The authorities are definitely continuing to enforce the drug laws across the country. In 2016, there were in excess of 450,000 people charged with drug offenses who were incarcerated. One contributing factor is the public outcry after drug overdoses took the life of approximately 72,000 people in 2017. The number of people in the U.S. who have lost their access to federal financial aid for education due to a drug-related conviction is well over 200,000. Here in Montgomery County in 2018, there were roughly 3,582 drug-related offenses.
Common Drug-Related Offenses
It is a crime to possess a controlled substance such as an illegal drug and many prescription medications if you were not prescribed them. Pennsylvania's provisions for the sale of drugs or drug trafficking are classified as “possession with intent to deliver”. Other drug-related crimes include manufacturing or cultivation of such substances; an example is “operation of a methamphetamine lab.” It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with controlled substances in your blood. Possession of drug paraphernalia is another common charge.
Montgomery County Drug Treatment Court
This court offers extensive educational support, access to resources, and other critical services that treat those in the criminal court system who are battling problems with substance abuse. They employ a method of treatment that attempts to identify factors that contribute to addiction and seeks to help participants make the necessary behavioral changes to improve their quality of life.
Adult Drug Court Data for 2017
The County compiled some interesting findings regarding their Adult Drug Court in 2017. There were 85 people admitted during the year--56% were male. Roughly 94% of those admitted were 49 years old or younger. The rate of successful completion of the program was 68%.
|
Montgomery County 2017 |
|||
|
Drug of Choice |
Number |
Graduated % |
Statewide % |
|
Alcohol |
31 |
26 (84%) |
72% |
|
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) |
2 |
2(100%) |
69% |
|
Cocaine |
2 |
1 (50%) |
52% |
|
Heroin |
42 |
27 (64%) |
46% |
|
Marijuana |
3 |
3 (100%) |
72% |
|
Methamphetamine |
1 |
1 (100%) |
35% |
|
Opiates (Rx) |
10 |
3 (30%) |
54% |
Types of Ineligible Offense
- Drug sales or distribution (intent to deliver)
- Drug manufacturing
- Weapons Charges
- Simple, aggravated assault, or other violent past behavior
- Sexually-based offenses
The Pennsylvania Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act
This Act was implemented in 1972. It relates to the manufacturing, sales, possession of controlled substances. The Act defined and categorized controlled substances, the associated penalties, and much more. A controlled substance is a “drug, substance, or immediate precursor” that is part of Schedules I to V. The state examines some of the following criteria is categorizing substances:
- Evidence regarding its “pharmacological” outcomes or effects
- Any past, present, or likelihood for abuse
- The “scope, duration, and significance” of any abuse
- Aspects of any such abuse including duration and consequences
- The impact of the drug on public health including the potential for mental or physical addiction
- If it is classified for control under Federal law
- Any connection to existing controlled substances
Montgomery County Attorney for Defending Drug Offenses
Have you been charged with a drug-related offense? Pennsylvania courts are imposing significant penalties for the majority of drug offenses including sentences in jail or prison, probation, fines often over $1,000, and suspensions of driving privileges. These penalties are one reason that retaining a defense attorney that is very familiar with this area of legal practice is extremely important.
Having a past drug-related offense on your record can cause long-term problems. Those who are applying for employment or leasing an apartment may find that their past continues to plague them. Attorney Joseph D. Lento understands the many consequences of such convictions and aggressively represents his clients in these matters. Call the office today at (888) 535-3686 for a complimentary case evaluation.
