Philadelphia Criminal Cases – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Philadelphia criminal cases are brought to you by Nenner Law, a Philadelphia criminal defense law firm. These FAQs address various criminal case topics, such as murder and homicide, drug possession and related drug charges, and guns/weapons charges. This legal library of FAQs is for information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.

If you have questions about a Philadelphia criminal case, it is best to consult with an experienced Philadelphia criminal lawyer. David Nenner has a wealth of experience and is listed as a “Top Rated Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA” by Super Lawyers magazine. Unlike many criminal defense lawyers in Pennsylvania, Mr. Nenner always offers FREE initial consultations. 215.564.0644

Philadelphia Murders and Shootings – My Husband Shot Someone in Self-Defense, What Charges Does He Face? (April 16, 2018)
Question: My husband got into an argument with a neighbor, and the argument got heated. The neighbor then pulled out a gun and tried to shoot my husband. During the struggle, the gun went off and the neighbor got shot. He was taken to the hospital and my husband is going to talk to the ...
Can You Be Charged with Drug Possession in Philadelphia When the Drugs Were Not Found on You? (January 17, 2018)
Can you be charged with drug possession when the drugs are not found on you? See answer by David Nenner, a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer. Mr. Nenner always offers FREE initial consultations.
Can My Son Be Charged with PWID After a Traffic Stop in Philadelphia? (April 27, 2017)
In Philadelphia, an individual does not have to be caught in the act of selling drugs in order to be charged. They can even be charged after a traffic stop. Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer discusses these issues in this FAQ.
Can Juveniles Face Felony Murder Charges? Answer by a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer (April 26, 2017)
Can a juvenile be charged with felony murder? Further, can a juvenile be charged with felony murder if he didn’t commit the killing? See answer by our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer.
Are Warrantless Car Searches Legal? – By a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer (March 16, 2017)
Can Philadelphia police conduct warrantless car searches after pulling vehicles over for traffic violations? What are your legal rights if the police find small amount of drugs in the car? Learn more here.
What are the Penalties for Possession of Cocaine in Philadelphia? (September 13, 2016)
Question: If I was charged with possessing cocaine, will I be convicted? What are the penalties? Will I go to jail? I have never been charged with possessing cocaine before, and I am worried about my future.
Do You Need a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer at a Preliminary Hearing for Murder Charges? (September 12, 2016)
Question: My son was arrested and charged with attempted murder in Philadelphia. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week. What is a preliminary hearing? Does he need to hire a criminal defense lawyer for the preliminary hearing or can he represent himself?
Murder Charges and Consequences in Philadelphia Criminal Cases (June 20, 2016)
There are different types of murder charges in PA, and each type carries a different penalty. Mr. Nenner, a Phila. criminal defense lawyer, answers a question about murder charges and penalties.
I was arrested for drug possession in Philadelphia. What are my chances of going to jail? (August 12, 2015)
he answer depends on a whole host of factors, including the following: the type of drugs involved, the amount of drugs involved, and any prior conviction record. See full answer here.
My son was arrested, charged with drug dealing in Philadelphia. Will he go to prison? (May 20, 2015)
Answer: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (PWID) is a serious charge. Under Pennsylvania criminal law, convictions for drug dealing or trafficking will result in mandatory minimum sentences. A potential mandatory minimum sentence varies and depends on the circumstances, such as: the type of drugs involved, the amount of drugs involved, whether another person died, ...
Philadelphia Drug Charge Q&A: What sentence are you facing? (May 1, 2014)
Question: I was arrested for dealing drugs in Philadelphia. What is the maximum sentence I face? Answer: In Pennsylvania criminal drug cases, the possible mandatory sentence will depend on proof of certain facts, such as: whether a gun was found within the vicinity of the drugs, the type and amount of the drugs, and where ...

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MURDER CHARGE – NOT GUILTY JURY VERDICT (MAY 2021, PHILA)

Mr. Nenner’s client was charged with murder and gun charges in Philadelphia. The client was accused of shooting and killing another male on Arch Street near the 5600 block of Ithan Street in Philadelphia. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty after deliberating...

Drug Possession Case – Motion to Suppress Granted

Mr. Nenner presented evidence that to show that the traffic stop was a pretextual stop. The officer had no reason to pull the car over. The judge agreed and suppressed the evidence. As a result, the prosecution withdrew the charges.

Attempted Murder Case – Not Guilty Jury Verdict

Mr. Nenner presented a self-defense argument, and the jury returned a “not guilty” verdict after a 7 day trial in Philadelphia.

3rd Degree Murder Case – Charges Dismissed for Co-Defendants

Mr. Nenner represented co-defendants in a shooting death in North Philadelphia. Both cases were ultimately dismissed.

1st Degree Murder Case – Not Guilty Jury Verdict

Mr. Nenner presented a self-defense argument, and the jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict on all charges.

Pennsylvania (State) Drug Charges, Dog Sniffs & Constitutional Law

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. For example, a Philadelphia resident is pulled over for speeding. During the traffic...

Dog Sniff Searches of Cars in Pennsylvania Traffic Stops (Federal Law)

Dog or canine searches of cars during traffic stops in PA often lead to drug possession/dealing charges and gun charges. For example, a police officer pulls over a driver for speeding. During the traffic stop, a canine search is performed revealing several bags of...

Federal Drug Dealing Crime Sentencing Law – Mandatory Minimum Sentences Reduced in Phila. Cases

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...

Chester, PA Shootings & Homicides, May 2020

Homicides and murders are up in both Chester and Philadelphia PA so far in 2020. Murder investigations when homicide rates are high may lead to false confessions.

Attempted Murder & Conspiracy to Commit Murder Charges in Pennsylvania Shooting Cases

Many residents of Philadelphia and nearby counties like Delaware County or Chester County face criminal cases due to a shooting. In this legal article, our criminal law firm provides legal info on attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, two common charges in...