Greater Philadelphia Drug Crime Lawyers
Practice Areas
Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyers for Drug Charges in The Greater Philadelphia Area
Being accused of a drug crime can impact your freedom, your reputation, and your future. At Conway Schadler, our Greater Philadelphia drug crime lawyers provide strong legal support for individuals facing criminal charges in Montgomery County and throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Our law firm is committed to protecting your rights, defending your freedom, and helping you take the next steps forward. Whether you’re charged with misdemeanor drug possession or a more serious felony involving distribution or trafficking, we fight to protect your future and reputation.
With a team that includes a former prosecutor, our Eagleville criminal defense attorneys understand how drug crimes are handled in Pennsylvania courtrooms. This experience gives us a strategic advantage when reviewing the evidence, questioning the prosecution, and preparing for trial. We know what it takes to challenge the charges and aggressively defend clients in both state and local courts.
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges, now is the time to seek legal advice from a trusted criminal defense law firm. Call Conway Schadler at 484-997-2040 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Greater Philadelphia lawyer today.
Drug Crimes Our Greater Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle
Our Eagleville, PA drug crime lawyers have extensive experience helping clients charged with a wide range of criminal offenses in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. We understand the impact a drug conviction can have on your life, and our law firm is here to aggressively defend your rights at every step.
Possession of Controlled Substances
In Pennsylvania, it’s illegal to possess certain controlled substances like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and unprescribed pills. Even a small amount of drugs can lead to criminal charges and possible jail time, especially if you’ve had previous convictions.
If you’ve been arrested for possession, our legal team will review every detail of your case, including how the police obtained the evidence, whether the stop was lawful, and whether your rights were violated. In some cases, we may be able to get the charges dismissed, reduced, or keep the case out of court entirely.
Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute
Drug possession with intent to distribute is a more serious charge than simple possession. Prosecutors often try to claim that the amount of drugs, how it was packaged, and the presence of items like scales or large amounts of cash prove you were planning to sell.
A conviction for possession with intent to distribute can lead to significant jail time under Pennsylvania law. Still, with the right strategy, it’s possible to improve the outcome of your case. Our criminal defense lawyers understand how prosecutors build these cases and use that insight to defend your rights in court.
Drug Paraphernalia Charges
Many people don’t realize they can be charged for owning certain items connected to drug use, even if no drugs are found. Items like rolling papers, syringes, pipes, or scales can result in separate criminal charges under Pennsylvania drug laws. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to challenge paraphernalia charges by contesting possession, questioning the search and seizure, and arguing that the items had a legal purpose.
Prescription Drug Crimes
Prescription drug charges can involve a variety of situations, including having pills without a prescription, “doctor shopping,” forgery, or sharing medication. Common drugs involved in these cases include Oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall, and other controlled substances.
If you’ve been charged with a prescription drug crime in Eagleville, our criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your rights and options. We’ll investigate the facts, review evidence, and build a defense that considers your criminal history, intent, and whether the prosecution can prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation
Producing or growing illegal drugs can lead to serious felony charges in Pennsylvania. These criminal offenses are treated harshly in court and often involve multiple charges, including possession, manufacturing, and intent to distribute.
If you’ve been accused of drug manufacturing or cultivation, our legal team can provide a strong defense. By thoroughly examining evidence and questioning the investigation, we work to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Federal Drug Crimes
Drug crimes fall under federal law if they involve large-scale distribution, trafficking across state lines, or international activity. The U.S. government prosecutes these crimes, and a conviction could lead to years spent in federal prison.
Our criminal defense lawyers understand how federal prosecutors build their cases and what it takes to fight back. If you’re under investigation or already charged in a federal drug case, an Eagleville lawyer from our team can help.
Pennsylvania Drug Schedules and Penalties
Pennsylvania drug classifications are consistent with federal law. Controlled substances are sorted into five schedules based on how dangerous the drug is, its potential for abuse, and whether it has any accepted medical use. Pennsylvania drug schedules include:
- Schedule I: High potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (heroin, LSD, ecstasy)
- Schedule II: High potential for abuse and limited medical use (cocaine, oxycodone, Adderall)
- Schedule III: Moderate potential for abuse (ketamine, anabolic steroids)
- Schedule IV: Lower potential for abuse (Xanax, Ativan, Valium)
- Schedule V: Lowest abuse risk (cough medicines with codeine)
These classifications directly impact the type of criminal charges you may face and the penalties a judge can impose if you are convicted.
