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Criminal Cases in Delaware County, PA – Drugs & Guns
In Delaware County, drug possession or dealing and gun charges are the most common kinds of criminal cases. Residents of Delco are often charged with:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Creating a Counterfeit Controlled Substance
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- VUFA (Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act, AKA Illegal Gun Possession)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Oftentimes, individuals in Delaware County will be charged with one or more of the above. The penalties for drug and gun cases often include jail time and fines. For repeat offenses, lengthy prison sentences are common.
For some people who are charged with drug possession misdemeanors and felonies, Delaware County offers a drug court diversion program, which is an intensive court supervision program. The program isn’t for everyone and takes between 2 and 3 years to complete.
In addition, there’s been an increase in Drug Delivery Resulting in Death cases in Delaware County. For example, a Delco resident may be charged with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death where the individual sells drugs to another person who later dies as a result, whether due to an overdose or a bad reaction to the drugs. Many cases involve fentanyl, heroin and opioid drugs. Read more about Drug Delivery Resulting in Death criminal law in Pennsylvania.
Defending Drug & Gun Cases in Delaware County, PA
One of the most successful defenses in drug and gun cases in Delaware County, PA is a Suppression Motion. This is a motion which seeks to limit (or suppress) evidence that was obtained illegally by law enforcement. Typically, this involves an illegal search of a car, the person’s body, personal property or a home.
If law enforcement either enter property like a home or apartment or seize property in violation of state or federal constitutional law, individuals charged with crimes may seek to have evidence obtained during the search thrown out of the case. In other words, the prosecution would be barred from using the evidence in their case. In a drug or gun case, this usually leads to dismissal of some or all of the charges.
In order to file a motion to suppress, it’s crucial to have the case investigated and reviewed by an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is also skilled in cross-examination of police officers. In suppression hearings, the only witness may be the arresting police officer. Being represented by a skilled courtroom advocate can make the difference between winning and losing a suppression motion.
Delaware County, PA Criminal Law Info & Resources
Court of Common Pleas, Delaware County: 201 W Front St, Media, PA 19063
Delaware County Adult Probation Offices
- 6909 Ludlow St # 6, Upper Darby, PA 19082
- 151 W 5th St, Chester, PA 19013
- 201 W Front St, Media, PA 19063