DRUG CHARGES DEFENSE LAWYERS

Simple possession of a controlled substance is generally charged as a misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law. However, the classification and potential penalties can change depending on the specific offense, the controlled substance involved, the circumstances of the case, and whether additional charges are alleged.

For example, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance is a felony offense under Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. Certain drug offenses can carry significant prison sentences and fines.

If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to understand exactly what offense has been filed and what penalties may apply. The Travis Law Firm can review your charges and the circumstances surrounding your arrest and help you understand your legal options.

Possession with intent to deliver, commonly referred to as PWID, is a serious drug offense involving an allegation that a person knowingly possessed a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture or deliver it.

The prosecution may rely on the amount and type of substance, packaging, money, communications, statements, drug paraphernalia, or other evidence to support an allegation of intent to deliver. The circumstances of each case are different, and the evidence supporting the charge should be carefully examined.

PWID is more serious than simple possession and can carry significant criminal penalties. The Travis Law Firm represents individuals facing possession with intent to deliver and other drug charges throughout Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Not automatically. Pennsylvania law places constitutional limits on searches of vehicles. Under current Pennsylvania law, a warrantless vehicle search generally requires both probable cause and exigent circumstances under Article I, Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Whether a particular search was lawful depends on the circumstances. Issues may include what police observed, what information they had before conducting the search, how the traffic stop occurred, and whether the required legal justification existed.

If drugs or other evidence were discovered during a vehicle search, the legality of that search can become an important part of the defense. An attorney can review the circumstances and determine whether there may be grounds to challenge the evidence.

Potentially. Evidence obtained in violation of constitutional protections may be subject to a motion to suppress. In a drug case, this can involve evidence obtained during a traffic stop, vehicle search, search of a home or other property, or through the execution of a search warrant.

The specific circumstances matter. An attorney may examine whether police had the required legal justification for the search, whether a warrant was properly obtained and executed, and whether other constitutional or evidentiary issues exist.

If a court grants a suppression motion, evidence may be excluded from the prosecution's case. Whether suppression is appropriate depends on the facts and applicable law.

The Travis Law Firm can review how the evidence in your drug case was obtained and determine whether potential legal challenges should be investigated.

A preliminary hearing is an early stage of a Pennsylvania criminal case. The purpose is generally to determine whether the Commonwealth has established a prima facie case, meaning sufficient evidence at that stage that an offense was committed and that the defendant is connected to it.

At the hearing, the defendant has the right to be represented by counsel and, subject to the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, may cross-examine witnesses and inspect physical evidence offered against them. The issuing authority then determines whether the Commonwealth has established the required prima facie case.

A preliminary hearing is not a trial, and it does not determine whether a defendant is ultimately guilty or innocent. However, it can be an important stage of a drug case and should be taken seriously.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can prepare for the hearing, examine the Commonwealth's evidence, and determine how best to approach the proceeding.

Yes. Drug offenses can be prosecuted under federal law, particularly in cases involving alleged drug trafficking, distribution, conspiracy, or conduct investigated by federal agencies. Federal drug offenses are prosecuted under federal law and can involve federal courts and federal investigative agencies.

Federal drug cases can differ significantly from Pennsylvania state prosecutions. The potential consequences can also be substantial, depending on the controlled substance, quantity, allegations, and other circumstances. Federal drug cases may also involve mandatory minimum sentencing provisions in certain circumstances.

The Travis Law Firm represents individuals facing federal criminal investigations and charges. Attorney Jason Crouse brings more than 25 years of criminal law and federal law enforcement experience, including 23 years as an FBI Special Agent.