a low risk for abuse are listed under Schedule V. Schedule II, III, and IV list drugs that have varying risk levels for abuse and a controlled or restricted medical use. Sentencing in drug crime cases depends on the kind of drugs involved, the amount sold or in a defendant's possession, whether a gun was used, whether someone was injured or killed, and other factors.

While judges have a certain amount of discretion when sentencing a defendant, in general, Schedule I drugs - heroin, cocaine, and certain narcotics - carry stiffer penalties than Schedule II, III, IV, or V drugs. As a result, possession with intent to deliver Schedule I drugs carries a fine of up to $250,000 and up to 15 years in prison. Fines and prison sentences for Schedule II, III, and IV drugs are less than Schedule I and range anywhere from a $10,000 to $100,000 fine and 3 to 10 years in prison. Penalties for Schedule V drugs are the least severe and usually involve a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in prison.

Avoiding Lengthy Prison Sentences and Expensive Fines

If guilt is not in question, prosecutors may be willing to reduce the charges against you if you don't have a prior felony drug conviction or a conviction for a violent crime on your record. Furthermore, it's very important to humanize your story during sentencing by explaining how job loss, illness, mental problems, or addiction may have contributed to your current legal dilemma. When presented with these types of scenarios, Randolph L. Goldman will ask the court to show leniency.

Don't assume that you don't have any options - contact drug crimes defense attorney Randolph L. Goldman today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.