When individuals are charged with possession of drugs with intent to deliver, they face serious consequences, i.e., substantial prison sentences. The sentences depend on the type of drugs and the amount of drugs found. Drugs such as cocaine and heroin have more serious consequences than drugs such as marijuana. In addition, the amount of the specific drug found on the person during an arrest also determines the penalty.
Related: Top Rated Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer Discusses PA Drug Charges & Federal Drug Charges
POSSESSION OF DRUGS WITH INTENT TO DELIVER (PWID)
The criminal charge Possession of Drugs with Intent to Deliver (PWID), also known as drug trafficking, means that the offender intended to distribute, manufacture or produce, or sell the illegal drugs. It is a felony. The charge does not make a distinction between distributing illegal drugs for profit or not. Thus, if an individual is giving a friend drugs, he can be charged with PWID.
DEFENSES TO POSSESSION OF DRUGS WITH INTENT TO DELIVER (PWID)
When an individual is charged with PWID, they want to have the best Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer on their side. An experienced Philadelphia, PA criminal defense lawyer will help their client achieve the best possible outcome. Below are some of the defenses I have presented when representing individuals charged with PWID in Philadelphia.
MOTION TO SUPPRESS
If key evidence against the defendant was obtained illegally, a motion to suppress the evidence may be filed. Without the key evidence, the case against the defendant may be dismissed. For instance, an individual is charged with PWID cocaine. As a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer, I would first look to see if the cocaine was obtained legally, i.e., how was the drug discovered? Was it discovered on the individual or at a location such as his car or his home? If so, did the police have reason to stop the individual and then subsequently search him? If the cocaine was found in his home, was there a proper search warrant, i.e., probable cause to issue a search warrant? If the police had no reason to stop and search the individual or his home, a motion to suppress would challenge the legality of how the cocaine was obtained, also known as search and seizure. If the judge finds that the drugs were obtained illegally, then the cocaine would be thrown out; in other words, the cocaine cannot be used as evidence in a criminal trial. Without the key evidence of the drugs, the prosecutors would have a hard time proving that the individual had possession of the drugs.
HELP FROM TOP RATED PHILADELPHIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
If you or a loved one was charged with PWID of a drug, no doubt you want the best possible outcome. Call Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer David S. Nenner to schedule a FREE consultation. (215) 515-0042