Pittsburgh Drug Crimes Attorney
Being convicted of a drug crime in Pittsburgh can be a frightening experience. It is best to contact a reputable drug crimes attorney in Pittsburgh as soon as possible following the arrest.
Drug diversion crimes
Drug diversion is the procuring of legal drugs for illegal purposes. Drug seekers often feign a particular illness, condition, or a toothache in order to get prescription drugs.
Fentanyl is a commonly diverted prescription drug due to its highly euphoric effects. It is often used as a substitute for heroin, although it is much more dangerous than heroin because it is more potent. Unfortunately, fentanyl is most often diverted by the people we trust our lives with—health care professionals.
Fentanyl diversion penalties
The legal repercussions for diversion of the prescription drug fentanyl depend on the state the crime occurred in, your legal record (whether it is a first-time or repeated offense), and other specific details surrounding your case.
The penalties for fentanyl diversion may include the following:
- First offense: Imprisonment for a minimum of 10 years, and a maximum fine of four million dollars for an individual or 10 million dollars for a group
- Second offense: Imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years, and a maximum fine of eight million dollars for an individual or 20 million for a group
More than two offenses results in lifetime imprisonment. No matter how many drug crime offenses you have faced, it is best to contact a drug crime lawyer in Pittsburgh immediately following your arrest.
Drug diversion programs
Diversion also has another meaning in criminal law. A drug diversion program allows people who were arrested for drug crimes to avoid receiving a drug crime conviction penalty by completing a treatment program. These programs often serve as a way for hospitals to help professionals overcome addiction.
Drug abuse treatment programs take anywhere from twelve weeks to eighteen months to complete, and include classes and random drug testing. Once a person completes a drug diversion program, he or she can have the case dismissed and removed from public records. Diversion may be granted only once in the lifetime of an individual.
Pittsburgh drug crimes lawyers
If you have been charged with fentanyl diversion, you will need the guidance of an experienced drug crime lawyer. Joseph A. Paletta is a renowned drug crime attorney in Pittsburgh with a reputation for winning.
Contact Joseph A. Paletta today at 888-673-3224 for the Pittsburgh drug crime defense you deserve.
