Erie, PA Drug Crime Defense Attorneys
Being charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania can carry severe consequences, including jail or prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. At MP2 Placidi & Parini, our experienced Erie drug crime defense attorneys provide aggressive legal representation to protect your rights and future.
We handle a wide range of drug offenses, including both state and federal charges.
Possession of Marijuana & Controlled Substances
Being charged with marijuana or controlled substance possession in Pennsylvania can have serious consequences, including fines, probation, or jail time. At MP2 Placidi & Parini, our Erie attorneys provide skilled representation to protect your freedom and future.
Common Possession Charges Include:
- Marijuana under 30 grams
- Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances
- Drug paraphernalia possession
Penalties:
- Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana: Up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID)
Possession with intent to deliver (PWID) is a serious felony offense in Pennsylvania. Charges can be based on:
- Quantity of drugs found
- Packaging or paraphernalia
- Circumstantial evidence such as text messages or large cash amounts
Penalties for PWID:
- Schedule I or II which is a narcotic drug: up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
- Methamphetamine or Cocaine: up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- Any other Schedule I, II, or III: up to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
- Schedule IV: up to 3 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Our Approach:
- If possible, challenge evidence and law enforcement procedures
- Build a strong defense strategy to minimize charges and penalties
Prescription Drug Offenses
Prescription drug crimes include illegal distribution, prescription fraud, and diversion of controlled substances. These cases often involve:
- Complex legal and medical regulations
- Detailed evidence review, including medical records
- Potential federal or state charges
Operating a Methamphetamine Laboratory
Under Pennsylvania law, operating a methamphetamine laboratory is a serious criminal offense. A person commits this crime when they knowingly cause a chemical reaction involving ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, or any other precursor or reagent with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine or prepare substances for its production.
Penalties and Grading
The severity of the offense depends on location and circumstances:
- Felony of the Second Degree:
Most methamphetamine lab operations are classified as a second-degree felony. Convicted individuals may also be responsible for restitution costs related to cleaning up clandestine laboratories under § 1110 of Pennsylvania law.
- Felony of the First Degree:
If the chemical reaction occurs near sensitive areas, the offense becomes a first-degree felony. This applies when the lab is within:
- 1,000 feet of schools (public, private, parochial), colleges, universities, nursery schools, or daycare centers.
- 250 feet of recreation centers or playgrounds.
Federal Drug Charges
Drug crimes prosecuted at the federal level carry harsher penalties than state cases, including:
- Mandatory minimum prison sentences
- Heavier fines and asset forfeiture
- Nationwide criminal record
Why Federal Cases Require an Experienced Defense:
- Federal prosecutors have significant resources and experience
- Evidence may include complex surveillance, wiretaps, and controlled buys
- Knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines is crucial
Our Approach:
- Build a defense strategy specific to federal court procedures
- Investigate possible violations of constitutional rights
- Negotiate for reduced sentences or alternative resolutions where possible
Why Choose MP2 Placidi & Parini for Drug Crime Defense
- Former prosecutor on staff with insight into prosecutorial strategies
- Extensive experience handling both state and federal drug charges
- Personalized defense strategies tailored to each client’s circumstances
- Proven success in trials, plea negotiations, and diversion programs
Protect Your Rights and Future
If you are facing drug charges in Erie County, don’t wait. MP2 Placidi & Parini will review your case, identify defenses, and fight aggressively to protect your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities.
Drug Crime Defense Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between simple possession and PWID in PA?
In Pennsylvania, simple possession and possession with intent to deliver (PWID) are two very different drug charges, with very different consequences:
• Simple Possession – This charge usually means you had a controlled substance for your own personal use and is often a misdemeanor.
• Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID) – This is a much more serious felony charge. Prosecutors don’t need to prove you were caught selling drugs—they can charge PWID based on the amount of drugs, how they were packaged, or if you had items like scales, baggies, or large sums of cash.
The key difference comes down to whether the Commonwealth believes the drugs were for personal use or for distribution/sale. A PWID conviction can lead to years in prison, heavy fines, and a felony record that follows you for life.
Can a case be dismissed for illegal search and seizure?
Yes—if the police violated your rights during a stop, search, or arrest, your attorney may be able to challenge the evidence.
For example, if police:
• Searched your car, home, or person without a valid warrant, consent, or legal exception,
• Stopped you without reasonable suspicion, or
• Seized evidence through an unlawful detention,
Then your lawyer can file a motion to suppress evidence. If the judge agrees that the search was unconstitutional, any drugs, alcohol test results, weapons, or other evidence obtained may be excluded from trial. Every situation is fact-specific, so it’s critical to have a skilled defense attorney review the stop, search, and arrest procedures in your case.
Do first-time drug offenders qualify for diversion?
Yes—many first-time drug offenders in Pennsylvania may be eligible for diversion programs designed to help people avoid a permanent criminal record like the ARD program.
If accepted into ARD, instead of going through a trial and possible conviction, you’ll complete requirements such as:
• Drug/alcohol treatment or counseling
• Community service
• Probation supervision
• Payment of court costs and fees
When you successfully finish the program, the charges are typically dismissed, and you may qualify to have your record expunged.
What if the drugs weren’t mine but were in my car/house?
The prosecutor may argue “constructive possession,” which means that you had knowledge of the drugs presence and the ability to control/access them. For example, if drugs are in your car and you know they’re there, you may face simple possession or possession with intent to deliver (PWID) charges depending on the quantity.
What is drug paraphernalia, and can I be charged for it?
Drug paraphernalia includes items used to manufacture, store, or consume drugs (pipes, scales, baggies). Possessing or selling it knowingly can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances.
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I would highly recommend Attorney Matt Parini.
Very professional and concerned about my case. I felt very confident from the first consultation meeting I had with him. I knew from that day that I picked the right Attorney. I would definitely recommend him for anybody that needs an attorney. He will be the attorney I call if I need one in the future.