Drug Charges in Delaware County
Drug charges in Delaware County are prosecuted aggressively and can carry serious legal, financial, and long-term consequences. Pennsylvania drug laws cover a wide range of offenses, from simple possession to drug trafficking and delivery, with penalties that depend on the type of substance, quantity involved, and whether the charge is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
Attorney William Burrows represents individuals charged with drug offenses throughout Delaware County, handling cases in both Magisterial District Courts and the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, depending on the severity of the allegations.
See all criminal charges: Delaware County Criminal Charges Served
Types of Drug Charges in Delaware County
Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act governs drug offenses prosecuted in Delaware County. Common charges include:
Simple Possession
Simple possession applies when an individual is accused of knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription. These charges are often graded as misdemeanors, but penalties increase with prior convictions.
Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID)
PWID charges allege that drugs were possessed for distribution rather than personal use. Prosecutors often rely on factors such as:
- Quantity of drugs
- Packaging materials
- Cash or scales
- Alleged statements or observations
PWID offenses are felonies and carry significantly harsher penalties than simple possession.
Drug Delivery and Trafficking
Delivery charges involve the alleged sale or transfer of controlled substances. Large quantities or repeat offenses may expose defendants to mandatory minimum sentences and extended incarceration.
Prescription Drug Offenses
Improper possession, distribution, or fraud involving prescription medications—including opioids—can result in serious criminal charges under Pennsylvania law.
How Drug Charges Are Handled in Delaware County Courts
Magisterial District Courts
Most drug cases begin in the Magisterial District Court serving the municipality where the arrest occurred. These courts handle:
- Preliminary arraignments
- Bail decisions
- Preliminary hearings to determine whether charges proceed
Magisterial District Court overview: Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
Misdemeanor drug cases may remain at this level initially, while felony charges are typically transferred after the preliminary hearing.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Felony drug charges—including PWID and trafficking—are prosecuted in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, where the court oversees:
- Formal arraignment
- Pretrial motions and suppression hearings
- Trial or negotiated plea agreements
- Sentencing
About the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Many drug cases hinge on search and seizure issues, making early court proceedings critical.
Drug Charges by Location in Delaware County
Drug charges are prosecuted in the Magisterial District Court assigned to the municipality where the arrest occurred. Each district court serves specific boroughs, townships, and cities.
If you are facing drug charges in any of the following areas, your case will begin in the appropriate district court for that location:
- Aldan, Folcroft, and Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Aston, Chester, and Upper Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Brookhaven, Parkside, Rose Valley, and Upland Criminal Defense
- Chester City Criminal Defense
- Clifton Heights Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Collingdale, Glenolden, and Norwood Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Colwyn, Darby, and Sharon Hill Borough Criminal Defense
- East Lansdowne Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Haverford and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Lansdowne and Yeadon Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Marple and Newtown Criminal Defense
- Media and Swarthmore Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Prospect Park, Ridley Park, and Tinicum Township Criminal Defense
- Radnor Township Criminal Defense
- Springfield Township Criminal Defense
- Upper and Lower Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Upper Providence Township Criminal Defense
Delaware County Criminal Defense by Town
Understanding which court has jurisdiction can impact bail, case strategy, and resolution options.
Relationship Between Drug Charges and Violation Proceedings
Drug charges frequently trigger violation hearings, particularly when the accused is already under court supervision. Common scenarios include:
- New drug charges while on probation
- Positive drug tests while on parole
- Violations of court-ordered treatment programs
Delaware County Violations:
- Probation Violations in Delaware County
- Parole Violations in Delaware County
- Technical Violations
- Main Violations Page
Violation proceedings are often handled by the Court of Common Pleas, separate from the new criminal charges.
Potential Penalties for Drug Convictions in Delaware County
Penalties vary depending on the substance involved, amount, and criminal history, and may include:
- Jail or state prison sentences
- Probation or parole supervision
- Drug treatment or diversion programs
- Substantial fines and court costs
- Permanent criminal record
Felony drug convictions can impact employment, housing, professional licensing, and firearm rights.
Defense Strategies for Drug Charges
Effective drug defense often focuses on:
- Illegal searches and seizures
- Lack of possession or control
- Chain of custody issues
- Unlawful traffic stops
- Insufficient evidence of intent to deliver
Attorney William Burrows evaluates each drug case with a detailed understanding of Delaware County prosecutors, local police practices, and court procedures, developing a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case.