Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Laws

The Top 10 Things NOT To Do If You're Arrested

Pennsylvania prescription drug laws are complex. If you’ve been charged with possession, selling (PWI) or trafficking of prescription medications, the stakes are high. Every state has different laws when it comes to prescription drugs. Pennsylvania has its own prescription drug laws.

Controlled substances laws in PA are a mess. What is legal. What is illegal. It changes. This is especially true with all of the new novel drugs such as synthetic marijuana, synthetic opiates and synthetic hallucinogens. 
Even the most minor drug possession conviction can result in heavy fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record.

Prescription medication abuse is on the rise. According to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, more than 15 million Americans abuse prescription drugs. Medical emergencies resulting from prescription drug use increased over 130% in the past 10 years. Possession with the intent to use a prescription medication that is not prescribed to you or a controlled substance you are not authorized to have is a crime, no matter how small the amount.

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Due to the rise in prevalence of prescription medication abuse and the increased number of medical emergencies, the government is cracking down hard. The government will likely try to make it look like you are a big time Kingpin. A lot of the time, they use the testimony of unreliable snitches who will say anything about you to save their own skin. One of our strategies is working to get the evidence suppressed by examining whether the police followed the proper procedures during their investigation. We know how to fight these cases and will work hard to protect your rights.

When selecting which attorney to hire, please consider:

  • Can you call anytime and talk to a live person?
  • Do they offer payment plans with no credit checks?
  • Will your attorney be attentive and explain what’s going on?

At The McShane Firm, we answer yes to all of these questions. We strive to provide you with a great customer service experience during this tough time.

What controlled drugs are in PA?

Possession of a controlled substance, from schedule V medications that are not prescribed to you, up to schedule I illegal drugs, is a crime. If you are caught with controlled substance in your possession, the government will try to make it look like to you are a drug dealer. They will say that you sell drugs for profit to the innocent and unwary citizens of Pennsylvania. The government will try to make you look the kingpin. They don’t play fair.

Government tactics

Using whatever tactics necessary to secure a conviction for the most serious charge they can, the government hurts folks. The government will often use surreptitious methods in securing evidence such as using confidential informants and jail house snitches who will say and do anything to save their own skin. At The McShane Firm, we have experience with all these government tactics. We know how to fight these cases and will work hard to protect your rights.

You are not a drug dealer or a junkie

We will help

prescription-drug-laws
prescription-drug-laws

The skilled attorneys of The McShane Firm have the aggressive courtroom skills you need to help reduce or beat your charges. With our advanced scientific training, we can defend you against all drug charges, including:

  • Prescription Drug Possession
  • Prescription Drug Sale or Distribution
  • All types of and schedules of Prescription drugs

    What is The McShane Difference?

    • We take time to understand your personal needs and goals. Then we cater our legal strategy to fit you.
    • We care about you. We listen and return phone calls. We will take time to explain things so you are not left anxious in the dark.
    • We will make this as easy as possible. We will try to minimize the number of times you have to be in court which means less disruption of your work and family life.

    Does this sound like what you are looking for in an attorney? If yes, then take the next step and call (717) 657-3900.

    Opioids/ Painkillers

    (slang terms include biscuits, blue heaven, blues, Mrs. O, octagons, stop signs, O Bomb, Oxy, O.C., oxycotton, oxycet, hillbilly heroin, percs, Watsons, footballs, dillies, demmies, chocolate chip cookies, M, Miss Emma, monkey, white stuff, cody, syrup, fizzies, apache, china girl, dance fevcer, jackpot, TNT, Tango and Cash, blue heaven, O bomb)

    Trade name Generic Name Federal Schedule Pennsylvania Schedule
    Fentanyl Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze Schedule II Schedule II
    Hydrocodone Vicodin Schedule II Schedule II
    Morphine Ms Contin, Roxanol Schedule II Schedule II
    Oxycodone OxyContin, Percocet Schedule II Schedule II
    Oxycodone HCL Percodan, Tylox Schedule II Schedule II
    Meperidine

    Hydrochloride

    Demerol Schedule II Schedule II
    Hydrocodone

    Combination

    Lortab Schedule III Schedule II
    Oxymorphone Opana ER, Numorphan Schedule II Schedule II
    Bitartrate

    Hydromorphone

    Dilaudid Schedule II Schedule II
    Dextropropoxyphene Darvon, Darvocet Schedule IV Schedule IV

    Barbiturates

    (Slang names include barbs, reds, red birds, phennies, tooies, yellows, yellow jackets).

