Delaware County Drug Trafficking Attorney

Across the U.S., convicted drug offenders continue to face harsh penalties. Drug trafficking sentences that are enhanced are the result of possessing a weapon nearly 20% of the time. About 7% of enhanced sentences are imposed because the offender was a leader or in a supervisory capacity in a criminal conspiracy. Those facing such charges are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Comparing Sentences for Drug Trafficking in 2017

This chart illustrates that Pennsylvania's sentencing is more lenient than the national averages.

 

Prison Only

Prison/Community

(Split Sentence)

Confinement & Probation

Probation Only

National

92.6%

3.2%

1.3%

2.8%

Pennsylvania

86.7%

5.9%

2.5%

4.9%

Drug Court in Delaware County

In 2017, there were roughly 2,830 overall drug offenses in Delaware County. Many of these cases are diverted to the Delaware County Drug Treatment Court where non-violent offenders enter a five-phase substance abuse program. The program has historically reduced recidivism and drug dependency. Eligibility guidelines exist; however, the District Attorney may exercise some discretion.

Drug Trafficking (§7508)

The potential sentences and penalties for offenses are based on the drug and quantity of drug involved, among other factors. Here, we look at two of the more common substances.

Marijuana

  • A quantity of two to ten pounds or ten to twenty-one live plants will result in a minimum of one year in prison and a fine of $5,000.
  • A quantity of ten to fifty pounds or twenty-one to 51 live plants will result in a minimum of three years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
  • A quantity of more than 50 pounds or 51 live plants will result in a minimum of five years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Methamphetamine

  • A quantity of five to ten grams will result in a minimum of three years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
  • A quantity of ten to one-hundred grams will result in four years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
  • A quantity that exceeds 100 grams will result in five years in prison and a $50,000 fine

Other substances with these similar provisions are cocaine, amphetamines, methaqualone, heroin, and MMDA or MDMA.

Prior Convictions

Having a prior conviction for drug trafficking will result in significantly upgraded penalties. For example, in a first-tier offense involving methamphetamine, the minimums of three years in prison and a $15,000 fine are increased to five years and $30,000.

Trafficking on the Internet

In 2017, agencies of law enforcement conducted an international operation to shutter the major drug-trading venues online that are referred to as those operating in the “dark web.” It is difficult to accurately measure the volume of trafficking that occurs online, but it has the potential for rapid growth.

Trafficking to Minors

Penalties are notably increased when trafficking involves minors according to §6314. Delivery or possession with intent to sell controlled substances to minors is an offense that carries a minimum sentence of one year of confinement. This minimum is increased to two years if the activity is such that promotes “habitual use” or involves using minors in sales, delivery, or distribution efforts. The two-year minimum also applies when activities are conducted within 1,000 feet of a school or 500 feet of a school bus stop.

Drug Delivery That Causes Death

If a drug trafficker is found to have supplied drugs that results in the death of a drug user, the offender may be charged with a first-degree felony offense. These actions are punishable by up to 40 years in prison.

Legal Representation for Defending Drug Offenses in Pennsylvania

In today's criminal justice system, offenses such as drug trafficking can lead to lengthy prison sentences and other devastating results. LLF Law Firm has been successfully representing clients across the state in these and other criminal matters for years. Contact the office today for a complimentary case evaluation by calling (888) 535-3686.

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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