Category: Guns & Drugs

In Pennsylvania, citizens have a constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Just because individuals are arrested for drug charges does not mean that they will be convicted. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecutor has the burden to prove the defendant’s guilt. Sometimes, drug evidence is illegally obtained and may be suppressed. If critical evidence, such as cocaine in a drug prosecution, is suppressed, the defendant is not likely to be convicted.

In most criminal drug cases in Philadelphia, there are two common charges or offenses: Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.

In criminal trials in Philadelphia, one pretty common defense tactic is pointing the finger at another person at trial.

It can be a frightening experience for individuals facing drug charges in Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania.

Federal and Pennsylvania state courts treat narcotics dog searches differently. So different that the same scenario could result in different outcomes in federal versus state court.

Dog or canine searches of cars during traffic stops in PA often lead to drug possession/dealing charges and gun charges.

On December 21, 2018, federal sentencing laws for drug cases were amended significantly. The First Step Act removed the mandatory life sentence for 3 time drug offenders in high quantity drug dealing cases and also reduced the mandatory minimum sentences for 2nd offenses.

Under U.S. federal sentencing laws, possession of a substantial amount of drugs with intent to deliver or manufacture almost always leads to a lengthy prison sentence.