Possible Penalties for Drug Crimes in The Greater Philadelphia Area
Being arrested for a drug crime in Pennsylvania can have serious consequences, no matter the charge. Penalties depend on the type of drug, the amount involved, and whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony within the criminal justice system.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Drug Charges
Drug crimes are charged as either misdemeanor or felony offenses, and the difference can significantly affect the penalties you face. A misdemeanor typically results in lighter sentencing, such as fines or probation, while a felony charge can carry years in prison, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Misdemeanor charges involve crimes such as simple marijuana possession or first-time paraphernalia possession. Felony drug crimes include possession with intent to distribute, drug manufacturing, or trafficking large quantities of controlled substances.
Being arrested for either offense is serious, and a guilty verdict can have lasting consequences. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to challenge these charges and fight for the best possible outcome.
Jail Time, Fines, and Probation
The legal penalties for a drug conviction in Pennsylvania can include jail time, heavy fines, and strict probation terms. A first-time misdemeanor may result in up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000, while more serious felony charges could lead to 10 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. In some cases, a judge may order probation or participation in a drug treatment program instead of incarceration. At Conway Schadler, we look at every option to help you avoid harsh sentencing and keep your record clean.
Collateral Consequences of a Conviction
Even after your case is resolved in court, the effects of a criminal conviction could follow you for years. The collateral consequences may affect your personal relationships, job opportunities, education, and reputation. That’s why it’s so important to work with a trusted Eagleville drug crime lawyer who can help you avoid unnecessary damage to your future.
How a Drug Crime Conviction Can Impact Your Life
A drug conviction in Pennsylvania can lead to serious long-term legal consequences that go well beyond the original charge. You may become ineligible for certain types of housing, lose access to student loans or financial aid, and face restrictions when applying for professional licenses or certifications. A conviction can also influence future legal matters, such as child custody cases or sentencing in later criminal offenses.
Strategies Our Greater Philadelphia Lawyers May Use Against Drug-Related Criminal Charges
If you’re facing criminal charges for a drug offense in Pennsylvania, a skilled criminal defense attorney will develop a strong legal strategy to help you avoid a conviction. Some possible defenses include:
- Illegal search and seizure (violation of your Fourth Amendment rights)
- Lack of probable cause for a traffic stop or arrest
- Unlawful search warrant or errors in how it was executed
- Lab testing errors or a faulty chain of custody
- Entrapment by law enforcement
- Missing or insufficient evidence to prove possession or intent
At Conway Schadler, our Eagleville criminal defense attorneys carefully review the evidence and explore every possible option to protect your rights.
Alternative Sentencing Options in Greater Philadelphia Counties
In some cases, especially those involving first-time offenders, alternative sentencing options may be available to help you avoid jail time and a permanent criminal record. Programs like ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition), drug court, or treatment-based probation focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. If successfully completed, these programs can lead to reduced charges or even outcomes where a judge dismisses the case entirely.
How the Greater Philadelphia Drug Crime Attorneys From Our Law Firm Can Help
With legal careers rooted in justice, our Eagleville drug crime lawyers understand the serious impact that a false or unfair accusation can have on your life. We work to uncover weaknesses in the state’s case and advocate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or case dismissal. Our attorneys represent clients through arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and jury trials, while prioritizing clear communication along the way. Our goal is to make sure you understand your legal options, feel supported, and are fully informed as we work towards the best possible outcome in your case.
Charged with a Drug Crime in Eagleville, PA? Schedule a Free Consultation at Conway Schadler Today.
At Conway Schadler, we proudly serve Eagleville, PA, and communities across Southeastern Pennsylvania, providing strong legal defense for individuals facing drug charges. We understand how much is at stake, and we’re committed to protecting your rights, your record, and your freedom. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor drug charge or a serious felony, our trusted criminal defense attorneys will guide you through the legal process and defend you at every step.
Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Call 484-997-2040 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
