Felony Drug Crimes

Drug Defense Attorney in Washington County
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Keith EmerickClients’ ChoiceAward 2024

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Keith was amazing. He listened very intently and seemed to ask all the right questions to allow me to get the best possible outcome for my charges. I can’t thank him enough and would recommend him for any of your attorney needs.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nikki 
 
 
 
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Keith was wonderful to work with. His calm demeanor put my anxiety at ease every time I walked into the courthouse. The first time I spoke with him about my case, I knew he was the one for the job. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Robert Tohey 
 
 
 
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I was happy to meet with Keith Emerick. He is soft spoken and to the  point. At first I didn't think I would need an attorney but for my situation I needed one. He treated me with kindness and respect. I would recommend Keith  to anyone that needs help.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Monica Buzzard 
 
 
 
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Keith is a very kind and professional man. He made me feel like I could trust him throughout the whole legal process and was very good at communicating and getting back to me in a timely manner. Working with him was a pleasure to say the least and I would highly reccomend him to anyone!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ken Moskal 
 
 
 
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Keith helped my daughter navigate a DUI charge that could have been more of a severe punishment. He was knowledgeable to know a pending state case could impact with a lesser degree for my daughter. We waited it out and it helped my her case tremendously. We trusted his judgement and it was well worth it.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Cory Schons 
 
 
 
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Keith was nothing less than the most professional, knowledgeable, and personable criminal lawyer I have ever encountered. His dedication to your best interests are irrevocably unmatched; and with out a doubt is the only person to contact for such matters. He truly goes above and beyond for his clients, and I am entirely grateful for his work. 10/10
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Mike Psychic 
 
 
 
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Very professional and helpful
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Maria Leija 
 
 
 
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Mr. Keith Emerick is great, he is knowledgeable, communicative and straightforward. We really appreciate his step by step guidance with our case thru out the whole process. Very professional and experienced highly recommended

“What Am I Up Against?” The Potential Consequences of a Drug Conviction

Possession with Intent to Deliver (“PWID”) is the criminal charge most often made against those suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade. If you’re convicted of PWID you face potential incarceration at either a county jail or state prison. You also face years of invasive probation/parole, expensive fines/court costs and the potential forfeiture of thousands of dollars in seized cash and property. In addition, a felony conviction will affect your criminal record, making it difficult to find legitimate employment in the future.

Simple Possession and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia are misdemeanor level offenses in Pennsylvania. They are typically punished by probationary sentences, but can result in periods of incarceration in some cases. A conviction for a drug crime is oftentimes felt most painfully on your criminal record. A conviction for even a misdemeanor level drug crime can follow you around for years, costing your job, putting you behind other applicants in the future, and slowing your advancement in your field.

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“How Can You Help” Defending You In a Drug Case

Mr. Emerick’s clients value him for his diligent case evaluations, his easy communication with clients, his tireless out-of-court preparation, and his skill in the courtroom. He frequently tells his new clients, “You may have defenses you aren’t yet aware of.” Whether he finds a violation of your Constitutional Rights that leads to the suppression of key evidence, or a factual defense raises reasonable doubt of your guilt, Mr. Emerick is committed to a full and proper defense. When mitigation becomes necessary, Mr. Emerick’s client’s lean on his experience to help them control the damage and lessen the punishment. “There’s no one I can’t help.”

Getting the Best Result

Proper Evaluation of Your Case

It pays to know exactly what you’re up against: What are the weak points in the Commonwealth’s case against you? What can we do about it?

Skilled & Tireless Work

Not only in Court, but also behind the scenes, Mr. Emerick works with his clients to put them in the best position to succeed.

Drug Crimes FAQs

Do you handle drug cases?
Yes, I handle drug cases. I have represented individuals accused with a wide array of drug crimes, including but not limited to: Possession with Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. For those who have had property and/or cash seized by law enforcement, I have also handled both Civil Asset Forfeiture proceedings and Return of Property proceedings.
Do you handle Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID) cases?
Yes, I handle PWID cases. I have represented individuals accused with a wide array of drug crimes, including but not limited to: Possession with Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. For those who have had property and/or cash seized by law enforcement, I have also handled both Civil Asset Forfeiture proceedings and Return of Property proceedings.
What is possession with intent to deliver in PA?
In PA, Possession with Intent to Deliver or “PWID”, is the unauthorized possession of a controlled substance, together with the intent to manufacture or deliver the substance. This felony charge is most common for those accused of involvement in the sale of controlled substances.
What is the difference between Simple Possession and Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID)?
Simple Possession is the misdemeanor offense of possession of a controlled substance, typically for the purpose of personal use. Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID) is a felony and has the added element that the possession be with the intent to manufacture or deliver said controlled substance.
What is the penalty for possession of a controlled substance in PA?
It depends on your exact charge – whether misdemeanor Simple Possession or Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID). It also depends on the amount/weight of the controlled substance, the specific circumstances/facts of your case, and your criminal record, if any. There are many moving parts in a drug case. The assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer is required.
Can Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID) charges be dropped in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID) charges can be dropped. Though because it is a felony charge, prosecutors are typically resistant to an outright withdrawal. If they can be convinced - by skillful legal argument - that they will fail to prove your intent to deliver, they may offer to substitute the felony charge for the lesser misdemeanor possession charge. Its also possible – depending on the facts of your case - that factual or constitutional defenses can be developed making an outright withdrawal or dismissal more likely.
Do first-time drug offenders go to jail in Pennsylvania?
It’s possible. Depending on the amount of drugs possessed and circumstances of same, incarceration at either a state prison or county jail is possible. Since drug cases are highly fact specific, the best thing to do is contact a skilled, experienced criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible to being discussing your defense strategy.
Can possession charges be dropped in Pennsylvania?
Yes, possession charges can be dropped. It often depends on the amount of drugs possessed, the circumstances of same, and the history and/or criminal record of the defendant.

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