HEROIN POSSESSION IN PA
What starts as a simple prescription for pain killers can end with a patient developing a troubling heroin addiction. Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania have some of the highest rates of heroin use and overdoses in the United States. As a result, many local District Attorney's Offices are becoming more strict with their plea offers for those accused of heroin possession.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR HEROIN POSSESSION?
If you are accused of dealing heroin, please visit our Possession With Intent to Deliver page.
If you are found guilty of heroin possession, otherwise known as Possession of a Controlled Substance or Prohibited Acts, you are facing serious penalties in Pennsylvania, including:
First Offense: Punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
Second or Subsequent Offense: Punishable by up to 3 years in prison and fine of up to $25,000
AN ARREST FOR HEROIN DOES NOT MEAN YOU'RE GUILTY. YOUR CASE DOES NOT HAVE TO END WITH A JAIL SENTENCE.
CALL FORMER DRUG PROSECUTOR FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 412-447-5580
PROVING HEROIN POSSESSION IN PA
In proving a heroin possession or other type of simple possession case, the Commonwealth must first prove that the item in your possession was a controlled substance. This is done by submitting the suspected heroin to a laboratory, where testing determines the type and quantity of the controlled substance.
Second, the Commonwealth must show that the person charged was aware of the presence and nature of the substance, or in other words, that the person knows that the item they possessed was in fact heroin.
Third, the Commonwealth must show that the person had the intent to control and power to control the heroin. Direct possession occurs when someone is holding, carrying or using drugs. Constructive possession occurs when someone is not holding or touching the heroin, but other evidence suggests that the person has exercised the power and intent to control the heroin.
HOW THE ZUCKERMAN LAW FIRM CAN HELP WITH YOUR HEROIN POSSESSION CHARGES
If you have been charged with heroin possession in PA, remain silent and call a lawyer as soon as possible. You have constitutional rights that can be protected if you act quickly to secure representation.
Having prosecuted and defended those accused of Heroin Possession, the Zuckerman Law Firm fights for the dismissal or reduction of your drug charge. We rely upon our familiarity with the local justice system in working for the best possible results.
Call Zuckerman Law Firm today at 412-447-5580 for a free, confidential consultation.