A drug charge in Beaver County can upend your life. Whether it’s marijuana, paraphernalia, prescription medication, or possession with intent to deliver (PWID), the penalties and fallout can be severe. Our team at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys represents clients across Western Pennsylvania. We can guide you through every step of building a strong defense.
If you were charged in Beaver, Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, or nearby, call our Beaver County criminal defense lawyers at 724-488-7572 for a free consultation.
Drug Charges in Beaver County, Pennsylvania
Most Pennsylvania drug cases fall under the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, 35 P.S. § 780-113. Common charges include simple possession, possession of a “small amount” of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, delivery, Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID), and prescription-related offenses like acquiring a controlled substance by fraud.
Common Drug Charges
The exact charge depends on the alleged substance, amount, and what the Commonwealth says you intended to do with the substance.
Simple Possession (35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(16))
Prosecutors must show you knowingly or intentionally possessed a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Possession can be actual (on you) or constructive (where you allegedly had control over the area or item).
“Small Amount” of Marijuana (35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(31))
For personal use, 30 grams or less. Even if some towns reduce penalties by ordinance, county cases still run under state law.
Drug Paraphernalia (35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(32))
Covers items used to plant, prepare, or consume controlled substances (pipes, scales, baggies). The Commonwealth must prove you possessed paraphernalia with intent to use it with drugs.
PWID / Delivery (35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(30))
The state must show intent to deliver or actual transfer. Police point to weight, packaging, money, statements, or controlled buys. Penalties escalate with substance and weight.
Prescription Fraud (35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(12))
Allegations of obtaining medication by misrepresentation or forgery. These cases often include pharmacy records and prescriber testimony.
Drug Crime Penalties & Collateral Consequences
Pennsylvania sets penalties by the charge, the drug schedule, and sometimes the weight. A few examples:
Small Amount of Marijuana (≤30g)
Possessing 30 grams or less for personal use is an ungraded misdemeanor under § 780-113(a)(31). A conviction can result in up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Possession of More Than 30g of Marijuana
If you’re caught with more than 30 grams, the charge typically falls under § 780-113(a)(16). This offense can lead to up to 1 year in jail and fines reaching $5,000. The actual penalty often depends on your prior record and the circumstances of the arrest.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Under § 780-113(a)(32), having paraphernalia is a separate misdemeanor offense. Penalties may include up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the paraphernalia is provided to a minor, the grading and penalties can increase significantly.
Distribution of ≤30g of Marijuana (No Remuneration)
In limited situations, distributing 30 grams or less of marijuana without payment is treated similarly to a small possession charge. Under § 780-113, penalties may include up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID) or Delivery (General):
More serious drug cases fall under § 780-113(a)(30), which covers PWID or delivery offenses. These charges are felonies with severe sentencing exposure and heavy fines. The exact penalties depend on the drug type, quantity, and whether you have prior convictions.
Prescription Fraud
Obtaining or attempting to obtain controlled substances through fraud, forgery, or deception is prohibited under § 780-113(a)(12). Penalties can rise to felony-level sanctions, and these cases are often charged alongside related offenses.
Collateral consequences can include job loss, housing issues, student aid problems, professional-license concerns, immigration impacts for non-citizens, and driver’s-license issues for some convictions. Getting ahead of the case—especially with treatment or evaluation—can help shape a better result.
First-Time Options, Diversion & Treatment in Beaver County
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD). ARD is Pennsylvania’s pre-trial diversion program for certain non-violent offenses. If admitted and you complete the program conditions, the court may dismiss the charge and you can seek expungement.
Timelines and requirements can vary—consult a lawyer for full details and deadlines.
Veterans Treatment Court
Beaver County operates a Veterans Treatment Court that connects justice-involved veterans with treatment and veteran-mentor support. It’s built on a drug-court model and may be an option if service-related conditions have affected your life.
County Drug & Alcohol Services (SCA)
The Beaver County Behavioral Health Drug & Alcohol Program is the county’s Single County Authority (SCA). It helps coordinate treatment access, evaluations, and funding. Getting an evaluation early can help with bail, negotiations, or sentencing.
The Beaver County Legal Process for Drug Cases
Most drug cases follow the same basic path:
- Arrest or Citation. You may be arrested, or you may receive a summons by mail for certain misdemeanors.
- Preliminary Arraignment (MDJ). A Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) sets bail and advises you of your rights and charges. MDJs handle warrants, bail, and preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony cases.
- Preliminary Hearing (MDJ). The Commonwealth must show probable cause. This is your first chance to challenge the stop, the search, or the sufficiency of evidence. Cases can be dismissed, reduced, or “held for court.”
- Formal Arraignment (Court of Common Pleas). Your case moves to the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas (trial court). You’ll receive deadlines for discovery and motions.
- Pre-Trial Phase. Your attorney files motions (e.g., to suppress evidence if the stop/search was unlawful), negotiates, and prepares for trial.
- Plea or Trial. Many cases resolve through negotiation. If you proceed to trial, the Commonwealth must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing. If convicted or after a negotiated plea, the judge imposes a sentence using Pennsylvania guidelines, considering treatment progress, prior record, and mitigating factors.
- Record Relief. ARD dismissals can be followed by expungement; some convictions may qualify later for limited access or sealing under specific statutes.
Where your case happens
- Beaver County Courthouse / Court of Common Pleas
810 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009.
Phone: 724-728-5700.
