Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Philadelphia
If you are facing federal or state drug charges in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, the lawyer that you choose to represent you matters. You need a drug defense law firm and attorney with experience and knowledge who can help you reach the best outcome. Contact drug charge attorney Alan J. Tauber to discuss your legal rights and options.
5,000+ Cases
Credibility & Experience
More Than $20 Million Collected
Track Record of Success
Case featured in Netflix Documentary
The Innocence Files, Episode 7 - Wrong Place, Wrong Time
Former Chief Philadelphia Defender
Managing a Criminal Defense Practice of 250 Attorneys
Experienced Philadelphia Drug Charges Lawyer Fighting for You
Whether you are facing state charges or federal charges, you need personalized legal representation from a drug defense lawyer as soon as possible. We handle cases in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties in PA as well as Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, and Mercer counties in New Jersey.
Tauber Law knows and acknowledges the complex nature of drug charges - including the rules pertaining to searches and seizures. We can help you fight charges and defend your rights - whether you were wrongfully accused or made a mistake, or your rights were violated. Contact us today to speak with a Philadelphia drug crimes attorney about your best course of action. You do not have to take on a battle with the court for drug charges alone.
Types of Drug Cases We Defend in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Any drug charge should be taken seriously - and even seemingly “minor crimes” can have long-term consequences. A drug crime defense lawyer can help you craft a powerful defense. At Tauber Law Firm, our law firm in Philadelphia handles all types of drug charges, including:
Drug Possession
Drug possession charges can include several crimes:
- Marijuana Possession
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession with intent to Deliver Drugs (PWID)
If drugs you possess are shared with others, you may also be charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Along with actually possessing drugs, carrying drug paraphernalia also carries a serious penalty. Pennsylvania’s statute includes a very long list of “equipment, products, and materials of any kind” used for all aspects of drug manufacturing and use. A paraphernalia charge is an ungraded misdemeanor and does NOT come with a driver’s license suspension, which makes it - sometimes - an agreeable charge in a plea bargain negotiation.
Manufacturing of Drugs
Commonly manufactured drugs include Crack cocaine, methamphetamines, Ecstasy/MDMA, PCP, LSD, and Marijuana concentrate (like hashish). Any step in the process of making, creating, or producing these or other illegal drugs can be deemed drug manufacturing. Activities can vary widely, from cultivating marijuana to manufacturing methamphetamines.
Distribution of Drugs
Due to the opioid epidemic, prosecutors take drug distribution more seriously than ever before, and you must have the authorization to deliver controlled substances. Sharing drugs in your possession is a common occurrence, and many people do not realize they can be charged (whether you sell the drugs or not). If you share drugs with minors, the severity of charges can increase. Delivery of a Controlled Substance carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in Pennsylvania.
Drug Trafficking
The illegal transportation of controlled substances is drug trafficking - and you can be charged with trafficking whether you were successful or not. I-95, which runs from South Florida to Maine, is well known as the East Coast's major drug transportation corridor. This nearly 2,000-mile interstate passes through the Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LMA HIDTA) where there is increased coordination and cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Penalties for drug trafficking vary depending on the type and amount of drugs involved.
Prescription Drug Fraud
Prescription fraud charges - Acquisition of a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation under Title 35 Pa.C.S. 780-113(a)(12) of the Controlled Substances Act. Section (a)(12) - are increasing with the growing reliance on prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Vicodin, and Percocet. This charge is often brought with other charges including forgery, identity theft, theft by unlawful taking, and if your health insurance company was involved - insurance fraud.
Drug Conspiracy
A drug conspiracy involves an agreement between two or multiple people to commit a drug crime. Some defenses are available including no unlawful evidence, no knowledge of an agreement, and entrapment. It may be possible to have evidence excluded in pretrial motions.
Enhanced Sentencing for Designated Drug-Free Zones
If you are charged with a crime within close proximity to a school or drug-free zone, you will face a minimum mandatory sentence of 2 years. Several defenses are available for charges involving enhanced penalties for crimes in drug-free zones, including a lack of awareness of drug-free zone policies. Your best option is to contact a criminal drug defense attorney immediately.
Nebbia-Source of Bail Hearing
Prosecutors in Pennsylvania can ask judges to make you disclose where your source of bail money comes from. This “Nebbia hold” is common in serious drug crimes and can be problematic when it forces you to stay in jail longer than you should ever have to. An experienced Pennsylvania attorney for drug charges can help you navigate a Nebbia order - and avoid complications and delays in your case.
Talk to an Experienced Pennsylvania Lawyer for Drug Charges
If you are accused of a drug crime, do not wait. Do not take on the courts alone. It is in your best interest to speak with a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer immediately. Regardless of what charges you are facing, Tauber Law can offer you immediate guidance and help you navigate the legal system to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Get a Free ConsultationOr call us right now at (215) 575-0702
Drug Schedules & Classification in Philadelphia
In Pennsylvania, penalties for drug crimes are almost always related to the classification of drugs. Pennsylvania’s drug schedules recognize five types of drug classifications:
- Schedule I Drugs: Examples include Heroin, Ecstasy, LSD, and Marijuana. Drugs have the highest potential for addiction or abuse.
- Schedule II Drugs: Examples include Cocaine, Oxycontin, Methadone, Adderall, and Ritalin. Drugs have a high potential for addiction or abuse, but some drugs have medical use and may be available by prescription.
- Schedule III Drugs: Examples include Vicodin, Tylenol with codeine, and Ketamine. Drugs have a moderate potential for dependence or abuse.
- Schedule IV Drugs: Examples include Ambien, Valium, Xanax, and Restoril. Drugs are less dangerous and have a lower probability of misuse than higher-scheduled drugs.
