Consequences of Marijuana Possession

In Pennsylvania, cannabis is illegal for recreational use. However, if caught with a small amount in some of the large cities within the state, it could be considered a crime unless you have a valid medical ID card. In 2016, marijuana was legalized for medical use as part of a bill passed in the state legislature. It would be a misdemeanor if you possessed 30 grams of marijuana. You will be charged a fine of $500 and up to a month in jail. With a good Philadelphia drug lawyer, you could get a conditional release.

The Penalty

If you possess more than 30 grams of marijuana, your fine would increase to $5000 and up to a year in jail. With a past conviction for the same crime, your penalties could substantially increase. Even though cannabis possession remains a state crime, there are local municipalities and cities throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have passed laws to decriminalize marijuana possession when caught with a small amount of cannabis. One of the cities with such ordinances is the city of Philadelphia. If you possess 30 grams or less of marijuana in Philadelphia, it would be considered a civil violation instead of a criminal violation. In that case, the fine would be just $25. The same is true if you are caught smoking the same amount of marijuana in public.

Valid Medical ID Card

In Pennsylvania, some residents have a medical marijuana ID. However, to get into the program, there is an application process and applicants must have a qualifying illness. Once approved for the program, applicants will receive their ID cards from the Medical Marijuana Registry. There is a cost for the ID card and a limit to how much marijuana each cardholder can purchase. Usually, ID cardholders can only purchase up to a 30-day supply.

Marijuana Cultivation

Even though possessing marijuana is a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania, selling cultivated marijuana can result in severe penalties under the law. Some of the penalties include:

• Cultivation of up to nine pounds and more than two pounds or planting 10 to 20 live marijuana plants could get you as much as a year of prison time and a fine of $5000. If you repeat the offense, the fines and penalties could be larger.
• Cultivation of up to 49 pounds and more than ten pounds or planting 21 to 50 live marijuana plants could get you as much as three years of prison time and a fine of $15,000. Your prison time could double if you have repeated the offense.
• Cultivation of up to 50 pounds or more or planting 51 or more live marijuana plants could get you as much as five years prison time and a fine of $50,000. Your prison time could double if you have repeated the offense.

If you have received a charge for marijuana possession in the state of Pennsylvania, there is good news. You can request a consultation with a Philadelphia drug lawyer to represent and defend you. A good lawyer will want to meet with you to discuss the details of your case. To move forward, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. 

What Is A Strict Liability Crime?

A strict liability crime is one that is classified as a criminal activity regardless of what someone’s intentions were. Even if you did not have criminal intentions, you can still be charged with a crime. You need to hire the best criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia if you have been accused of a strict liability crime.

What Are Examples of A Strict Liability Crime?

Statutory Rape

This is a crime that occurs when a person has sex with an underage person. You could be charged with a crime even if you were unaware of the fact the person was underage. It also does not matter if the underage person consented to the act. Additionally, it is possible for you to be charged with a crime if you intended to have sex with the underage person, but you did not carry out the actual act.

You Sell Alcohol to an Underage Person

It is illegal for anyone to sell alcohol to someone who is under the age of 21. It doesn’t matter if you believed the person was at least 21-years-old.

Traffic Offenses

The vast majority of traffic offenses are classified as strict liability crimes. If you are caught speeding, then you may be charged with a strict liability crime. It doesn’t matter if you did not believe that you went over the speed limit.

Possible Defenses

The reason that you should hire a criminal defense attorney in PA is because there are many possible defenses that you can use. You may be able to use one of the following defenses.

Contributory Negligence

Your attorney can argue that the plaintiff is partially responsible for the crime. The plaintiff may still be able to recover some damages.

Assumption of Risk

There are some issues that involve consent. If the plaintiff has engaged in a risky activity, then they may not be able to recover any damages.

Abuse or Misuse

It is common for people to file claims if they have been hurt by using a product. It is possible for people to recover damages from using a defective product. However, if the person intentionally misused or abused a product, then this can be used as a defense.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault raises the question of how much the plaintiff contributed to their own issue. The plaintiff can get part of their claim reduced if they contributed to the crime.

3 Consequences of Fighting A Drug Charge On Your Own

Recent research has shown that drug charges are not the only criminal offenses with high risks for those who try to represent themselves. In fact, defendants in all criminal proceedings have a higher chance of having their case dismissed or receiving a more lenient sentence if they hire an attorney rather than trying to go through it by themselves.

