A large quantity of the drugs that are obtained in the state of Pennsylvania are smuggled and imported from other countries like Mexico. Being accused of bringing these drugs into the state is a serious matter that warrants some of the harshest legal ramifications. Only the assistance of an experienced attorney can maximize your chances of beating these charges.
Smuggling and Importation Drug Laws in Pennsylvania
There are no state statutes that specifically mention smuggling and importation. Pennsylvania law broadly refers to this behavior as drug trafficking. Drug trafficking penalties are incredibly serious. If convicted, a person who has never been convicted of a crime before can expect to spend some time in prison. A person may face the following penalties due to the state's mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines:
Marijuana
- Two pounds to under ten pounds: one year in prison and a fine of $5,000 for a first offense, and two years in prison and a fine of at least $10,000 for a subsequent offense.
- Ten pounds to under 50 pounds: three years in prison and a fine of $15,000 for a first offense, and fours years in prison and a fine of $30,000 for a subsequent offense.
- 50 pounds or more: five years in prison and a fine of $50,000.
Meth
- Five grams to under ten grams: three years in prison and a fine of $15,000 for a first offense, and five years in prison and a $30,000 fine for a subsequent offense.
- Ten grams to under 100 grams: fours in prison and a fine of $25,000 for a first offense, and seven years in prison and a $50,000 fine for a subsequent offense.
- 100 grams or more: five years in prison and a fine of $50,000 for a first offense, and eight years in prison and $50,000 for a subsequent offense.
Heroin
- One gram to under five grams: two years in prison and a fine of $5,000 for a first offense, and three years in prison and a fine of $10,000 for a subsequent offense.
- Five grams to under 50 grams: three years in prison and a fine of $15,000 for a first offense, and five years in prison and a $30,000 fine for a subsequent offense.
- 50 grams or more: five years in prison and a fine of $25,000 for a first offense, and seven years in prison and a $50,000 fine for a subsequent offense.
Cocaine and MDMA
- Two to under ten grams: two years in prison and a fine of $5,000 for a first offense, and three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for a subsequent offense.
- Ten grams to under 100 grams: three years in prison and a fine of $10,000 for a first offense, and five years in prison and a $30,000 fine for a subsequent offense.
- 100 grams or more: Five years in prison and a $25,000 fine for a first offense, and seven years in prison and a $50,000 fine for subsequent offenses.
Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of drug trafficking, it is important that you immediately retain an attorney. Skilled criminal defense attorney Joseph D. Lento has tons of experience successfully advocating for people who've acquired these charges and has helped them get their sentence drastically reduced, or has gotten their charges dismissed altogether. He can do the same for you. Contact him today.
