Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated March 28, 2018
Just because you saw Scarface doesn’t mean you should try and recreate Tony Montana’s lifestyle. Owning your own tiger may look glamorous in the movies, but just remember what happened to Tony in the end. And you don’t have to be a kingpin to feel the effects of War on Drugs. The Keystone State is far from lenient when dealing with cocaine possession and sale. Here is a brief summary of cocaine laws in Pennsylvania.
The possession, sale, and trafficking of cocaine is illegal in all states although many states now offer drug diversion programs to help drug abusers get treatment in lieu of prison. As with the federal and most other state drug laws, cocaine is treated as a more serious illicit drug than marijuana. Pennsylvania cocaine laws are rather strict. The possession of a misdemeanor amount can fetch one year and/or $5,000 in fines. A subsequent offense can result in up to 3 years and/or a $25,000 fine.
Learn more about Pennsylvania cocaine laws in the following chart.
Code Section |
|
Possession |
Misdemeanor, 1 yr. and/or $5000; Subsequent offense: 3 yrs. and/or $25,000 |
Sale |
Felony, 15 yrs. and/or $250,00 or higher fine if necessary to recover drug profit; Subsequent offense or sale to minor: double penalties |
Trafficking |
- |
Cocaine, like other illicit drugs, is regulated by both state and federal drug laws, which restrict everything from cocaine possession to manufacturing and cultivation to trafficking and distribution. Drug charge convictions can often carry severe penalties, including prison time, depending mostly on the quantity of drugs involved and whether the defendant has prior drug convictions. However, some prosecutors will offer a plea bargain to a lower-level offender in exchange for help building a larger case against higher-level dealers and producers. Some judges and jurisdictions also have specialized “drug courts,” which can help drug crime defendants avoid jail in lieu of treatment and other options.
If you feel like you need help with a substance abuse or drug addiction problem, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has resources available to you. You can also visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section for additional articles and resources.
State drug laws, along with social attitudes regarding drug use, are constantly changing. If you'd like help understanding the law, or legal advice regarding a particular drug case, you can contact local drug crime attorney who will be able to explain the law and consequences of a conviction.
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