The following article will explore three consequences of fighting a drug charge on your own and why you might want to consider hiring an attorney before going any further.

1. You’re More Likely To Get a Longer Sentence

One of the most common consequences of representing yourself in court is that you will likely receive a longer sentence than if you hired a lawyer. This is because defendants who are convicted without representation have already proven that they lack knowledge of their rights to due process. The judges and prosecutors involved in your case are then more likely to view you as someone who won’t be as respectful of the justice system going forward, which can lead to unfair sentences or even convictions.

If you want the best possible results for your case, it’s important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands how to get favorable outcomes in Philadelphia. And the more severe your charges are, the more critical it is that you have a strong attorney on your side as early as possible.

2. Your Case Will Take Longer To Complete

Another consequence of trying to handle your own case without legal representation is that it will take longer for proceedings to be completed. Your first step after being arrested should be to contact the best drug case lawyers in Philadelphia to discuss your case from start to finish. Many drug charges can take months or even years to fully resolve, and you will want your representative to be informed of all details as soon as possible in order to better plan a strategy for getting the best results. If you wait any longer before hiring an attorney, it could cause further delays in your trial.

3. You’re More Likely To Be Convicted

Perhaps the most serious consequence of trying to handle your own case without legal representation is that you are more likely to be convicted than if you hired a lawyer right away. Even small mistakes made early on can have major consequences later down the line when it comes time for sentencing and determining whether or not you will be allowed to serve probation or community service instead of serving time in jail. If your attorney has experience representing clients with drug charges, they are likely to get your sentence reduced as much as possible.

A DUI attorney in Philadelphia, PA drug lawyer can help you handle almost any aspect of a criminal case related to drugs and may be able to have the charges against you dropped completely. It’s important that you take action now if you want the best possible outcome, so call today before it’s too late! Your future is at stake when it comes to defending drug charges – don’t leave it to chance!

Everything You Need To Know About Before Carrying Medical Marijuana In Philadelphia

In recent years, much discussion has circulated regarding the prevalence and use of medical marijuana. Since 2016, Pennsylvania state law enables certain citizens the privilege to obtain prescriptions for and use said substance.

That said, however, you must still exercise significant caution when carrying or using the product or face possible criminal charges and subsequent penalties.

Medical Marijuana Definition

One of the best drug case lawyers in Philadelphia wants you to know that medical marijuana is a differentiation of the drug prescribed to treat or provide symptom relief for various health maladies.

Patient Eligibility

Medical marijuana is not prescribed indiscriminately. You can only legally use the drug if you have been formally diagnosed with a medical problem documented on a qualifying list of illnesses. Such maladies include HIV, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disorders, various malignancies, chronic pain, and specific nerve degenerative concerns.

Obtaining A Prescription

You must receive a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Additionally, said healthcare provider is required to disclose the reason why said treatment could prove beneficial. If you meet all eligibility requirements, you are then issued a medical marijuana use card.

Purchasing Limits

Medical marijuana is strictly doled out at healthcare facilities called dispensaries. Said establishments are permitted to sell up to 30 days dosage to eligible recipients. You can, however, re-up your 30-day total within the final seven days of the original 30-day period. Possession exceeding 30 days supply could result in criminal charges.

Where Can Medical Marijuana Be Consumed?

The law places stringent restrictions regarding where the substance can be used freely. Currently, only private residences serve as suitable locations. Presently, a small percentage of employers might also permit said actions.

Transporting Medical Marijuana

You or an established caregiver can transport the drug throughout Pennsylvania. That said, you may only be in possession of 30 days supply and must be kept said substance concealed in a secured location.

Potential Penalties

If the aforementioned regulations are not obeyed, you could face criminal charges. Carrying 30 grams or less may land you in jail for as long as 30 days and fines totaling up to $500. Possession of quantities exceeding 30 grams could result in a one-year incarceration term and fines up to $5,000.

Reaching Out To One Of The Top Lawyers

If you are facing criminal charges stemming from medical marijuana use of possession, please contact your top local criminal lawyers at Brennan Law Offices. Highly successful criminal lawyer William J. Brennan can review the facts surrounding your case and might be able to formulate a viable defense or limit any associated penalties.

