The opioid crisis in the United States means thousands of Americans are directly hurt by drug use and abuse every day. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf declared the heroin and opioid epidemic a statewide disaster in January 2018. If you were arrested for an opioid drug crime, you are not alone. Contact a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer right away.

Understanding Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and many others. When opioid drugs interact with the brain, the perception of pain is reduced. Intense feelings of pleasure replace awareness of pain, making opioids especially and highly addicting.

Some opioids are legal if legitimately prescribed by a doctor, while other opioids may be illegal depending on what they are, or how they were obtained.

All opioids are dangerous if abused, and some, like heroin, are dangerous if used at all. Heroin is chemically similar to prescription opioids, but—while illegal—it is cheaper and easier to get, and more likely to have unknown and harmful additives.

Drug charges are serious, and the penalties can be severe. If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime involving any opioid, you need a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer.

Types of Drug Charges

Drug charges depend on the circumstances of the arrest, the amount and type of drug(s), and other factors. Common drug charges include:

The more serious the charge, the greater the potential consequences, including fines and imprisonment. With national attention focused on the opioid crisis, those in law enforcement are aggressively pursuing charges and courts are ordering convictions for drug crimes on a more frequent basis.

Being arrested is scary, and drug charges put reputations and futures at risk. Don’t trust your fate to just any lawyer. Use an experienced, skilled criminal defense attorney who knows how to navigate the legal system. Contact Michael J. Skinner to discuss your case.

West Chester, Pennsylvania, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Regardless of the circumstances that led to your drug charge, you have the right to vigorous defense.

If you were arrested and charged with a drug crime, call (610) 436-1410 or contact the Skinner Law Firm online. Don’t wait until your court date! The best defense needs time to review your case, and time for preparation. If you become our client, we will work hard to get the best possible outcome for you. Don’t delay—schedule a free consultation today.

Article Author

Michael J. Skinner, the founder of Skinner Law Firm LLC, is a former prosecutor with the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.

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