Pittsburgh Federal Drug Lawyers

Both federal and Pennsylvania laws prohibit the possession, manufacture, distribution and trafficking of illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine. If you are caught buying or selling controlled substances in the Pittsburgh area, you can be prosecuted in Pennsylvania court.

However depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also risk prosecution in federal court. Either way, it is critical that you retain a defense attorney as soon as you are questioned or charged on a drug offense. Having a Pittsburgh drug lawyer who is also an experienced federal criminal lawyer can ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your situation.

If you have been charged or you know someone who has, please call Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC today to speak with a Pittsburgh-area criminal defense attorney who can provide a free legal consultation. We are available 24/7 at (412) 281-2146.

State vs. Federal Drug Charges in Pennsylvania

Not all drug charges are the same, and where your case is prosecuted can make a significant difference. Typically:

• State courts handle most simple possession cases.
• Federal courts handle more serious cases like distribution, trafficking, and interstate or international drug operations.

If you were allegedly transporting drugs across state lines or into the U.S. from another country, your case will likely fall under federal jurisdiction. And if you’re facing charges in both systems, an experienced federal drug crime lawyer is essential to help navigate the complexities of dual prosecutions.

Penalties for Drug Distribution & Trafficking

If you are charged with illegal drug distribution, it means that you have been arrested for allegedly selling or delivering controlled substances. Trafficking is the term used for illegal drug sales and distribution.

Your penalties for a federal drug conviction for distribution or trafficking drugs will vary according to several factors which include:

• The type of controlled substances involved.
• The quantity of controlled substances involved.
• Your prior convictions.
• Whether you were caught on school property.
• Whether you were bringing the controlled substance into Pennsylvania from outside the country.

If you are convicted of a federal distribution or trafficking charge, you may face years in prison. For example, trafficking a Schedule I drug like heroin carries at least a five year prison sentence for a first offense. You will also have to pay a significant fine.

Long-Term Consequences of a Federal Drug Conviction

Beyond time behind bars and massive fines, a federal drug conviction can follow you for life. The long-term impact may include:

• Difficulty finding or keeping employment
• Denial of housing or student loans
• Permanent criminal record
• Challenges passing background checks
• Immigration consequences, if applicable

If you’re facing these risks, you can’t afford to leave your future to chance.

In addition to sizable fines and years in federal prison, you also face other long-term consequences. Having a permanent criminal record for serious federal charges will hurt your employability, ability to buy a house or pass background checks, and much more.

Manufacturing or Cultivating Illegal Drugs

Federal and Pennsylvania drug laws also criminalize the manufacture or cultivation of controlled substances. This includes:

• Growing marijuana plants
• Operating meth labs or producing drugs like LSD or MDMA

These offenses are treated just as seriously as trafficking and often trigger federal involvement due to their complexity and risk to public safety.

How Our Pittsburgh Federal Drug Lawyers Can Help

If you are facing federal and state drug charges, it’s essential that you hire an experienced federal criminal lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense. When charges are formally indicted, that usually means that federal law enforcement feels that it has enough evidence to move forward with your case.

Having an experienced attorney working on your behalf can ensure that evidence is carefully reviewed for constitutional rights violations and much more. Many times evidence can be suppressed if it has been obtained illegally.