Brennan and his team have yielded favorable results in such cases and looks forward to bringing you similar outcomes. To learn more about his firm and the services provided, please access https://www.philadelphiacriminallaw.com/.

Differences Between Drug Possession vs. Intent to Sell

Criminal charges related to controlled substances have many technicalities. At times, making sense of the differences between various  drug charges can be difficult, specifically when it comes to determining and proving the type of offense committed. Here, we will help you understand the key differences between simple possession and possession with the intent to sell and the consequences of these crimes.

What is Simple Drug Possession?

Simple drug possession in Philadelphia can be declared in Pennsylvania if the defendant knowingly and/or intentionally possessed a controlled substance that they are neither licensed nor registered to possess. In these cases, it is assumed the drugs are intended for personal use.

What is Possession with Intent (PWID)?

Possession with intent to sell/deliver/distribute (PWID) can be charged if  the defendant is proven to have the  mental intent to sell or distribute the controlled substance that was in their possession

Differences Between Simple Possession and PWID

Amount of Drugs

In general, having a certain  amount of a controlled substance in one’s possession is grounds for an arresting officer to charge the offender with PWID. The threshold to determine this  varies by substance, but generally, if the offender could not reasonably consume the amount of drugs found in their possession, the offender would be charged with PWID, as opposed to simple possession.

Conditions of Charges

The conditions of one’s arrest also impact whether or not one is charged with PWID versus simple possession.

• If one is caught in the act of selling a controlled substance, one will be charged with PWID.
• If one is caught with a specific amount of a controlled substance (this amount varies by drug), one will be charged with PWID.
• If one is proven to have had the mental intent to sell the substance, one will be charged with PWID.

If none of these conditions are met, but one is still found to be in the possession of controlled substances, a defendant will most likely be charged with simple possession.

Consequences of Drug Possession

The consequences one may face when charged with simple possession varies across PWID charges.

• In most cases, simple possession is a misdemeanor, whereas PWID is a felony in Pennsylvania. The different types of crime result in different penalties with a felony charge having larger fines and longer jail time than a misdemeanor.
• Additionally, the more drugs a defendant has in their possession, the more severe the consequences may be. The quantity of the controlled substance and the prison time and/or fines one faces for the charge are directly proportional in most cases.
• Finally, the type of drug influences the severity of the sentence. For example, LSD and heroin are Schedule I drugs in Pennsylvania. Simple possession or PWID of Schedule I drugs will lead to a harsher punishment—usually found in the form of a larger fine or more jail time—than simple possession or PWID of Schedule III drugs, such as Vicodin and ketamine. Ultimately, the lower the Schedule number, the more severe the punishments will be for all drug-related offenses in Pennsylvania.

If you or someone you know is facing a simple possession or PWID charge, securing the aid of experienced criminal defense attorneys is the first step towards gaining control of the situation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What are the Effects of Marijuana Decriminalization in Philadelphia?

In 2014, Philadelphia joined many other cities in a major step toward criminal justice reform: decriminalizing marijuana. As an offense that once involved 30 days in jail & a $500 fine, the amendment has had a big impact on many Pennsylvania residents, now warranting only a citation and small fine of $25. So can you still get arrested on possession charges? Here’s what you need to know about the effects of marijuana decriminalization in Philadelphia.

The Process of Decriminalization

It’s important to note that “decriminalization” does not mean a crime is now legal. The term instead defines a crime once punishable by incarceration as now a civil offense, punishable by citations, fines, and/or community service. 

With a population of over 1.5 million, Philly became the largest city in the country to remove criminal charges for marijuana possession of up to 30 grams. As a result, arrests have dropped and other cities across PA have started to follow our lead. Some of these cities include:

• Allentown: ≤30 grams, $25 fine
• Harrisburg: ≤30 grams, $75 – $150 fine
• Lancaster: ≤1 ounce, $25 – $75 fine
• Pittsburgh: ≤30 grams, $25 fine
• York: ≤30 grams, $100 fine

The New Marijuana Law & Penalties in Philadelphia

In April of 2016, Governor Wolfthe signed into law the use of marijuana for medical purposes as legal. As expected, it took the PA Department of Health between 18-24 months to get the program up and running successfully, and in early 2018, medical marijuana became available at approved dispensaries for certain approved medical conditions, some of which include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Autism
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Sickle cell anemia
• Tourette syndrome

For a complete list of approved medical conditions, visit the Commonwealth of PA’s website. 

