What to Do if Charged With Selling Drugs to Minors in Pennsylvania
Since the war on drugs was declared in 1971, drug crimes have received punishments that are normally assigned for serious felonies. This is especially true for specialized drug crimes, such as selling drugs to minors and drug crimes that take place within a drug-free zone. Penalties for these crimes can include massive fines and years spent in state or federal prison.
Our Pittsburgh drug crimes attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC know that these crimes are often punished unfairly. Perhaps you were falsely accused, or maybe you committed a crime that warrants a more lenient sentence. Regardless of the circumstance surrounding your case, you do not deserve to be taken advantage of by an unfair justice system.
To find out how you can avoid the harsh penalties associated with drug crimes, call (412) 281-2146 now.
Crimes Involving Selling Drugs to Minors in PA
The crime of selling or distributing illegal substances to minors involves engaging in a drug transaction with someone under the age of 18. This crime has numerous outcomes, all of which depend on the circumstances surrounding the offense. Two of the most impactful contributing factors are the type of drug and the amount being sold or distributed.
Since minors are involved in this crime, additional laws also apply. According to both state and federal regulations, both fines and periods of incarceration are doubled when the recipient of a drug is a minor or when a minor is used for any other drug crime.
Penalties for Selling Drugs to Minors in Pennsylvania
At a minimum, you will face one year in prison if you are convicted of distributing controlled substances to a minor. You will face an additional minimum sentence of two years confinement if you did any of the following:
- Promoted the habitual use of the controlled substance
- Intended to engage the minor in the trafficking, sale, transport, delivery, manufacturing, or conveyance of the controlled substance
- Committed the offense within 1,000 feet of a school or other drug-free zone
- Committed the offense on a school bus or within 500 feet of a school bus stop
Selling or distributing drugs to minors have sentences that include, but are not limited to:
- Mandatory incarceration
- Fines and court fees
- Probation
- A permanent criminal record
- Loss or denial of a professional license
- Negative effects on immigration
- Inability to find affordable and safe housing
- Difficulty finding a good job
- Ineligibility for student financial aid
Drug-Free Zones
According to state and federal lawmakers, there are certain areas that need to be specially protected from drug crimes. Drug-free zones (DFZs), otherwise known as drug-free school zones, are areas in which penalties are doubled for any and all drug crimes. Penalties for a drug offense will be increased if it occurs within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, arcade, daycare, youth center, or any other area where children might be present. For some protected areas, the crime radius is only 100 feet.
Call Our Pittsburgh Drug Charge Lawyers Today
The consequences of a drug conviction can be devastating, especially if the crime involved children. If you have been charged with selling drugs to minors or any other drug crime, you may be worried about how your life will be affected if you are convicted. Finding a job might be all but impossible, as few employers jump at the chance to hire someone with a conviction history. It might also be difficult to continue your education with your criminal history only a simple search away.
The Pittsburgh drug crimes attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC realize that a criminal conviction can turn your life upside down. Our team knows that the best way to avoid the consequences of a conviction is to prevent a guilty verdict in court. With years of experience in criminal law, our lawyers have the knowledge and resources to give your case the best possible chance of success. We will pursue every option, leaving no stone unturned.
Call (412) 281-2146 today to see how you can get your life back on track.