Drug Offenses

Strength When It Matters Most Obtain the Upper Hand. Put a Former Prosecutor in Your Corner.

Get the insight of someone who’s been on the other side. With a former prosecutor on your team, you gain the strategy, experience, and edge to take control of your case.

Complimentary Consultation

Reading Drug Offenses Attorney

Defending Clients Facing Drug Charges in Berks County

Drug crimes are among the most harshly punished in the State of Pennsylvania. The mere possession of illegal substances could be enough to land you in jail for over a year. This is why it is of the utmost importance to contact a Reading drug crimes defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any drug-related charges. With the assistance of a skilled legal professional, it is possible to get charges reduced or dismissed or to be given alternative punishments to jail time. Even if you are facing a misdemeanor, you still could end up dealing with disastrous and permanent consequences. With your reputation and future opportunities on the line, do not waste a moment before reaching out to Emkey Law Firm.

Are you facing a drug crime charge in Pennsylvania? Call Emkey Law Firm today at (610) 200-6103 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our drug offense lawyer in Reading!

Drug Crimes We Defend Against

Our attorney at Emkey Law Firm can assist you with any sort of drug-related charge in Pennsylvania.

We can take on matters that involve all the following and more:

Drug Schedule Scale in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania follows the federal Drug Scheduling system, which outlines the legal requirements for controlled substances. Here is an overview of the drug scheduling system in Pennsylvania:

Schedule I drugs are thought to have a high possibility for abuse and dependency and have no accepted medical use. Examples include heroin or LSD.
Schedule II drugs are thought to have a high possibility for abuse and accepted medical uses. Examples include cocaine, opium, morphine, or methadone.
Schedule III drugs have an intermediate possibility for abuse and accepted medical uses. Examples include anabolic steroids, ketamine, and some barbiturates.
Schedule IV drugs have a low possibility for abuse and accepted medical uses. Examples include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan.
Schedule V drugs have the lowest possibility for abuse of all controlled substances and contain minimal amounts of narcotics approved for specific medical treatments. Examples include certain cough medicines containing codeine.

Our drug offense lawyers in Reading can help you understand your rights regarding any drug offense charge in Pennsylvania and provide aggressive representation to protect your rights throughout the process.

Penalties for Drug Offenses in Pennsylvania

Drug charges in Pennsylvania are classified into different categories based on the type of drug and the circumstances of the offense. Each type of drug offense carries its own set of potential penalties, which can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.

The following are some of the most common drug offenses in Pennsylvania.

What To Do After a Drug Arrest in Reading

Being arrested on a drug charge in Reading can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first contact with the criminal justice system. Your decisions in the hours and days after an arrest can affect how your case is charged and what options may be available later in Berks County courts. It is important to stay calm, avoid arguing with officers, and remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to request an attorney before answering questions.

After you are processed, your case will usually move quickly to a preliminary hearing at a Magisterial District Court in or around Reading, where issues like bail and the basic charges are addressed. A drug arrest lawyer can begin reviewing the police reports, the basis for any search or traffic stop, and how evidence was handled to see whether there are grounds to challenge part of the case. Having guidance early in the process also helps you understand whether treatment, counseling, or other proactive steps might support a more favorable resolution as your case proceeds.

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Possession can refer to drugs found in your physical possession or drugs that are within your control, such as in your car or home.

For a first offense, possession of a small amount of a drug such as marijuana can result in a fine, probation, or a short jail sentence. Possession of other controlled substances, such as heroin or cocaine, can carry penalties ranging from one to five years in prison and fines of up to $15,000, depending on the amount and whether it is a first or subsequent offense.

Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWID)

If law enforcement believes you intended to sell or distribute drugs, you could face a charge of possession with intent to distribute. This offense is more serious than simple possession and can lead to harsher penalties.

A conviction for possession with intent to distribute is a felony and can result in prison sentences ranging from 2 to 10 years, with the possibility of higher sentences if large quantities of drugs or certain types of drugs are involved.

Drug Manufacturing or Production

Producing or manufacturing controlled substances, including the cultivation of marijuana or the production of methamphetamine, is a felony in Pennsylvania.

