Defending Your Rights: Premier Drug Crime Defense in West Philadelphia
Facing drug crime charges can be one of the most difficult experiences of your life. The legal system is complicated, and a conviction can have serious consequences, affecting your freedom, future, and family. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we understand how serious this is and are committed to providing strong, personalized legal defense. Our team of experienced drug crime lawyers is here to protect your rights and work hard to get the best possible outcome for your case.
Types of Drug Crimes We Defend
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we handle many types of drug crime cases. With our deep knowledge of Pennsylvania's drug laws and years of experience, we create effective defense strategies that fit each client's unique situation. Here are the types of drug crimes we defend:
- Possession of Controlled Substances: Possession charges can range from minor to serious, depending on the type and amount of drug. Our lawyers will look closely at how you were arrested and challenge any illegal search and seizure to protect your rights.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute: This charge is more serious than simple possession and comes with tougher penalties. We work hard to examine the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and negotiate for lesser charges or other sentencing options.
- Drug Trafficking: Drug trafficking involves the distribution, sale, or transportation of illegal drugs. These cases often include federal charges, which can lead to long prison sentences. Our team is skilled at handling complex trafficking cases and fighting for the best outcome for our clients.
- Manufacturing and Cultivation: Charges related to making illegal drugs or growing marijuana can lead to serious legal consequences. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case, making sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded and that your rights are protected.
- Prescription Drug Offenses: Misusing prescription medications can lead to severe legal consequences. Whether you are accused of prescription fraud, illegal possession, or distribution, we provide strong defense strategies to reduce the impact on your life.
- Federal Drug Charges: Federal drug charges come with harsher penalties and more complicated legal processes. Our experienced attorneys understand federal court procedures and will provide aggressive representation to defend against these serious charges.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we are dedicated to defending your rights against a wide range of drug crime charges. No matter the complexity of your case, our experienced team is here to provide the strong legal representation you need to achieve the best possible outcome.
Understanding Pennsylvania Drug Laws
Navigating Pennsylvania's drug laws can be overwhelming without the right legal help. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our West Philadelphia drug crime lawyers know these laws well and are committed to helping our clients understand them.
Drug Schedules and Classifications
Pennsylvania classifies drugs into five schedules based on how likely they are to be abused and whether they have accepted medical uses. Schedule I drugs, like heroin and LSD, are considered the most dangerous, with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Schedules II through V have a lower potential for abuse and more accepted medical uses.
Penalties and Consequences
Penalties for drug crimes in Pennsylvania depend on the type and amount of drug, the nature of the crime, and the defendant’s criminal history. Consequences can include fines, probation, mandatory drug treatment programs, and imprisonment. Our attorneys work hard to reduce these penalties and protect our clients' futures.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Some drug offenses in Pennsylvania come with mandatory minimum sentences, meaning the judge has to impose a certain amount of jail time no matter the circumstances. Our legal team is skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or alternative sentences that avoid mandatory minimums.
The Criminal Defense Process for Drug Crimes
Understanding the criminal defense process can help reduce the stress and uncertainty of facing drug charges. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Your defense starts with a free consultation where we discuss the details of your case, look at the evidence, and decide on the best course of action. Our attorneys give honest and clear advice to help you understand your legal options.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our team thoroughly investigates your case, gathering all the important evidence, talking to witnesses, and reviewing police reports. We look for any mistakes, violations of your rights, or inconsistencies that can help strengthen your defense.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Hearings: We file pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution's evidence, ask for charges to be dismissed, or suppress evidence obtained illegally. These motions are a key part of our defense strategy and can greatly affect the outcome of your case.
- Plea Bargaining and Negotiations: In some cases, negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution might be in your best interest. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who work to get the best possible terms, like reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
- Trial Preparation and Representation: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys are ready to provide strong representation. We carefully prepare for trial, crafting convincing arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Sentencing and Post-Trial Options: If you are convicted, we work to get the fairest possible sentence and explore options like appeals or expungement. Our goal is to lessen the long-term impact of a conviction on your life.
Understanding the criminal defense process helps you feel more informed and prepared for what’s ahead. With the help of our skilled West Philadelphia drug crime lawyers, you can navigate this challenging time with confidence.
How We Can Help: Our Defense Strategies
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our drug offense attorneys in West Philadelphia, PA, use different defense strategies that fit each case's specific details. Here’s how we can help:
- Challenging the Evidence and Search Warrants: We closely examine the prosecution's evidence and question the legality of searches and seizures. If law enforcement violated your rights, we work to have the evidence thrown out and charges dropped.
- Questioning the Credibility of Witnesses: Witnesses can play a big role in drug crime cases. We investigate witnesses’ backgrounds and motives to find any inconsistencies or biases that could make their testimony unreliable.
- Identifying Procedural Errors: Mistakes in how your arrest or investigation was handled can weaken the case against you. Our attorneys carefully review all procedures to find errors that could work in your favor.
- Exploring Alternative Sentencing Options: We look for alternative sentencing options like drug treatment programs, probation, or community service to reduce penalties and help you avoid jail time.
- Aggressive Courtroom Defense: In court, we provide a strong defense, using convincing arguments and evidence to challenge the prosecution's case. Our goal is to get a not-guilty verdict or the best possible outcome for you.
Our drug crime lawyers use a wide range of defense strategies, ensuring each client gets the strong and personalized representation needed for the best possible result. Trust van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim to protect your rights and skillfully handle your case.
Contact Our Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one is facing drug crime charges, don’t go through this tough time alone. The experienced West Philadelphia drug crime lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim are here to give you the skilled help and support you need. Schedule a free consultation with our dedicated attorneys today to start guarding your future. Contact us now to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case.
