Drug Trafficking

John M. Kenney is a Bucks County drug crimes lawyer who has represented defendants in the Levittown area and elsewhere in Pennsylvania for more than three decades. Mr. Kenney offers a wealth of skill and experience in the courtroom and at the negotiating table to help people try to minimize the impact of drug and other criminal charges. He is well-known for his “straight talk” approach to legal representation, giving the people whom he represents a clear and candid assessment of their cases and explaining their rights and options throughout the process.

Drug trafficking generally refers to the sale or distribution of an illegal drug, or the possession of an illegal drug with the intent to sell or otherwise distribute it. Trafficking is a serious crime that often implicates both state and federal laws and can bring with it significant prison time and other penalties. Because of mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, a person who is convicted of a drug trafficking offense may very well face a long stretch of time behind bars.

Penalties for drug trafficking offenses vary widely based on the type and amount of the substance involved, as well as the prior criminal history of the person convicted. Pennsylvania law divides illegal drugs into five categories. Schedule I drugs include heroin, morphine, and marijuana, while Schedule II drugs cover opium and various amphetamines, among other substances. Penalties for trafficking in Schedule I and Schedule II drugs range from fines of $5,000 to $100,000 under Pennsylvania law. Mandatory prison sentences vary from at least two to at least 15 years for an offense involving Schedule I or Schedule II drugs.

A common issue with drug trafficking charges is that law enforcement and prosecutors often overzealously pursue a person who may have little or no involvement in the drug trade. For example, prosecutors regularly charge people with possession with intent to distribute, even if they are caught with drugs meant for the person’s own personal consumption. This is why it is imperative that you obtain experienced legal counsel as early in the process as possible.

John M. Kenney has been assisting defendants in drug and other criminal cases since 1983. He takes a proactive approach to cases, working diligently to build a strong defense and convince the prosecution to drop or reduce the charges from the outset. Mr. Kenney also prepares to take cases through trial and into the appeals process when necessary. He focuses on keeping clients informed and involved in their cases, taking the time to understand each person’s needs and goals.

If you or a loved one is facing a trafficking charge, contact Bucks County drug crimes attorney John M. Kenney at (215) 547-3031, or use our online form to arrange a free consultation. He can assist people who need a criminal defense attorney in many areas of Pennsylvania, including Levittown, Bristol, Morrisville, Fairless Hills, Yardley, and Langhorne.