State College Drug Delivery Lawyer
Felony Drug Charges in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
In Pennsylvania, the delivery, possession with intent to deliver (PWID), or manufacture of a controlled substance is classified as a felony offense, regardless of the quantity or the person’s criminal history. That means a first-time offender who shares a few grams of marijuana with a friend faces the same felony charge as a drug trafficker selling large quantities of heroin or fentanyl.
While the type and amount of drugs involved do affect sentencing guidelines, they do not change the felony grading of the offense. Whether you’re caught with a small amount or a large stash, you’re facing serious felony charges under Pennsylvania law.
Felony Drug Convictions Carry Harsh Penalties
A conviction for a felony drug offense in Pennsylvania can result in severe consequences, including:
Lengthy jail or state prison sentences
Substantial fines and court costs
Long-term probation supervision
But the impact doesn’t stop at sentencing. Felony convictions create what defense attorneys call collateral consequences—long-term penalties that follow a person for years, if not life. These may include:
Collateral Consequences of a Felony Drug Conviction:
Loss of Second Amendment rights – Convicted felons are prohibited from owning or purchasing firearms for life unless they obtain a Governor’s pardon.
Employment barriers – Many employers perform background checks and may refuse to hire individuals with felony records.
Housing difficulties – Landlords often deny rental applications due to criminal history.
Loss of federal student aid – Students may lose eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
Immigration consequences – Non-citizens may face deportation or denial of citizenship.
Ineligibility for government clearances – A felony record can make you ineligible for security-sensitive jobs.
Hire a Proven Pennsylvania Drug Crimes Attorney
With so much at stake, it is critical to work with a skilled and experienced Pennsylvania drug defense lawyer. Since 2004, State College criminal defense attorney Jason S. Dunkle has successfully represented clients in all stages of drug-related criminal cases, including:
Pre-charge investigations
Preliminary hearings
Pre-trial motions
Jury trials
Criminal appeals
Attorney Dunkle will take a calculated, evidence-driven approach to your case, aiming to suppress evidence, negotiate favorable plea deals, or fight for a not guilty verdict at trial. If you’re facing a felony drug charge for delivery or possession with intent to deliver, you need an aggressive defense now—not later.
For more information, visit our Drug Delivery FAQ section to learn more about Pennsylvania drug laws, defenses, and potential outcomes.
Contact JD Law Today for a Free Consultation
For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.
Testimonial
“Jason Dunkle was a beacon of hope to me at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed unlikely and impossible. Not only was he able to defend me from an unjust accusation, his calm and empathetic demeanor, as well as quick replies to my worried questions and thoughts offered emotional support and peace of mind to me. Unlike many attorneys, he genuinely cares about his client and their life after being involved with the police, not just his fee. I am eternally grateful for Jason’s service and I recommend him without reservation.” – John