Opioids are increasingly in the news headlines with many serious and unfortunate descriptions attached like “fatal” and “overdose.” But exactly what are opioids?

Opioids as a general term include many controlled substances that work by attaching to the body’s opiate receptors, which regulate pain. The powerful affect opioid compounds have on the nervous system produces widespread numbness. In the brain they work to release endorphins, creating euphoria among users.

Pennsylvania Opioid Law
Pennsylvania drug laws adopt the federal classification system of drugs under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act in addition to the Commonwealth’s Act. This means if you are accused of an offense, you could be charged with federal and state drug crimes.

Opioids and other controlled substances are listed under five “schedules,” where Schedule I substances are the most dangerous and Schedule V are considered the least dangerous drugs.

How can I avoid jail time for an opioid arrest?
If you have no criminal record and this is your first offense for possession where no other charges are brought involving firearms or violence, then your defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a Probation Without Verdict with the DA.

Because you will have to plead guilty or no contest before you can be considered for Probation Without Verdict, you should carefully review all of your options such as any strong defenses your attorney can advance to overcome the charges during litigation.

It may also be possible to arrange a Disposition in Lieu of Trial or Punishment. You and your defense lawyer can discuss how to seek this outcome in your opioid offense case —but be aware that you must act fast for this to be a viable option and you can only use this disposition once in your lifetime.

Felony charges for trafficking require a thorough review of all of the evidence and more complex defense strategies, such as challenging the alleged weight and/or substance found, in order to achieve a favorable outcome.

If you are facing opioid drug charges in Pennsylvania, it is critical that you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has successfully defended against drug offenses and who can focus all of their energies on your case.

Tibbott & Richardson
1040 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 444-7171