If caught in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana without a medical marijuana ID card, you will now be penalized with a citation and $25 fine, while smoking in public will result in a $100 fine and a citation or 9 hours of community service.

But it’s important to note that the decriminalization only covers so much. For example, if you are in possession of over 30 grams of marijuana, you will face jail time and a fine of $5,000. The sale and distribution of marijuana are still considered a criminal offense despite the reform as well, even if the sale is under 30 grams. And if you are stopped by an officer for smoking in public, and cannot provide any form of identification, the officer is permitted to place you under arrest and confiscate the marijuana in your possession.

How our Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help

Marijuana is still considered a controlled substance and buying it from an unlawful source remains a stand-alone crime in Pennsylvania. You will be arrested, regardless of the quantity. First-time offenders are still eligible for probation, but courts can actually double the penalties, with the possibility of additionally charging for intent to distribute.

The recent decriminalization law shouldn’t make you careless about marijuana possession and the related consequences. If you or a family member has been charged, make sure you have the knowledge and experience of a top Philadelphia criminal defense attorney advising you throughout the process. Contact us immediately to discuss your case and start gathering evidence in your defense.

What Types of Drug Charges are the Most Severe in Pennsylvania?

Penalties for drug possession in Pennsylvania are some of the toughest in the country. Despite more and more states decriminalizing certain drug offenses, a conviction for possession or intent to distribute in cities across our state offer severe consequences. While these charges vary on the type of drug and the circumstances of the possession, it’s important to consult an experienced drug charge defense lawyer to help you understand what’s at risk based on what types of drug charges are the most severe in Pennsylvania.

Common Drug Charges in Pennsylvania

While there are a number of different drug offenses within PA, the most common involve heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. The primary concern for law enforcement is stopping the trafficking of these substances, but charges for possession even without intent aren’t taken lightly either.

Since these drugs are all very different in their purpose and effects, they are penalized in different ways. Pennsylvania and federal law divide controlled substances into “schedules,” based on their potential for abuse and therapeutic value.  Below are a few examples:

• Schedule 1:
  Drugs that have a very high potential for addiction and abuse with no medical purposes. (Over 100 drugs are on the official list)
  -Ecstasy
  -GHB
  -LSD
  -Marijuna
  -Heroin 
• Schedule 2:
  Drugs that may create “severe psychological or physical dependence,” but unlike Schedule 1, contain substances prescribed for medical use.
  -Cocaine
  -Morphine
  -Opium
  -PCP
  -Methamphetamines 
• Schedule 3:
  Drugs that may result in physical dependence or psychological dependence, but in general, have less potential for abuse than Schedule 1 & 2 and are often prescribed medically.
  -Vicodin
  -Anabolic steroids
  -Xanax
  -Ketamine
  Codeine & Hydrocodone products mixed with aspirin or Tylenol 
• Schedule 4:
  Drugs that offer very limited possibility of becoming physically or psychologically dependent and are often prescribed medically.
  -Alprazolam
  -Clonzaepam (Klonpin, Valpax, etc.)
  -Valium
• Schedule 5:
  Drugs that have very little risk of addiction and are prescribed medications. These drugs may sometimes be higher scheduled drugs in lower amounts.
  -Cough medicines (with codeine)
  -Zolpidem (Ambien, Stillnox, Zolpimist)
  

Pennsylvania Drug Charges & Penalties

Pennsylvania drug penalties are fairly straightforward: there are two basic misdemeanors – carrying up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000 – and three felonies – Felony Possession with Intent (Drug Trafficking), Felony Possession with Intent To Deliver (PWID), and Unlawful Manufacturing. Depending on the Schedule in which the drug falls under, these charges can result in up to 15 years imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000 per count.

Marijuana Laws

Marijuana is still illegal in PA, so intentionally or knowingly having it within your possession can result in serious charges. These penalties will depend on the amount you are caught with at the time of your arrest, as well as whether or not you have been convicted in the past. For example, 30 grams or more could result in a maximum of one year sentence and $5,000 in fees, while the same amount as a third offense ups the potential jail time to 3 years.

