Pennsylvania Cocaine Laws
By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 31, 2024
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Selling or possessing cocaine in Pennsylvania can lead to felony or misdemeanor charges, depending on the circumstances. Under Pennsylvania law, cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania defines a Schedule II drug as one that has a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe dependence but also has an accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs are also highly addictive. However, they have no accepted medical use and are considered unsafe even under medical supervision.
The table below contains information about Pennsylvania’s cocaine laws. You can also visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section for additional articles and resources.
Pennsylvania Cocaine Law Code Sections |
Pennsylvania Statutes
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Pennsylvania Possession of Cocaine Offenses and Penalties |
A person violates Pennsylvania law if they engage in the following:
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Pennsylvania Sale of Cocaine Offenses and Penalties |
A person violates Pennsylvania law if they engage in the following:
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Pennsylvania Cocaine Trafficking Offenses and Penalties |
Pennsylvania has strict penalties for the trafficking of cocaine. These include: At least two and less than 10 grams of cocaine:
At least 10 grams and less than 100 grams of cocaine:
100 grams of cocaine or more:
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Note: State drug laws change often. Contact a local drug crime attorney for help understanding applicable state laws, or visit FindLaw’s Pennsylvania State Law and Constitution page for more information.
Pennsylvania Cocaine Laws - Additional Resources
For more information about Pennsylvania laws, cocaine charges, and drug laws, browse the following links:
- Pennsylvania Law
- Pennsylvania Criminal Laws
- Pennsylvania Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution
- Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing
- Drug Possession Penalties and Sentencing
- Drug Possession Overview
In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has resources available for people who may struggle with drug addiction.
Charged with Violating Pennsylvania Cocaine Laws? Get Legal Help
If law enforcement has charged you with the sale or possession of cocaine, reach out to a Pennsylvania drug crime attorney. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can provide helpful legal advice regarding possession charges. Whether it’s your first offense or a subsequent offense, they can also provide more information about the following:
- The differences between simple possession and possession with the intent to distribute (PWID)
- How the amount of cocaine or other illegal drugs like methamphetamine or MDMA may affect criminal sentencing
- The differences between misdemeanor and felony charges
- How a criminal conviction could affect child custody
- Strategies for driving under the influence (DUI) charges and the effect it may have on your driver’s license and other areas of life
- If you are a first-time offender, whether you can transfer your case to drug court
- Protecting your rights and determining whether law enforcement violated them, including information about entrapment and illegal searches
Contact a criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania for help with your criminal case. If you cannot afford legal counsel, ask the court for a defender or try for legal aid.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
- Experienced drug crime lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many Pennsylvania attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
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