Possession with Intent to Deliver
If you’ve been charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver, also known as PWID, in Pennsylvania, begin to plan your next steps as soon as possible. This serious felony can be accompanied by very serious fines and penalties. It can also ultimately impact your ability to gain employment or make ends meet if you’re convicted in the end.
Understanding Possession with Intent to Deliver
Law enforcement determines which charge is applicable based on the amount of drug present, whether there was excessive cash present, and how the drug was packaged if they find drugs on your property or person. A PWID charge is much more serious than possession for personal use. PWID encompasses delivering, manufacturing, and possession with intent to deliver. “Delivery” of a controlled substance extends beyond sales to include offering drugs to a friend.
Because the court sees the recipient as a victim, possession with intent to deliver is more serious than personal use. The person who receives the drugs is now at risk of a myriad of problems associated with consumption or use of the drug.
Penalties for PWID
The penalties for Possession with Intent to Deliver can vary significantly from case to case. The judge considers several factors when issuing a sentence:
- What drug was in possession (marijuana, heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs, etc.)
- The amount of drugs in possession
- Whether you have prior criminal convictions
- Who you were delivering drug to (a minor, for example, may carry a more substantial penalty)
The best way to find out what kind of penalty you expect is to contact an experienced attorney who can reference case law in your area.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver
First and most importantly, don’t answer any questions or agree to be interviewed without an attorney present. Anything you say before, during, or after arrest can be used to convict you of the crime. Instead, show law enforcement respect, comply with their orders, and let them know that you want to contact an attorney to represent you in your case.
Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney
When choosing a defense attorney, it’s important to find one who has represented clients faced with PWID charges in the past. You can ensure you’ve found the right attorney by asking the following questions in advance:
- What outcome do you anticipate in this case?
- Do you specialize in defending clients charged with drug crimes?
- What approach or strategy would you take in my case?
- What is your ultimate goal in representing me?
Their answers should be positive, but realistic. An honest attorney will tell you when it’s unlikely the charges will be dismissed completely, but is still committed to doing everything possible to achieve that outcome. Your defense attorney’s number one goal should be complete dismissal of the charges against you.
Can I Be Dismissed If I Really Committed the Crime?
In some cases, yes. If you committed the crime but the investigation was not conducted in a way that appropriately preserved evidence, ruled out other possibilities, and protected your rights, it’s possible the charges can be dismissed. In fact, many clients who seek the services of a criminal defense attorney leave with their charges dismissed due to law enforcement mistakes.
Who Should I Contact for PWID Charges in Pennsylvania?
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania, contact DeLuca, Ricciuti & Konieczka in Pittsburgh as soon as possible. They will ensure your rights are protected and you receive the best outcome possible. Not only do they specialize in drug crimes, but they have successfully represented hundreds of clients in the same position you’re in. They understand the impact this charge can have on your life and know it’s best to get it dismissed before it’s entered into your public record.
To find out more, including what penalties you can expect to face and what steps you should take next, contact DeLuca, Ricciuti, & Konieczka in Pittsburgh today.
