October 18, 2018By Brian Manchester

Types of Drug Cases We Defend

For 18 years I have been representing people accused of various drug crimes in Pennsylvania to include the following:

• Drug Possession/Possession of Controlled Substances (Actual Possession, Constructive Possession)
• Drug Production
• Drug Trafficking/Operating as a Drug Trafficker
• Marijuana Cultivation/Growing Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Bongs, Pipes, Drug Equipment)
• Possession with Intent to Distribute/Deliver (PWID)
• Prescription Fraud
• Selling Drugs to Minors
• Synthetic Opioids (Alph-PVP, Bath salts, cathinones)
• Synthetic Marijuana (K2, Spice)
• Methamphetamine Manufacturing

My firm has experience investigating alleged crimes involving many types of narcotics and controlled substances, ranging from commonly charged substances like cocaine and marijuana (pot, weed, cannabis) to less frequently prosecuted substances such as peyote, DMT, khat, ecstacy.

We understand the unique sentencing laws and drug diversion programs that apply to each substance and use our nuanced understanding of Pennsylvania’s drug laws to fight for outcomes that are favorable to our clients.

In Pennsylvania controlled substances are categorized by schedules. Below is a list of the five different schedules and some of the drugs listed under those schedules that our clients frequently are charges with:

Schedule Controlled Substances 1 through 5

Schedule I Controlled Substances

• • Ecstasy (MDMA)
  • GHB
  • Heroin
  • LSD (Acid)
  • Marijuana
  • Peyote
  • Psilocybin Mushrooms

• Schedule II Controlled Substances
  • Adderall
  • Cocaine
  • Fentanyl
  • Methamphetamine
  • OxyContin
  • PCP Charges (Angel Dust)
  • Vicodin

• Schedule III Controlled Substances
  • Ketamine
  • Steroids

• Schedule IV Controlled Substances
  • Ambien
  • Valium
  • Xanax

• Schedule V Controlled Substances
  • Cough Syrup

Penalties for Drug Offenses

The penalties for drug charges depend on factors like what type of substance is involved, the quantity of the substance involved, and the nature of the alleged offense. Some drug crimes are graded as misdemeanors, while others are prosecuted as high-level felonies carrying years or decades of prison time.

Other penalties that can result from a drug-related conviction include probation, loss of your driver’s license, and the creation of a criminal record, which can cause problems when you are applying for jobs, loans, student programs, training programs, or housing.

Most Lawyers Focus on Entrapment – But We Focus on Test Results

Most lawyers focus on how the government came into possession of the drug evidence (search and seizure) or if the defendant was entrapped. Often times the evidence can’t be suppressed, so generally that leaves only plea negotiations and no ability to fight the charges. However, there is another defense that few lawyers ever explore let alone know how to do and that is to attack the test results.

The testing of drugs is a complex affair and there are many different methods of doing so. Some of the methods are gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, and many more.

These methods generate a lot of data, in which you can find many ways to challenge the test results.

Because Manchester & Associates regularly obtains this data and looks into the test results, we’ve obtained many favorable results for our clients when all other defenses were not even available to them.

Free Strategy Session Available

If you or are a loved one are facing drug related charges, it’s important to call Manchester & Associates immediately for a Free Strategy Session.

Posted in: Criminal Defense Blog , Drugs , Scientific Defenses

Tags: drug, drug attorney, Drug Charges, drug lawyer, Drugs, schedule controlled substances,