Drug manufacturing charges are typically felonies, with penalties ranging from 5 to 20 years in prison, depending on the amount of drugs being produced and whether there are aggravating factors, such as operating a drug lab near schools or involving minors.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking involves the illegal distribution or transportation of large quantities of drugs, typically across state or international lines. Drug trafficking offenses in Pennsylvania carry some of the highest penalties. Depending on the amount of drugs trafficked and whether the offense involved aggravating circumstances, such as crossing state lines, sentences can range from 10 to 40 years in prison, with substantial fines of up to $1 million or more.

Possible Sentencing Alternatives in Reading

In some cases, individuals facing drug charges may be eligible for alternatives to traditional prison sentences. Depending on the circumstances, such as first-time offenders or those charged with lower-level offenses, our Reading drug-offense attorney may be able to negotiate alternatives such as:

Drug Court: Pennsylvania has specialized drug courts designed to help individuals charged with drug offenses receive treatment instead of prison time. Participants in drug court programs are typically required to attend drug rehabilitation, submit to drug testing, and comply with other treatment-related conditions. Successful completion of the program can result in reduced charges or even a dismissal.
Probation: For certain drug offenses, especially first-time offenses, probation may be an option. During probation, you will be required to comply with specific conditions set by the court, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, and participation in treatment programs. Violating probation conditions can result in a return to court and additional penalties.
House Arrest: In some cases, individuals convicted of drug offenses may be sentenced to house arrest instead of prison. While under house arrest, defendants are typically required to wear an electronic monitoring device and remain at home except for work, treatment, or court-related obligations.

For many people arrested in Berks County, understanding how these options work in the local courts can be confusing, especially if you have never been inside the Berks County Courthouse before. A drug crime lawyer in Reading can explain how judges and prosecutors typically view first-time offenses, what treatment or supervision options may be realistic in your situation, and how your personal history, employment, and family obligations might influence what the court is willing to consider as an alternative.

Contact Our Reading Drug Offense Lawyer Today

Remember—do not say anything about your situation to anyone, even your family or friends, before contacting a lawyer. No matter how complex or difficult your case is, our Reading drug crimes defense attorney is ready to come to your aid. During a confidential meeting, we can address all your questions and concerns and help you decide on a plan of action that represents your best interests.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is DMT Illegal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful hallucinogenic drug illegal in Pennsylvania and classified as a Schedule I drug under federal and state laws. Possession of any amount of this substance can lead to serious legal consequences, including jail time, fines, and other penalties.

How Much Can You Buy at a Dispensary in PA?

In PA, you are allowed to buy a 30-day supply from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary if you are a certified patient. The amount you may purchase will depend on the dosage and form approved by your recommending physician and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Contact Emkey Law Firm today to schedule a FREE consultation with our drug offense attorney in Reading! Call now - (610) 200-6103

Continue Reading Read Less

Contact Emkey Law Firm Today

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
🛡️ Please enter the above verification code:
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Emkey Law Firm at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

"I would highly recommend Emkey Law Firm and I refer them anytime asked. Mr. Emkey and his team made the process for me and my family as easy and comfortable as possible. He delivered everything he promised and communicated every step of the way. His profes"

- C.D.
"Mr. Emkey was able to get my DUI charges dropped!! He was very compassionate and kept me up to date on everything that he did. I would hire him again if I needed legal representation!"

- T.L.
"Never met someone (let alone an attorney) so caring as Dan. You can tell the second you walk into his office that you are in the right place. He's got the nicest office around and his legal assistant was extremely polite. He cared about my family, and m"

- G
"Unfortunately I found myself in need of a criminal defense attorney. My friend referred me to Attorney Emkey. I'm so happy I listened to my friend. I was represented by another attorney at a summary trial and the police officer did not seem to respect t"

- T.C.
"Attorney Emkey and his staff was very understanding, quick to respond and knowledgeable. I was comforting due to Attorney Emkey's knowledge of the laws pertaining to my case. He was informative and non-judgmental."

- J.S.
"Helpful, thoughtful, caring and understanding. . . they care on a personal level!"

- M.A.
"He took the time to explain everything to my family and I. I am very pleased with my outcome. I'm so thankful I was referred to him,"

- S.S.
"Dan helped me when I got my first DUI. He answered the phone on a Sunday and talked to me live and explained to me my options for ARD. He calmed me down, I was very nervous since I never had any prior arrests. Dan also (for no extra cost) represented me fo"

- D.M.

View All

Contact Emkey Law Firm

We can ensure your voice is heard & your rights are protected.

Complimentary Consultation