Possession of Steroids

Anabolic steroids contribute to the growth of muscle mass, which helps to build muscle in a fashion that is more rapid and easier than it would be if one were to do so naturally. The great and well-known quantity of health risks associated with anabolic steroids has not impeded the high rates of its use in the nation. It's usage is universal, as consumers from all demographics - gym rats, bodybuilders, athletes and even the average joe - seek out the drug to improve their athletic performance and appearance. And just as people have decided that the reward far outweighs the risk healthwise, they've also done so in a legal sense, as under the table steroid use is illegal in Pennsylvania.

Due to the effectiveness of illegal steroids, it's not difficult for people to get caught up in using them. People often resort to getting these drugs from friends, dealers or vendors on the internet. Pennsylvania law enforcement has been known to conduct intricate operations by sending out undercover cops under the guise of dealers, or misrepresenting themselves as steroid vendors on the internet to collect evidence of illegal possession.

If you have been caught and charged in one of these operations, it's important you understand what you could be up against. For the purposes of this article, we will address (1) the laws regarding the possession of steroids in Pennsylvania, (2) and the penalties associated with this crime. And as you should know, getting in contact with an attorney upon acquiring charges is the only chance you have to resolve these legal issues.

Possession of Steroid Laws in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the possession of more than 30 doses of anabolic steroid will lead to a possession charge. The premise of these cases is to provide evidence that a defendant did, in fact, actually possess illegal drugs. Therefore, in order to be convicted of the illegal possession of steroids, a prosecutor must prove both of the following elements:

  • You knew the drugs were illegal, that they were present, and you had intentions of using them or controlling them
  • You had actual or constructive possession of the steroids

Actual possession refers to having the drugs physically on you during an arrest. Having steroids in your pocket, for example, would constitute an actual possession. On the other hand, constructive possession refers to drugs that are discovered in a place that you once had control over. This could include places like your car, under your mattress, or in a bag.

Penalties

Steroids are classified as a schedule III controlled substance. Although many people don't equate the use of steroids to the use of more dangerous street drugs, it is charged similarly to the possession of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.

For a first offense, defendants are facing penalties of up to one year in prison and/or $5,000 fine. Subsequent offenses lead to penalties of up to three years in prison.

Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney

If you've been charged with the possession of steroids, or any drug offense, the first step to take is to immediately retain an attorney. An attorney will be able to handle all interactions with the police and prosecutors, and will be able to determine whether the evidence against you is credible. Skilled legal professionals with LLF Law Firm are dedicated to providing a solid defense to ultimately get your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact them today for help.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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