Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in State College, Pennsylvania

A drug charge is a serious criminal offense that you should take very seriously. Whether it be marijuana, prescription drugs, heroin, cocaine, or any other drug, you will want a skilled criminal defense attorney to review your situation.

Terry Hess Law makes criminal charges less intimidating for college students, first-time offenders, and recent graduates. I am here to protect your rights and preserve your innocence through this crucial time in your life. A charge does not presume guilt or fault, and you have options. Allow me to guide you to the best possible outcome for your drug charge.

Does Your Drug Charge Involve Marijuana?

Trying to keep up with the marijuana laws can be a difficult task. However, marijuana remains illegal in the state of Pennsylvania. If law enforcement suspects that you own marijuana for personal use, the penalties of a conviction can include jail time, fines, and other repercussions.

No case is the same, and if convicted, your penalties will be determined by the type of drug and how much may have been in your possession.

Suspected of Other Drug Possession?

Drug charges penalize those who possess, use, or intend to distribute illicit drugs. There are harsh penalties for a drug charge conviction, such as the maximum 12-month jail sentence and $5,000 fine for a first offense.

You will want to limit the possibility of facing maximum penalties for a mistake you may have made. Discuss the details of your situation with me, attorney Terry Hess, to prepare a solid defense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Charges in Pennsylvania

Here are some frequently asked questions I have answered about drug charges:

Can I be charged with a drug offense if I was not caught with drugs on my person?

Yes. Even if illegal substances were not found on your person, you could face constructive possession charges. Constructive possession is a legal theory that a person who is aware of the location of illegal drugs and can reasonably access the location shares control of the drugs.

For example, the police could search for a house or vehicle. If law enforcement found illegal drugs that you knew existed, then the prosecution could argue that you were in control of the drugs at any point. Thus, you could potentially use or distribute the illegal substance.

What should a student do if accused of a drug offense?

Being accused of a drug offense as a student could not only lead to life-changing criminal charges but also jeopardize the student’s education, grant, and scholarship opportunities. If a student is accused of a drug offense, then it is paramount that they speak to a criminal defense attorney. An attorney could assist a student in defending against criminal charges and protect their education.

Can I pursue expungement of my drug conviction from my record in the future?

Expungement would allow you to seal a drug conviction from your criminal record. By doing this, you could regain particular employment, housing, education, and loan opportunities when a background check is done on you. You may have to wait up to 10 years to have your record expunged in Pennsylvania, depending on the severity of the drug charges.

Can drug charges be dismissed or reduced?

Yes. With a strong criminal defense, it is possible to reduce or dismiss the drug charges against you. Some charges could be reduced to community service, treatment programs, and rehabilitation services. Possible defenses for drug charges include challenging a search and seizure, proving a lack of knowledge, or disputing crime lab analysis.

Benefit From Having A Prepared Defense

I have more than 20 years of experience helping people like you navigate their legal challenges. You can rely on me to build a strong criminal defense to preserve your innocence. Call my State College office at 814-880-4377 for your free initial consultation by phone, in person, or in jail. If you prefer, you can also schedule via email by filling out this online contact form.