    Trade name Generic name Federal Schedule Pennsylvania Schedule
    Amobarbital Amytal Schedule II Schedule II
    Pentobarbital Nembutal Schedule II Schedule II
    Secobarbital Seconal Schedule II Schedule II

    Benzodiazepines (slang names include candy, downers, sleeping pills, tranks)

    Trade name Generic name Federal Schedule Pennsylvania Schedule
    Phenobarbital Luminal Schedule IV Schedule IV
    Diazepam Valium Schedule IV Schedule IV
    Alprazolam Xanax Schedule IV Schedule IV
    Lorazepam Ativan Schedule IV Schedule IV
    Triazolam Halcion Schedule IV Schedule IV
    Chlordiazepoxide Librium Schedule IV Schedule IV
    Clonazepam Klonopin Schedule IV Schedule IV
    Flunitrazepam Rohypnol Schedule IV Schedule I

    Sedative-hypnotics

    (slang names include sleeping pills, mickies)

    Trade name Generic name Federal Schedule Pennsylvania Schedule
    Zolpidem Ambien Schedule IV Schedule IV
    Zaleplon Sonata Schedule IV None
    Zopiclone Lunesta Schedule IV None
    Gama Hydroxybutyric Acid GHB Schedule I Schedule I
    Ketamine Ketaset, Special K Schedule III Schedule III

    Anti-depressants

    Trade name Generic name Federal Schedule Pennsylvania Schedule
    Sertraline Zoloft None None
    Fluoxetine Prozac None None
    Escitalopram Lexapro None None
    Paroxetine Paxil CR None None

    Steroids

    (slang names include gear, gym juice, the juice)

    Trade name Generic name Federal Schedule Pennsylvania Schedule
    Nandrolone Oxandrin Schedule III Schedule III
    Oxandrolone Anadrol Schedule III Schedule III
    Oxymetholone Anadrol-50 Schedule III Schedule III
    Testosterone Cypionate Depo-Testosterone Schedule III Schedule III
    Testosterone Enanthate Delatestryl, Tesamone Schedule III Schedule III
    Methandienone Dianabol Schedule III Schedule III
    Boldenone Equipoise Schedule III None

All of the attorneys at The McShane Firm have specialized training in the science behind forensic drug analysis and identification

Contact us today for your free, no obligation consultation. We’ll discuss your legal options and help you fight for your rights and your freedom.

Controlled-Substances-Laws

Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Penalties

In the State of Pennsylvania, it is illegal to possess or distribute controlled substances including prescription medications. Prescription drug laws and Pennsylvania controlled substances laws are harsh if you violate them.

The heavy fines, possible jail time, and permanent criminal record that come with a drug possession conviction can complicate your life for years to come. That’s why it’s important to have an aggressive defense attorney by your side in court. 

Sentencing for prescription drug or controlled substances possession or sales vary greatly depending on the type of drug and how much was found in your possession. Below is an overview of the current typical penalties for prescription drug or controlled substances charges in PA.

Prescription and Controlled Substances Drug Penalties Overview

Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule I or II narcotics – First Offense
Grade:
Felony
Maximum Prison:
Fifteen Years
Maximum Fine:
$250,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule I or II narcotics – Subsequent Offense
Grade:
Felony
Maximum Prison:
Thirty Years
Maximum Fine:
$500,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Phencyclidine, methamphetamine, cocaine (including salts and isomers) – First Offense
Grade:
Felony
Maximum Prison:
Ten Years
Maximum Fine:
$100,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Phencyclidine, methamphetamine, cocaine (including salts and isomers) – Subsequent Offense
Grade:
Felony
Maximum Prison:
Twenty Years
Maximum Fine:
$200,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule I, II, or III (non-narcotics) – First Offense
Grade:
Felony
Maximum Prison:
Five Years
Maximum Fine:
$15,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule I, II, or III (non-narcotics) – Subsequent Offense
Grade:
Felony
Maximum Prison:
Ten Years
Maximum Fine:
$30,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule IV – First Offense
Grade:
Felony
Maximum Prison:
Three Years
Maximum Fine:
$10,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule IV – Subsequent Offense
Grade:
Felony
Maximum Prison:
Six Years
Maximum Fine:
$20,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule V – First Offense
Grade:
Misdemeanor
Maximum Prison:
1 Year
Maximum Fine:
$5,000
Charge:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule V – Subsequent Offense
Grade:
Misdemeanor
Maximum Prison:
Two Years
Maximum Fine:
$10,000
Charge:
Simple Possession – First Offense
Grade:
Misdemeanor
Maximum Prison:
One Year
Maximum Fine:
$5,000
Charge:
Simple Possession – Second or Subsequent Offense
Grade:
Misdemeanor
Maximum Prison:
Three Years
Maximum Fine:
$25,000
Charge:
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Grade:
Misdemeanor
Maximum Prison:
One Year
Maximum Fine:
$2,500

*Prior convictions, schedule of drug, or sale to a minor can incur more severe penalties

 
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Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:

  • Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
  • Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
  • Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
  • Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
  • Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.

This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.

Know Your Rights

As you can see, even the most minor prescription drug laws related charge can put your future in jeopardy. But remember: being accused of a crime is not the same as being convicted. You have options. Get The Science Attorneys on your side. You can get The McShane Firm.