- Schedule V Drugs: Examples include Parepectolin, Robitussin AC, and Lyrica. These drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and have recognized medical use.
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Pennsylvania & NJ
The consequences and penalties of a drug conviction can include time in jail, and substantial fines, and may disqualify you from owning guns. If you are facing charges, a Philadelphia drug attorney can explain the potential consequences. Do not plead guilty before speaking with a drug case attorney.
Prison Time
Jail time is possible for any drug crime - and can be for several months or years, or a lifetime. Time in jail will affect you, and also significantly impact your family structure and relationships, as well as your career and employment prospects.
Fines
Fines and restitutions can take a fixed amount of percentage of your paycheck once you are able to return to work. Paying fines can be a burden to your family and mean you are literally “paying” for your conviction long after you have served time in jail.
Probation
A judge may make the decision to grant probation, which imposes limitations on daily activities, who you can associate with, and where you can go. A judge may modify the terms of your probation if you violate them, and send you to jail or prison.
Federal Versus State Drug Charges
A drug crime may be charged at the federal level if drugs are transported across state lines, sent via U.S. mail, or if a crime meets other criteria. Cases of simple drug possession are typically handled at the state level. The following scenarios may elevate a crime to the federal level:
- You are arrested by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- You cross state lines while possessing a controlled substance
- You are arrested on government property (government buildings, courthouses, jails, national monuments, or national parks.)
- You are caught importing drugs into the United States (even with a prescription).
Local law enforcement agencies are usually happy to let drug cases become federal cases because they take up prosecutors’ time and resources. Federal drug charges come with mandatory minimum sentences, which can be increased significantly if you have a prior state or federal drug conviction, or if your charge involved an injury or death to someone else. Do not wait to speak to a qualified lawyer who can give you advice and help you take steps to protect your future. Tauber Law knows New Jersey and Pennsylvania drug laws. If you are looking for an attorney for drug charges, call our drug crimes law firm as soon as possible.
Get Legal Help from a Philadelphia Drug Offense Lawyer
Drug charges will not go away on their own, but your first step in protecting your future can start with contacting an experienced state or federal drug lawyer. If you have been charged with a drug crime, or have reason to believe you will be charged, contact Tauber Law as soon as possible. We can defend your innocence or work to reduce the severity of your charges.
Get a Free ConsultationOr call us right now at (215) 575-0702
Defense Strategies for Pennsylvania Drug Charges
Looking for the best lawyer for drug charges? Time is of the essence when you are facing charges involving illegal or prescription drugs. When you hire us for your New Jersey or Pennsylvania drug case, you can count on us to:
- Thoroughly investigate your case and collect and preserve all relevant evidence.
- Communicate on your behalf with the court and prosecutors.
- Handle paperwork and administrative elements of your case.
- Provide you with all possible options to make informed decisions about your case.
- Do everything possible to get charges dismissed or reduced.
Tauber Law provides the best drug defense attorney for your Pennsylvania drug charges. We are able to get charges dismissed or reduced because we are experienced, knowledgeable, and ready to fiercely fight for our clients. No matter what charges you are facing, give us a call. We will listen to your story and answer your questions, and if we represent you, we will give your case the individual attention it needs.
Why Do You Need to Hire a Philadelphia Drug Crime Attorney?
You may think a drug crime is not serious - but even the simplest misdemeanor charges impact your career, your family, and your relationships. Collateral consequences can include loss of opportunities in the military or obtaining professional consequences. If you are in the United States on a Visa, you may face severe immigration consequences or deportation. Tauber Law may be able to help you - do not accept even a misdemeanor conviction if you have a chance to reduce the consequences.
Our Case Studies
Civil Rights
$9.8m
Settlement for malicious prosecution
Our client was falsely arrested, maliciously prosecuted, and served 28 years in prison. After we won our client’s exoneration, the City of Philadelphia settled the case pre-suit for a record amount.
Civil Rights
$3.8m
Settlement for malicious prosecution and false arrest
Our client was falsely accused of shooting at the police, and he was wrongfully jailed for more than three years. He was acquitted in a criminal trial, and the City of Philadelphia ultimately paid a $3.8 million settlement.
Personal Injury
$2.1M
Medical Malpractice
Surgeon left medical device in patient during surgery resulting in a critical infection.
Personal Injury
$1.5M
Automobile negligence
Fatal car accident ended with payment of all available insurance proceeds.
What Our Clients Say
“
Louis
Alan took on my case after I lost faith in my prior lawyer. His relentless effort and pride made me feel like he was representing his own son. In the end, I recovered nearly ten times what my prior lawyer was even seeking. The money was great but Alans counsel made me believe in our justice system.
„
“
Chester
Alan Tauber, attorney at law is one who loves the law and loves practicing law. He holds a passion for the fight of and in it. Not only is Alan Tauber a great legal mind of the law, he is a man of integrity. Attorney Alan Tauber represented me for well over 15 years as we battled to right an egregious miscarriage of justice. After serving 28 years of a life sentence, it is attorney Alan Tauber who fought tirelessly to have the wrong made right. In 2019, my release and exoneration became a reality.
Today Alan Tauber is still a great attorney, but more importantly, he is someone I call my friend.
„
“
Robert
Mr. Tauber's expertise was absolutely critical to my case and settlement. He helped and guided me every step of the way through a very difficult time. I never would have been able to do it without him. Having Mr. Tauber on my side is what made the difference!
„
Philadelphia Violent Crime Attorney Is Ready to Help
If you face criminal charges, you should act promptly to prepare a defense. Contact Tauber Law for a free confidential evaluation.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.