Cocaine Laws

Weight is used to determine the severity of a drug charge involving cocaine. For example, less than 2 grams could result in one-year jail sentence and $5,000 in fines, while 2 to 10 grams of cocaine could receive a minimum 2-year sentence. You’ll also lose your driver’s license for 6 months to 2 years, depending on how many offenses are on your record.

It’s important to note that federal offenses for possession and trafficking may be much more severe depending on the circumstances of your arrest.

Heroin Laws

Heroin is considered the most dangerous of the Schedule 1 drugs listed above, and so is charged as such. In Pennsylvania, possession of 1 to 5 grams is a mandatory minimum 2-year sentence, largely due to the fact that there is no accepted medical use for heroin in PA.

There may also be programs you could be required to attend which provide rehabilitation to first-time offenders in an attempt to prevent a future offense.

IF you or someone you know if facing a serious drug offense, our dedicated team of criminal defense attorneys are here to help. With experience in all types of drug charges over the last 25 years in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we’ll fight aggressively to minimize your penalties and protect your freedoms. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Happens After An Opioid Arrest?

Opioid abuse has become a growing epidemic across the United States, which is why prosecutors are really cracking down on users and prescribers. In just one year (2016-2017), Opioid overdoses increased by 30% across 45 states. And in Philadelphia, Opioids now make up 60% of the drugs found by law enforcement, and twice as many people die from these overdoses than murder (over 700). If you’ve been arrested due to Opioid use or distribution, it’s important to understand the consequences you could face and your options to help you move on with your life. Here’s what happens after an Opioid arrest:

Penalties for Opioid Possession
In Pennsylvania, there is no standard penalty for drug possession since it is dependent on a number of factors involved in every case. These typically include the type of drug, intended use, quantity and potency, and other circumstances regarding the arrest itself. But when it comes to being arrested for Opioid possession, you can expect the following repercussions:

• Fines: These can be as much as $250,000, or even higher in situations where the defendant has earned significant amounts of money through drug trafficking. Courts have the power to implement fines and penalties that absorb all the drug-related income generated.
• Jail or Imprisonment: This could range anywhere from a few days or weeks to as long as 15 years.
• Probation: A judge may place a defendant on probation if they are a first-time offender or there was a relatively small quantity of Opioids found. But this doesn’t mean you get off easy, as standard probation terms can significantly impact a defendant’s daily activities and routine, including restricting interaction with any friends or acquaintances who are known for drug possession in the past.

Defense Against Opioid Charges

When these consequences are on the line, the best way to protect yourself is to contact an experienced criminal lawyer about your case. An arrest does not mean you are automatically charged with a crime so make sure you stay calm but take action right away. By speaking to a lawyer as soon as possible, they can help investigate any potential defenses that can be used to help your case. For example, if the drugs being seized illegally because the police didn’t follow the steps to proper search, or if you can prove the drugs belonged to someone else. Other defenses may include:

• You were unaware of your possession of the drug – maybe you were driving someone else’s car where the drugs were found or were given the substance enclosed within something else without realizing what it was.
• You had very limited quantities in your possession – if you were found in possession of a very small amount or potency of Opioids, penalties may be reduced on the basis that you had no intent to distribute
• You have a prescription – you could avoid being charged if you have proof of prescription for the drug

What You Should Do After An Opioid Arrest

As always, the worst thing you can do is fight or resist the police during an arrest, but you don’t have to provide them with anything other than your basic information until you contact a lawyer. The first thing you should do is contact your lawyer as soon as you have the opportunity. If you don’t already have one, reach out to a trusted friend or family member who can contact one for you.

Secondly, if you are assigned bail until trial, you’ll most likely have to pay before you can leave. Speak to your lawyer about your options if you’re having trouble financially.

You’ll want to provide your lawyer with all the details of your arrest, describing how the police found the drug, under what circumstances the arrest took place, anyone else that was with you, etc. Everything you tell your lawyer is confidential, so it’s crucial to be honest with them as any detail could help you, or reversely, hurt you if not prepared.

Your lawyer will then advise you on the next steps. Following these instructions is extremely important as it can greatly impact your case. They’ll most likely start by telling you what to do and what to avoid, including sharing details of your arrest with other people or on social media.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for Opioid possession, don’t wait another minute to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for the best possible outcome. Call us today to discuss your case during a free consultation.

