Drug Defense Lawyer Serving Central Pennsylvania

Committed Advocacy In The Face Of Drug Charges

A criminal charge can present a complex and daunting situation. When such a charge stems from a drug offense, your freedom could be at stake. If you are confronting a drug charge, the legal help that you seek out matters, and it is critical that you take measures to protect your rights.

At Jacobson, Julius & Harshberger, we offer Harrisburg residents comprehensive criminal defense services for drug offenses. Our attorneys feature considerable experience in this legal area, and we can help you navigate any issues you may be facing.

Helping You Defend Your Rights Against An Array Of Charges

Drug-based criminal charges can vary in severity. Even what may appear to be a minor charge, however, warrants serious attention. At our firm, we can help those facing charges in the state of Pennsylvania for:

Possession: Possession of a controlled substance can be prosecuted at a felony level.
Manufacturing and cultivation: The illegal manufacturing of drugs can net significant jail time for those who are convicted.
Trafficking and distribution: Drug trafficking charges can escalate to the federal level. It is paramount that those facing such serious charges seek out informed legal counsel.

Our firm can help you build a comprehensive defense strategy. By exploring all viable defense avenues, including lack of intent or evidence, entrapment or other holes in a potential prosecution, we can afford you the tools necessary to best protect your rights as well as your freedom.

How Pennsylvania Classifies Controlled Substances

Pennsylvania law classifies drugs into five categories, known as drug schedules, based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs, such as LSD and heroin, carry the most severe penalties, while Schedule V drugs have a lower abuse potential. The schedule of the drug involved in your case will be a major factor in determining potential penalties and preparing an appropriate drug defense.

Potential Penalties for a Drug Conviction

A drug conviction can change your life forever. Depending on the charge, you can face significant jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that could affect your ability to find a job, secure housing, or even apply for educational loans. If you have already been convicted, there may still be legal avenues to explore, such as post-conviction relief. An experienced Harrisburg drug defense attorney can help minimize the long-term impact.

Common Controlled Substance Defense Strategies

A capable drug possession lawyer in Harrisburg can build a strong defense by scrutinizing every detail of your case. Here are a few common strategies.

Challenging the Legality of a Search

The U.S. Constitution protects you from unjustified searches and seizures. If the police implemented a search of your person, vehicle, or home without a valid search warrant or probable cause, the court can suppress any evidence they uncover. The prosecution cannot use it against you, which can lead to the dropping of charges.

Questioning the Possession of a Substance

The prosecution has the burden to prove that you had possession of the controlled substance through “actual possession” (on your person) or “constructive possession” (in an area you control). If drugs were found in a shared space, like a car with multiple people or a common area of a home, we can argue that you did not have exclusive control or even knowledge of the substance’s presence.

Scrutinizing the Chain of Custody and Lab Evidence

From the moment evidence is seized, the police must maintain a strict custody chain to ensure it has not been tampered with. Any break or missing link can jeopardize the integrity of the evidence. Furthermore, the substance must undergo laboratory testing to identify it, and an experienced drug lawyer can challenge lab procedures and results to weaken the case against you.

Exploring Alternatives to a Conviction

For many non-violent offenders, particularly those with a substance abuse problem, Pennsylvania offers alternatives to a conviction. A Harrisburg drug crime lawyer can help you explore programs like the Pennsylvania Drug Court Program, which focuses on rehabilitation over punishment, combining treatment with judicial supervision.

Call Us Today To Learn More

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges stemming from a drug offense, contact our firm today. You can arrange for an initial consultation by calling us at 717-909-5858. For your convenience, our firm is also available via email. We proudly serve clients throughout Harrisburg and its surrounding communities.