Serving Pittsburgh, Carnegie, and Washington, PA
Call Us: 4124066082
Serving Pittsburgh, Carnegie, and Washington, PA
Call Us: 4124066082
Drug-related charges in Pennsylvania are serious and can have life-changing consequences. Whether you’re facing allegations of possession, manufacturing, or distribution, the stakes are high. At the Law Office of Joseph Horowitz, we are committed to protecting your rights and your future. With years of experience handling drug offense cases in Pittsburgh, Carnegie, and Washington, PA, we’ll fight aggressively to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Drug offenses in Pennsylvania are governed by strict laws, and penalties vary widely depending on the type and amount of the substance involved. It’s important to understand the basics of these laws to see how they might apply to your case.
Controlled substances are substances whose manufacture, distribution, and possession are regulated by the government. These include illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as certain prescription medications like oxycodone or Xanax when obtained without a prescription.
Pennsylvania categorizes controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use:
High potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (e.g., heroin, LSD).
High potential for abuse but some accepted medical use (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine).
Lower potential for abuse, often including prescription medications.
Drug offenses can range from simple possession to large-scale trafficking. Here are the most common charges:
This is the most basic drug charge and occurs when someone is found with a controlled substance for personal use.
Typically charged as a misdemeanor.
Includes items like pipes or syringes used for drug consumption.
If law enforcement believes you intended to distribute the drugs found in your possession, the charge escalates to PWID, which is a felony. Evidence like large quantities of drugs, packaging materials, or scales can lead to this charge.
This charge applies to those involved in producing or growing controlled substances, including marijuana cultivation or methamphetamine labs.
Trafficking involves the large-scale distribution of drugs and carries some of the harshest penalties under Pennsylvania law.
This includes forging prescriptions, “doctor shopping,” or illegally distributing prescription medications
Facing drug charges can be overwhelming. Let Joseph Horowitz fight for you. With years of experience and a proven track record, we’re committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
Penalties for drug offenses depend on several factors, including the type of drug, the amount, and the nature of the offense.
Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500
Several years in prison and fines ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.
Lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.
The repercussions of a drug conviction extend far beyond jail time and fines. Without an experienced attorney like JOHO, you could face:
A drug conviction on your record can disqualify you from certain jobs or lead to immediate termination.
Drug convictions in Pennsylvania often result in a suspension of your driver’s license, creating additional obstacles for work and daily life.
Landlords and lenders may see a criminal record as a red flag, making it harder to secure housing or loans.
Certain drug convictions can permanently strip you of the right to own or carry a firearm.
Some convictions result in the loss of voting privileges.
For non-citizens, a drug conviction can lead to deportation, denial of citizenship, or inadmissibility to the U.S.
If you have been arrested, talk to me first – Not the police!
The decisions you make immediately after being charged can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s why you should hire Joseph Horowitz right away:
Law enforcement officers and prosecutors are building a case against you from the moment you’re charged. JOHO will ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process.
Time is of the essence in gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and identifying procedural errors or rights violations.
JOHO will thoroughly review the evidence against you, looking for opportunities to suppress illegally obtained evidence or expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
An experienced attorney like JOHO can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or, in some cases, get the charges dismissed altogether.
Prosecutors often push for the harshest penalties. With JOHO on your side, you’ll have a strong advocate fighting for reduced sentences or alternative resolutions.
At the Law Office of Joseph Horowitz, we use a comprehensive and proactive approach to drug cases:
We’ll examine every detail of your case, from the circumstances of your arrest to the evidence against you.
We’ll craft a personalized defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances, focusing on achieving the best possible outcome.
Whether negotiating a plea deal or fighting for you in court, JOHO is relentless in his pursuit of justice for his clients.
Drug charges are serious, but they don’t have to define your future. Joseph Horowitz is ready to fight for you, providing the aggressive, experienced defense you need to protect your rights and your freedom.
412-406-6082
Don’t leave your future to chance. If you’ve been arrested or indicted in Pennsylvania, call JOHO immediately. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
412-406-6082
Serving Pittsburgh, Carnegie, and Washington, PA
Your fight is JOHO’s fight. Contact the Law Office of Joseph Horowitz today for a Free Consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding your future.
The Law Office of Joseph Horowitz is a dedicated criminal defense firm committed to protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes in Pittsburgh, Carnegie, and Washington County, PA.
Copyright 2025 | All rights reserved | Site by Baytech