What Factors Can Reduce My Criminal Charges in PA?

Anyone who is arrested for a serious crime wants to imagine the best possible outcome if they’re convicted. But few actually know what factors are taken into consideration to determine a criminal sentence. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law requires judges to recognize various facts and situations unrelated to whether or not the defendant is actually guilty of a crime, but that could be grounds for a more lenient punishment.

Mitigating vs. Aggravating Factors

Judges are required to consider two types of factors while determining a convicted person’s criminal charges in PA: mitigating and aggravating. Mitigating factors include any evidence provided regarding the defendant’s character or the circumstances of the specific crime that could support leniency. In opposition, aggravating factors are any relevant circumstances that were presented throughout the trial which would warrant the harshest penalty appropriate.

While some circumstances simply don’t permit consideration, a good criminal defense attorney will present all the relevant facts of the case, no matter how small or minor they may be, as it is ultimately up to the judge to decide which factors will have an impact on the sentence. This may mean that very personal aspects of the defendant’s life will be revealed in court, but any admissible detail could affect the outcome.

What Mitigation Factors Can Help Reduce My Charges?

It’s up to the defendant and their criminal defense lawyer to provide convincing facts if they hope to achieve mitigation. This data is typically viewed in two categories: information about the offense and information about the offender.  

Some of these mitigating factors include:

Role in the Crime

If the defendant played a relatively minor role in the crime, such as accepting compensation to transport illegal drugs verses engaging in drug trafficking in Philadelphia, this may be a mitigating factor.

Victim Culpability
Victim culpability refers to the participation or initiation of a crime. Whether someone started a fight in a domestic violence attack or reacted in defense with more force than necessary could impact the sentence.

Unusual Circumstance
A crime was committed while acting out due to emotional distress or substantial provocation is considered an unusual circumstance. This may include a DUI charge for choosing to drink and drive on the same day the defendant lost their job and broke up with their significant other.

Level of Harm

If no one was hurt as a result of the crime, this could also serve as a mitigating factor. An example being a carjacking was committed or property was stolen without harming the victim or anyone else in the process.

Relative Necessity

The motive of a crime may also be worthy of mitigation depending on the situation and relative facts. This would apply to a situation like a defendant stealing food from a grocery or convenience store in order to feel his starving family.

Drug or Alcohol Addiction

If drugs or alcohol were involved, it must have contributed to the crime, not just serve as a motive or excuse. The defendant would likely need to show a concerted effort in rehabilitation before a relapse resulted in the illegal action while under the influence for it to be a considerable factor.

There are a number of other mitigating factors that a judge will analyze during sentencing, which is why it’s so important to have the best criminal defense attorney to advise you on the exact information and circumstances that will reduce your charges and protect your future. Contact our experienced attorneys today to discuss your case through a free consultation.

Pennsylvania men arrested on drug charges at traffic stop

Pennsylvania authorities cited two men for drug charges on April 2 following a traffic stop in Perry Township. Local police said they seized various items, including marijuana, cash, drug paraphernalia and an as-yet unidentified white powdery substance. The alleged offenders were a 35-year-old man and a 21-year-old man.

The driver was accused of possession of marijuana, a minor misdemeanor, while the passenger was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, also a minor misdemeanor. The paraphernalia in question was a glass pipe found in a shoe. Police were waiting on U.S. Route 62 for a tan van with three men inside and Pennsylvania license plates. A man in the area had reported that three men in such a van were purporting to sell home entertainment systems door to door that were actually empty boxes.

When police looked in the van, they saw that there was equipment in the boxes being sold, but also claimed to smell the odor of marijuana. After the driver and two passengers were asked to step outside the vehicle for a search, the drugs and paraphernalia were found. Authorities said that they found the items, including $700 in cash, in a backpack in a concealed compartment of the van. Only two of the three van occupants were charged.

People facing drug charges in Pennsylvania could be at risk of life-altering consequences, including costly fines, mandatory probation check-ins and even jail or prison time. Convictions can mean a loss of a license or even a job as well as a permanent criminal record.

However, a criminal defense lawyer can help an alleged offender. For example, legal counsel could challenge police actions such as improper or illegal searches.