Washington County Drug Defense Lawyer

Call 724-399-3491 today

If you’re facing a drug charge in Washington County, the next few days matter. Whether it’s marijuana possession, paraphernalia, a prescription case, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver, a targeted plan can protect your record and job.

At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we represent clients across Western Pennsylvania. Don’t wait. Call a Washington County criminal defense lawyer at 724-399-3491 for a free consultation.

What Your Drug Charge Actually Means

Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act (35 P.S. § 780-113) covers most drug crimes: simple possession, “small amount” of marijuana, paraphernalia, possession with intent to deliver (PWID), and prescription offenses. The exact charge depends on the drug, amount, and what the Commonwealth says you intended to do with the substance.

Common Charges & Elements

  • Simple Possession (§ 780-113(a)(16)) – Knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Possession can be actual (on you) or constructive (control over the place/container).
  • Small Amount of Marijuana (§ 780-113(a)(31)) – 30 grams or less of marijuana (or 8g of hashish) for personal use.
  • Drug Paraphernalia (§ 780-113(a)(32)) – Items intended for planting, packaging, weighing, or using controlled substances (pipes, scales, baggies, etc.).
  • PWID / Delivery (§ 780-113(a)(30)) – Possessing with intent to deliver or actually delivering a controlled substance. Intent is usually inferred from weight, packaging, cash, or messages. Penalties escalate with drug type and weight.
  • Prescription Fraud (§ 780-113(a)(12)) – Getting medication by misrepresentation or forgery; often charged with related counts (forgery, identity issues).

Learn more:

Penalty Snapshots

Small Amount of Marijuana (≤30g)

  • Statute: § 780-113(a)(31)
  • Typical Max Penalty: 30 days in jail; $500 fine
  • Notes: Ungraded misdemeanor for personal use of ≤30g (or ≤8g hashish)

More Than 30g Marijuana (Simple Possession)

  • Statute: § 780-113(a)(16)
  • Typical Max Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail; $5,000 fine
  • Notes: Penalties depend on prior record and case facts

Paraphernalia

  • Statute: § 780-113(a)(32)
  • Typical Max Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail; $2,500 fine
  • Notes: Separate misdemeanor; may be charged alongside possession or PWID

Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID) / Delivery (General)

  • Statute: § 780-113(a)(30)
  • Typical Max Penalty: Felony exposure; fines ranging from $100,000–$250,000+ depending on drug and weight
  • Notes: Heavier penalties apply for certain controlled substances and larger quantities

Prescription Fraud

  • Statute: § 780-113(a)(12)
  • Typical Max Penalty: Misdemeanor or felony exposure depending on facts
  • Notes: Often charged together with forgery or identity-related offenses

What You Should Do in the Next 72 Hours

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, the next few days are critical. Use this 72-hour checklist to protect your rights and strengthen your defense.

  1. Don’t explain the facts to police. Use your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
  2. Save documents & notes. Keep the complaint, property receipts, and write down what happened.
  3. Preserve messages/location data. Screenshots and photos can matter in a constructive-possession or intent case.
  4. Consider an early drug/alcohol evaluation. In Washington County, the Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission (WDAC) coordinates treatment access; early steps can help with bail or negotiations.
  5. Find your first court date. Many cases start in a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) court; the MDJ directory is published by the county.

The Washington County Case Path

Drug cases in Washington County follow a clear path. Knowing the who, what, and where helps you plan and reduce stress.

Stage 1: Arrest or Summons

You may be arrested or mailed a summons for certain misdemeanors.

Stage 2: Preliminary Arraignment 

A magisterial district judge advises you of charges and sets bail/conditions. The county publishes MDJ districts, judges, and phone numbers.

Stage 3: Preliminary Hearing 

The Commonwealth must show probable cause. This is your first chance to challenge the stop or search, test whether evidence ties to you (constructive possession), and negotiate reductions. Use our preliminary hearing and criminal process pages to prep.

Stage 4: Formal Arraignment (Court of Common Pleas)

If the case is “held for court,” it moves to the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, 1 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301. The main courthouse line is 724-228-6999. You’ll receive discovery/motion deadlines.

Stage 5: Pre-Trial

We file motions (e.g., suppression for unlawful search), review lab results and chain of custody, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Stage 6: Plea or Trial

If you proceed to trial, the Commonwealth must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Stage 7: Sentencing & Record Relief

Guidelines consider weight, priors, and mitigation (treatment progress, evaluation results). If you complete ARD, you may seek expungement later; ask your lawyer about eligibility and timing.

Where to find official info:

How Worgul, Sarna & Ness Pressure-Test Drug Cases

Every case depends on the facts, the paperwork, and the people involved. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, we focus on finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and using them to build a strong defense.

Stops & Searches

We review why you were stopped and how the search unfolded. If police outstepped their authority (traffic stop, consent, warrant scope), we move to suppress what they found.

Constructive Possession

If drugs were found in a shared car/home, the Commonwealth must show you knew about them and intended to control them—not just that you were nearby. We use witnesses, location data, and cross-examination to show reasonable doubt.