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Website: Pennsylvania Courts - Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) System
Beaver County has multiple MDJ districts. Use the county directory to find your judge and contact details.
Website
Beaver County Courts, Resources & Contacts
Use these verified local resources as you navigate your case:
- Beaver County Courts – Admin & Departments (Court Administration, Clerk of Courts, Public Defender, Jury Service, Sheriff)
Courthouse, 810 Third St., Beaver, PA 15009
Main courthouse phone: 724-728-5700
Website: Courts Page - Beaver County District Attorney
810 Third St., Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-773-8550
Website: District Attorney - Magisterial District Judges
Role and directory for warrants, bail, preliminary arraignments & hearings.
Website: MDJ Page - Beaver County Behavioral Health – Drug & Alcohol (SCA)
Local Single County Authority for evaluations, referrals, and funding.
Website: Drug & Alcohol Services - PennDOT Driver License Center (REAL ID location)
Chippewa Plaza, 2580 Constitution Blvd., Beaver Falls, PA 15010
For license questions after certain convictions.
Website: Real ID Center
Winning Strategies Used by Our Lawyers
Every case is different, but effective defense starts with pressure-testing the evidence.
- Illegal Stops & Searches. Traffic stops must be justified. We challenge probable cause, scope of the stop, and any warrant defects.
- Suppression of Evidence. If police violated your rights, we can move to suppress what they found. A granted suppression motion can mean key evidence (or your whole case) is thrown out.
- Constructive Possession. If drugs were found in a shared car or home, the Commonwealth must prove you had knowledge and intent to control them.
- Lab Testing & Chain of Custody. The government must prove the substance is a controlled substance and connect it to you. We review lab methods, storage, and paperwork.
- Intent to Deliver (PWID). “Intent” is often inferred from baggies, scales, cash, or texts. We counter with alternative explanations, cross-examination, and expert input when appropriate.
- We review Miranda and voluntariness issues; a bad interrogation can be excluded.
- Medical Marijuana & Prescriptions. A valid prescription or medical-marijuana registration can matter, but it’s fact-sensitive and does not excuse impaired driving. (Separate DUI laws still apply.)
- Negotiations & Alternatives. Treatment, evaluations, and community-based options can reduce penalties or help you qualify for diversion.
What To Do in the First 72 Hours After a Beaver County Drug Arrest
- Don’t explain the case to police. Use your right to remain silent and request a lawyer.
- Collect paperwork & contact info. Save the complaint, property receipt, and any card from officers.
- Write down what happened. Times, locations, who searched what, and any witnesses.
- Preserve messages and location data. Screenshots, texts, and photos can matter.
- Consider a drug & alcohol evaluation. If substance use is a factor, an early evaluation can help with bail or negotiations.
- Call a lawyer experienced in Beaver County courts. A targeted plan beats guesswork.
Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Your Beaver County Drug Case
We know how these cases move in Beaver County—from MDJ court to the Court of Common Pleas—and we prepare every case as if it could go to trial. Our approach is thorough and practical: challenge unlawful searches, test the evidence, and pursue resolutions that protect your future. Our firm has earned 300+ five-star reviews, and we keep communication clear at every step.
What you get with us
- Local court know-how and straightforward guidance.
- Early investigation and motion practice where warranted.
- Honest case assessments—no scare tactics, no sugarcoating.
- 24/7 availability for urgent issues and court dates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Charges in Beaver County
What are the penalties for a first-time “small amount” marijuana case?
Up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for 30 grams or less used personally—an ungraded misdemeanor. Outcomes vary with facts, priors, and local practices, and some municipalities have ordinances that reduce penalties, but county cases still apply state law.
Is paraphernalia a separate charge?
Yes. Possession of drug paraphernalia is its own misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine. It can be charged alongside possession or PWID.
What’s the difference between possession and PWID?
Possession is having a controlled substance without a valid prescription. PWID adds intent to deliver—often inferred from weight, packaging, cash, or messages. PWID carries felony exposure and tougher penalties.
How does ARD work in Beaver County?
ARD is discretionary. If you’re accepted and complete conditions, your case can be dismissed and you can seek expungement. Beaver County’s ARD materials outline the rights you waive and steps to completion; Adult Probation describes how to request dismissal/expungement after you finish and pay costs.
Do Beaver County courts offer treatment-focused options for veterans?
Yes. Veterans Treatment Court in Beaver County follows the drug-court model and connects participants with VA resources and mentors. Eligibility depends on your case and background.
Where will my hearing be?
Initial hearings are in Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) court. If your case is “held for court,” it moves to the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas, 810 Third St., Beaver, PA 15009.
Will I lose my driver’s license?
License consequences depend on the charge and record. For logistics like REAL ID or license services, the nearby Driver License Center is at 2580 Constitution Blvd., Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Ask your lawyer about license-related impacts and options.
Areas We Serve in Beaver County
We represent clients in:
- Beaver
- Aliquippa
- Beaver Falls
- Ambridge
- Monaca
- Center Township
- Hopewell Township
- Chippewa Township
- Economy
- Brighton Township
- Baden
- Freedom
- Rochester
- New Brighton
plus nearby communities. If your case started with a stop on I-376 or in a local neighborhood, we’re ready to help.
Talk to a Beaver County Drug Defense Lawyer
Don’t face a drug charge alone. The right plan can protect your record, your job, and your future. Call 724-488-7572 or contact us online for a free consultation.
