Pennsylvania fans of radio personality Artie Lange may be interested in knowing more about the comedian’s unfolding drug case. Media sources report that Lange avoided jail time during a sentencing hearing in New Jersey on June 1. He had previously been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled dangerous substance in May 2017.
A law enforcement official initially pulled Lange’s Range Rover over on the Garden State Parkway for erratic driving. Reports indicate that the official observed a bag of heroin on Lange’s lap during the subsequent investigation.
Lange has been open regarding his history of drug use. He alerted his followers on Twitter of the impending hearing shortly before he arrived in court, expressing appreciation for the judge, his own attorney and the attorneys for the state. He indicated that he was hoping for a beneficial outcome.
In addition to attending an outpatient rehabilitation program, Lange was sentenced to four years probation and 50 hours of community service. Lange’s attorney commented that the sentence might allow his client to overcome his addictions while preserving his career.
Pennsylvania residents who are convicted on similar drug charges may be subject to serious consequences, including probation, prison time, loss of driving privileges and harsh fines. In some situations, a criminal defense attorney may be able to challenge the prosecution’s case and bring any potential deficiencies to light. From the first meeting with the client, the attorney could work to determine whether any constitutional rights had been violated and begin building a strong defense.