Montgomery County, PA Drug Offense Attorney

Recent FBI reports indicate that nationwide, drug and drug-related offenses account for approximately one-third of all arrests.  Judges and prosecutors in PA take drug charges very seriously and convictions can result in lengthy jail sentences.  For anyone charged with a drug offense, it is critically important to retain a criminal defense attorney experienced in prosecuting and defending against drug charges.

Both as a prosecutor in Montgomery County, PA and as a defense attorney, I have extensive experience in handling drug cases.  It is important that a defense attorney be accomplished in actually trying a drug case.  It is also equally important that an attorney understand the alternative options available for persons charged with a drug offensein PA.

While a plea bargain or alternative-sentence resolution is sometimes the best option, it is vital that you choose an attorney who is not hesitant to take a matter to trial.  Prosecutors can sense when an attorney is afraid of trial and will be less-inclined to offer the best possible deal.  As both a prosecutor and defense counsel, I have a great deal of experience in trying criminal cases.  I have a thorough understanding of criminal defense practice and effective representation and am proud of my ability to “come up big” in big cases.  I take every case seriously and work hard to give my clients outstanding representation.

Federal prosecutors and district attorneys put a great deal of effort and resources into the prosecution of drug offenses.  A defense attorney cannot be surprised or intimidated by the resources involved in drug prosecutions.  Rather, an attorney must be prepared to devote the necessary resources to ensure a zealous and successful defense.  I have relationships with experts in numerous fields (such as private investigators, toxicologists, forensic psychologists, polygraphers and computer experts) who I have used to help me evaluate and defend cases.  I have the knowledge and experience to earn the best possible result for any client charged with a drug offense.

"Section 17" Probation

People charged with possession of drugs in PA who have no prior criminal record may be eligible for a program that permits them to undergo a period of probation after which the charges are legally dismissed.  This is called "Section 17 Probation" because the result is provided in paragraph 17 of "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act" in PA.  This program in similar to the the Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) Program.

People who successfully complete the Section 17 Program or ARD Program in PA may petition the court to have their criminal record expunged.   Such criminal records should be expunged so that employee background checks do not uncover records of the arrest and Section 17 disposition.  To do this one must obtain a court order providing that all records connected with the charge or Section 17 / ARD disposition be expunged and destroyed.  This order should direct all recipients to produce an affidavit assuring that all documents relating to the arrest – including mug shots and fingerprint records – have been destroyed.  It is important to retain an attorney who will be diligent in making sure these pA and federal agencies follow through with their court-ordered directives and destroy these records.

Drug Court

In Montgomery County, PA – and other counties – there is a relatively new “Drug Court” program which is a special court given the responsibility of closely supervising non-violent, drug-addicted offenders in PA.  Acceptance into a “Drug Court” program can result in a defendant receiving a more lenient sentence and avoiding jail. 

Call 610-270-8800 to Speak to a Montgomery County, PA Drug Offense Lawyer

It is important for anyone accused of a drug offense in PA to retain a lawyer experienced in handling drug cases.  If you, a friend or a loved has been charged with a Montgomery County or federal drug crime, please feel free contact Montgomery County, PA criminal defense attorney Henry S. Hilles, III.