Skilled Pennsylvania Drug Offense Defense Attorney
McClenahen Law Firm, LLC, in State College, defends people arrested for alleged drug crimes. Attorney Matt McClenahen handles both misdemeanor and felony drug charges:
- Cannaboids: marijuana, hashish
- Prescription drugs: OxyContin
- Stimulants: cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine (meth)
- Narcotics: heroin, opium
- Hallucinogens: LSD, PCP, psilocybin mushrooms
- Empathogens: ecstasy (MDMA)
- Drug paraphernalia
Drug Offenses: Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Charges
In Pennsylvania, if you possess a certain weight of an illegal drug, it can be presumed that you intended to deliver (sell) the drug. Drug possession with the intent to deliver is a felony drug charge. For example, possession of thirty grams or more of marijuana can be charged as a felony. If you possess less than a certain weight of an illegal drug, however, there may be a presumption that it is for personal use and classified as a misdemeanor. This varies, however, with the circumstances.
Attorney McClenahen is skilled in handling both misdemeanor and felony drug charges, taking them to trial when necessary. He has an impressive win-loss record in jury trials: his total win-loss record is 25-12-1, with a record of 20-7-1 in non-felony drug trials and 5-5 in felony drug trials.* He has also negotiated with the prosecution for reduced charges and favorable plea agreements.
Drug paraphernalia, such as a bowl, a bong, or a needle, is used to introduce drugs into the body by inhaling, injecting, or other means. The charge of possession of drug paraphernalia may accompany a charge for possession of drugs.
Felonies and misdemeanors carry the possibility of prison time, and a conviction for possession of a certain weight of a drug can carry a mandatory minimum sentence. If you are convicted of possession with the intent to deliver within a school zone, you will face the possibility of a minimum of two to four years' prison time. A school zone includes Penn State and other area college campuses.
Attorney McClenahen defends clients charged with crimes that may occur alone or in connection with drug offenses, such as robbery, burglary, theft, unlawful use of a credit card, and assault.
The Risks: No Offense Is Minor When You Are the One Charged
Both felony and misdemeanor drug convictions will result in driver's license suspension, even if a car was not involved. A conviction is a blemish on your permanent criminal record and can result in the loss of federally subsidized student loans. In addition, security clearances may be affected.
Attorney McClenahen will examine the evidence to determine if drugs were found in an illegal search. If an officer did not have probable cause or a warrant, Attorney McClenahen may file a motion to have the evidence suppressed. He may also seek to show that drugs were intended for personal use, rather than delivery.
Speak with an Experienced Central Pennsylvania Criminal Law Attorney
Attorney McClenahen offers free initial consultations. To talk with an experienced lawyer about drug law, marijuana law, or drug charges, contact the McClenahen Law Firm, LLC, in State College. Attorney McClenahen can be reached by phone at (814) 689-3682 or through the Contact Page.
McClenahen Law Firm, LLC
The Allenway Building
315 South Allen Street, Suite 321
State College, PA 16801
Phone: (814) 689-3682
Fax: (814) 689-3686
If you need assistance in Russian or Ukrainian, please call our interpreter Natasha Romanyshina at (717) 659-0272. We speak Russian. Мы Говорим по-Русски.
If you need assistance in Spanish, please call our interpreter and legal assistant Niki Desai at (610) 416-2749. We speak Spanish. Se habla español.
The McClenahen Law Firm, LLC, serves clients throughout all of Pennsylvania, particularly Central Pennsylvania, including those in State College, Altoona, Lock Haven, Lewistown, Bellefonte, Tyrone, Huntingdon, Clearfield, Lewisburg, Mifflintown, Williamsport, Centre County, Blair County, Huntingdon County, Clearfield County, Mifflin County, Juniata County, Snyder County, Union County, Clinton County, and Lycoming County; as well as Penn State University (University Park) and Bucknell University.
*A win in a criminal trial does not necessarily mean an all-out acquittal, but a trial result that was better than the prosecutor's plea offer or the likely result had the defendant pled guilty to all charges without the benefit of a plea agreement. Thus, a defendant who was charged with the first-degree felony of aggravated assault, but is convicted of only the second-degree misdemeanor or simple assault, won his trial, because he was convicted of a much less serious offense. Had he been convicted of aggravated assault, he would probably have been sent to state prison, while a conviction for simple assault could result in a sentence of probation. However, if the client has only one charge and is convicted, McClenahen still considers this a loss for win-loss record purposes even if the sentence turns out to be more favorable than the sentence offered pursuant to a plea agreement.
It is important to note that the facts and witnesses of every case are unique, every jury is composed of a different group of people, every judge has a different style, and the experience and skill levels of prosecutors vary tremendously. Attorney McClenahen's prior success in trials is not a guarantee that he will win any given future trial.