Unreasonable searches and seizures are barred by US and Pennsylvania Constitutional law. In general, police officers have to get a warrant before conducting a search of an individual or their property (homes, cars, etc.).
Criminal Charges for Selling Marijuana in Pennsylvania – Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Depending on the amounts being “sold,” an individual may face many years in prison if ultimately convicted of even a single count of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance.
PA Drug Offense Mandatory Minimum Sentences, Gun Possession
Over the past decade or so, Pennsylvania’s mandatory minimum sentencing law in drug-gun cases has resulted in increased prison sentences for many residents of Pennsylvania, including residents of major cities like Philadelphia, which has a high number of drug-gun cases compared to other Pennsylvania cities.
Major Changes in Pennsylvania Search-Seizure Law, Drug/Gun Cases
Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court 2014 ruling changed the entire landscape of search and seizure in drug and gun cases in Philadelphia.
Drug Charges in Philadelphia PA State Court – What is “Possession”
One of the most common types of criminal state (PA) cases in Philadelphia is the possession of drugs. Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (PWID) often involve narcotics, heroin, cocaine, meth, etc.
Drug Charges in Delaware & Chester Counties – Search & Seizure Law
In drug cases in Delaware County and Chester County, one of the most important questions is whether the police illegally searched or seized drug evidence.
Drug Charges in Philadelphia – Motions to Suppress Evidence
Drug dealing and possession charges in Philadelphia can be fought successfully. One of the most critical questions in these cases is whether law enforcement committed any constitutional violations that might result in evidence being thrown out.
Traffic Stops – When Can Police Stop a Car in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a well-documented problem with pre-textual traffic stops, i.e., when an officer stops a driver for a traffic violation and then extends the duration of the traffic stop to essentially conduct investigations about any potential criminal conduct under the sun.
Facing Murder Charges in Philadelphia? Initial Steps to the Best Defense
An experienced criminal lawyer will exhaust all legal avenues for a successful outcome in a murder case in Philadelphia. This means filing motions to suppress or other complex legal motions or trial motions.
Top Rated Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer Discusses PA Drug Charges & Federal Drug Charges-Part II
In Part I of this article series, we discussed the “Schedules” of drugs pursuant to Pennsylvania and Federal law. Defendants facing drug charges in Philadelphia criminal cases face serious penalties.