Pittsburgh Drug Crime Attorney
Protection From The Heavy Consequences Of Drug Charges
Pennsylvania’s drug laws levy harsh penalties on even first-time offenders. Even possession of a controlled substance can result in jail time, fines and damage to your reputation that can result in loss of employment and other consequences. That’s why it’s important that individuals who are facing drug charges obtain representation from an experienced Pittsburgh drug crime lawyer who is able to assess the circumstances and provide a viable legal strategy moving forward.
At Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, we provide clients across Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania with access to a lawyer with over 40 years of trial experience defending individuals who are facing serious criminal charges in both state and federal court. In cases involving drug charges, Mr. Emmi leverages that courtroom experience to fight aggressively on his clients’ behalf.
Dedication And Compassion in Difficult Times
Comprehensive legal assistance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Effective Defense Against Serious Allegations
As a litigation firm, we prepare for every case as if we are taking it to trial and defending you in front of a jury. We begin with a thorough investigation of the facts of your case. If there are any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, we are quick to act. Our goal is consistent: to place you in the most beneficial position possible. We do so by striving to get the charges against you reduced and, ultimately, dismissed.
As part of our practice, we have provided legal representation to clients for cases involving:
- Possession. If you are found to be in possession of even the smallest amounts of an illegal drug, this can be considered a felony, and you could face years in prison and large fines. Drugs typically involved with possession charges include cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, or fentanyl, which is becoming one of the leading causes of drug overdoses in the city.
- Possession of paraphernalia. This charge can occur if you are found to be in possession of any drug-related paraphernalia, including bongs, pipes, or other similar kinds of drug equipment.
- Possession with intent to distribute. If you are found with a certain amount of illegal or controlled substances in your possession, the police may believe that you are either selling these drugs or intend to sell them. If this is the case, you will face higher penalties, including decades in prison and extremely large fines.
- Distribution. If you are found to be allegedly distributing drugs in the Pittsburgh area, this is considered a serious felony charge, and you will need a trustworthy defense lawyer on your side if you hope to avoid a trial and have your charges either reduced or dismissed. Around 90% of all felony cases are resolved without the need for a trial.
- Trafficking. One of the most serious drug-related crimes is that of trafficking. If you are found to be allegedly trafficking drugs, it can be punishable by decades spent in prison, and you could be facing federal charges depending on the amount of drugs that are involved and if any state or national boundary lines were crossed during the crime.
- Manufacturing. If you are charged with manufacturing drugs, you can face felony charges in Pittsburgh. The penalties involved in these offenses will ultimately depend on the type of drug that was involved and the amount, but many offenders could face life in prison.
As an experienced drug crimes defense attorney, Mr. Emmi has represented clients in cases stemming from a variety of narcotics, ranging from marijuana to heroin and bath salts. We strive to protect clients from the harsh consequences of criminal charges.
Defenses for Pittsburgh Drug Crime Charges
When you are charged with a drug crime in Pittsburgh, you need an attorney who has experience with the Allegheny County and federal courts. At Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, we can review the circumstances of your drug crime charge and determine what legal avenue of defense correctly fits your needs. Common defense strategies for drug crimes include:
- Illegal search and seizure. If any drugs, contraband, or other forms of alleged evidence were unlawfully obtained by police or by the prosecution, then it is likely our team can have this evidence thrown out or suppressed.
- Entrapment. Entrapment happens when a police officer induces you into committing or engaging in a criminal act that you would otherwise not normally do, such as purchasing illegal substances.
- Lack of intent. If there is no solid evidence that you intended to distribute, sell, or trafficking drugs, then the prosecution will have a difficult time proving their case against you. At Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, we can challenge any evidence that the prosecution may provide.
- Actual drug ownership. We may be able to prove that drugs are not actually yours if you share your home, vehicle, dorm room, or apartment with another person.
Working Closely With Individuals & Families
Experienced Defense From A Knowledgeable Attorney
When faced with a serious drug crime, you need to hire a drug crime lawyer as soon as possible who will stop at nothing to defend you against a conviction. To get in contact with the team at Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, call 412-341-8477 or use the online contact form. We’re happy to schedule a meeting via Zoom or FaceTime if we’re unable to meet face to face. We offer free consultations.