Lab Testing & Chain of Custody

Is the tested substance the same item taken from the scene? Were methods validated? We audit lab reports, storage logs, and handling to attack reliability.

Intent to Deliver (PWID)
The state infers “intent” from baggies, scales, cash, or texts. We counter intent to deliver charges with benign explanations, challenge the weight calculations, and explore suppression if a controlled buy or confidential source is shaky.

Statements

We examine whether Miranda rights were given and whether statements were voluntary; if they weren’t, unwarned or coerced statements can be excluded from evidence.

Negotiation Windows

Even as we prep for trial, we use treatment steps, clean evaluations, or evidentiary weaknesses to negotiate dismissals, reductions, or entry into diversion—especially valuable for first-timers.

First-Time Paths, Treatment & Record Relief in Washington County

ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition)

ARD is a pre-trial diversion option for certain non-violent cases. Successful completion can lead to dismissal and eligibility to expunge the case. Washington County coordinates closely with treatment providers through the Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission (WDAC), the county’s Single County Authority for drug and alcohol services.

Problem-Solving Courts (Treatment-Focused)

The County maintains problem-solving courts and lists contacts; an Assistant DA is assigned to DUI Treatment Court and Veterans Treatment Court, which signals a treatment-oriented track where appropriate.

Treatment Access (WDAC)

WDAC serves as the Single County Authority and connects residents to prevention, intervention, and a full continuum of care. You can find the WDAC here:

Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.
90 W. Chestnut St., Suite 310, Washington, PA 15301 | (724) 223-1181 | 1-800-247-8379.

Ask us whether ARD, a specialty court, or a treatment plan could change your outcome.

Local Directory—Washington County Courts & Useful Contacts

  • Washington County Court of Common Pleas / Courthouse
    1 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301
    724-228-6999
    Main trial court for misdemeanors/felonies.
    Website: Washington County Court PA
  • Clerk of Courts
    Courthouse, Suite 1005, 1 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301
    724-228-6787
    Filings & records.
    Website: Clerks of Courts
  • Magisterial District Judges (MDJ)
    Directory & Phones. County list for warrants, bail, preliminary arraignments & hearings.
    Website: Magisterial District Judges
  • District Attorney (Washington County, PA)
    DA information via county website. Office details and victim services.
    Website: District Attorney
  • Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission (SCA)
    90 W. Chestnut St., Suite 310, Washington, PA 15301
    724-223-1181 | 800-247-8379
    Website: Drug & Alcohol Services
  • PennDOT Driver License Center (for license issues/logistics)
    250 Oak Spring Rd., Washington, PA 15301
    Website: PennDOT

Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for a Washington County Drug Case

We prepare every case like it could go to trial. This early preparation strengthens your position even if your goal is a negotiated outcome.

Our team emphasizes evidence challenges (stops, searches, lab reliability), constructive-possession defenses, and realistic paths like ARD or treatment-focused resolutions.

We have 25+ years of combined experience and 300+ five-star reviews. When you need help in Washington County, Worgul, Sarna & Ness can build a strong defense.

What you can expect with us

  • Experience in local courts from MDJs to Common Pleas.
  • Straight talk about risks, defenses, and timelines.
  • Early motion practice where warranted (suppression, discovery enforcement).
  • 24/7 responsiveness and flexible scheduling.

FAQs—Drug Charges in Washington County

I’m a first-timer. Can I avoid a conviction?

Possibly. Washington County uses ARD in eligible non-violent cases. Successful completion can lead to dismissal and expungement eligibility. Your lawyer must apply and negotiate terms.

What happens at my first court event?

You’ll appear before a magisterial district judge for a preliminary arraignment or preliminary hearing. The MDJ sets bail/conditions and the Commonwealth must show probable cause. Use the MDJ directory to confirm location/phone.

Is “paraphernalia” really a separate charge?

Yes. Possession of drug paraphernalia is an ungraded misdemeanor with up to 1 year and a $2,500 fine. It’s often charged alongside possession or possession with intent to deliver.

What counts as a “small amount” of marijuana?

30 grams of marijuana (or 8 grams of hashish) for personal use is a “small amount”—max 30 days and $500. More than 30 grams raises exposure.

How severe are PWID penalties?

They’re weight- and drug-dependent with felony exposure; fines can reach $100k–$250k+ for certain substances, even for first-timers.

Do Washington County courts use treatment-focused options?

Yes. The county lists Problem-Solving Courts, including DUI Treatment Court and Veterans Treatment Court contacts—the DA’s office is actively involved.

Where is the courthouse?

Washington County Courthouse, 1 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301 (main line 724-228-6999).

Areas We Serve in Washington County

We help clients throughout Washington County, including:

  • McMurray
  • North Strabane Township
  • Cecil Township
  • Canonsburg
  • Washington
  • Peters Township
  • South Strabane
  • Chartiers
  • North Franklin

and nearby communities.

Talk to a Washington County Drug Defense Lawyer

Don’t go into a hearing unprepared. The right strategy can protect your record, job, and future.

Call 724-399-3491 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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