Drug Possession Lawyer Philadelphia

Call: (215)-799-9990

Drug Crimes are serious criminal offenses. Since they so frequently violate both state and federal law, you can be prosecuted at both the state and federal level.

Drug Possession is the most heavily prosecuted of these drug crimes in Pennsylvania. While Philadelphia’s District Attorney has made headlines for reducing drug possession arrests, police and prosecutors both inside Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs are still prosecuting drug possession cases. In Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, possession cases still carry a criminal record, and even potential jail time. The majority of drug possession cases in Philadelphia are heroin and cocaine-based, while the majority of these cases in the surrounding suburbs include marijuana possession. Every drug possession case is different, and knowing the facts of the case and the policies of the jurisdiction where you’re prosecuted is essential to getting you the best result. Hiring a serious Criminal Defense Attorney will be necessary to prepare a defense against both state and federal charges.

Drug Possession Charges

The Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device, and Cosmetic Act make the simple act of possession of certain substances a crime. Possession is the most common Drug Offense, and most possession charges in Pennsylvania come under state, rather than federal, law.

Possession Penalty Guidelines

Federal:

  • First offense – up to 1 year and minimum $1,000 fine
  • Second offense – minimum of 15 days, maximum of 2 years, and minimum $2,500 fine
  • Subsequent offenses – minimum of 90 days, maximum of 3 years, and minimum $5,000 fine

State of Pennsylvania:

  • First offense – maximum of 1 year and maximum $5,000 fine
  • Second offense – maximum of 3 years and maximum $25,000 fine

Possession Defined

There are two means by which a person can be deemed to be in possession of drugs. First, there is actual possession. This means that the individual has the drugs on their person, be it in their pocket, within their hand, or an extension thereof (such as a purse). Second, is constructive possession. Constructive possession is slightly more complicated, as it relates to the control of the drugs as opposed to the concept of physical having the drugs. An individual has constructive possession of drugs if the drugs are in a place which the individual has dominion and control.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

In most cases, it is the legitimacy of the search and seizure which is the easiest to call into question.  Therefore, you need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Philadelphia who will look into the arrest and/or search and seizure process that resulted in your being charged with drug possession.

Philadelphia Drug Possession LawyerFor instance, if law enforcement did not have the probable cause or reasonable suspicion necessary to merit the search, the evidence gathered from said search could be deemed inadmissible on that basis, severely damaging the prosecution’s case, and potentially even forcing dismissal. Or perhaps law enforcement did not follow correct procedures in search and seizure of your property, an attorney may be able to similarly suppress the evidence. It’s also possible that the prosecution may be unable to establish constructive possession resulting from insufficient evidence of control over the location where the drugs were found. There a number of angles from which the police investigation or prosecutorial argument may be challenged, all of which require the expertise of an aggressive and knowledgeable Criminal Defense Lawyer.

Furthermore, any time you are charged with a Federal Crime, an experienced lawyer is essential to mounting a strong defense. The rules and procedures between state and local courts are different thus it is crucial that your attorney have an understanding of the federal process.  If you or a loved one has been charged with drug possession, call The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. today at (215)-799-9990 (Philadelphia) or 609-656-0909 (Trenton), or Contact Us Online to arrange a completely free initial consultation.