3 Common Defenses for Drug Crimes

Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, being accused of a drug crime can be life-altering. If you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s critical to find an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. A lawyer can help you understand common defenses for drug crimes that may apply to your case.

1. Unlawful Search and Seizure

Under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, Americans are protected against unlawful search and seizure. This means that law enforcement must have a warrant or probable cause before conducting a search. If law enforcement conducted an illegal search, your drug crime lawyer may be able to have evidence seized during the search deemed inadmissible in court. Because this evidence is often the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case, charges may even be dismissed.

2. The Drugs Were Not Yours

To prove you’re guilty of a drug crime, the prosecution must show that you had actual possession or constructive possession of the drugs. If you were arrested and drugs were found in your pocket, it is tough to use the defense that they are not yours or that you didn’t know they were there.

However, even if you were not carrying, holding or touching drugs, you may be charged with constructive possession in situations such as:

• Traffic stops and car searches with multiple people in the vehicle

• Searches of homes or buildings with multiple occupants

To prove constructive possession, prosecutors must show that you knew the drugs were there and had the intent and power to control them. For example, if you are driving a friend’s car and you’re pulled over on suspicion of DUI and marijuana is also found in the car, your DUI lawyer may argue that a constructive possession charge should be dropped because you weren’t aware that the marijuana was in the car. Regardless of the circumstances, if you’re accused of any type of drug possession, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.

3. Unlawful Entrapment

When authorities pressure or induce someone to commit a crime they had no intention of committing, entrapment can be used as an effective defense tactic. To prove entrapment, the defendant must show that they did not have the predisposition to commit the crime or that any reasonable person would not have committed a crime but for the actions of law enforcement.

Other Defense Tactics in Drug Crime Cases

While these are a few common defense tactics for drug crimes, your defense attorney may explore other factors when building a defense, including, chain of evidence custody issues, procedural errors, legal technicalities, and police misconduct.

If you are a loved one is facing drug crime charges, you need an experienced defense attorney. Our team includes some of the top DUI attorneys and drug crime lawyers in Pennsylvania. We fight to protect your rights and provide aggressive legal representation you can trust.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/3-common-defenses-for-drug-crimes/

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What Happens When a Domestic Violence Case Goes to Trial?

Facing charges related to domestic violence in Pennsylvania can have a serious impact on every aspect of your life. Your reputation, livelihood, and freedom may be on the line, so it’s critical to hire an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer who can help you understand the criminal court process and protect your rights.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in PA

Under Pennsylvania law, there is no separate, specific domestic abuse charge. Instead, when offenses such as assault, unlawful restraint, terroristic threats, and other crimes are perpetrated against a spouse, intimate partner, other family members, or someone with whom you share a child, these crimes may be considered misdemeanor or felony crimes of domestic violence.

It’s also important to understand that a protection from abuse order (PFA) is a civil action and is not a criminal charge. However, if you violate a PFA, you can be charged with indirect criminal contempt of court, which carries penalties of up to six months of jail time and fines of $300 to $1,000.

The Pretrial Process

Shortly after your arrest, you will appear before the magisterial district judge for a preliminary arraignment in which you will be advised of the criminal complaint against you. A judge may grant or deny bond at this time. It’s critical to have an experienced domestic violence lawyer present your side and negotiate bond on your behalf.

The Preliminary Hearing

A preliminary hearing is usually held within ten days of the arrest. The prosecution must present sufficient evidence to establish that a crime was likely committed. In a preliminary hearing, you’ll be able to find out what evidence the prosecution has against you and present any mitigating circumstance or justification that could help with your defense. Your defense attorney may challenge any evidence against you at your preliminary hearing and the court will decide if there’s enough evidence for the case to proceed.

Formal Arraignment

At the formal arraignment, formal charges will be made against you, and you'll be required to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead not guilty, during pre-trial proceedings your attorney will obtain discovery and you may also attend a pre-trial conference to discuss any possible plea bargains with prosecutors.

Possible Defenses for Domestic Violence Charges

When crafting a defense, your domestic abuse lawyer will look at the circumstances and evidence and may employ defenses such as:

• The allegations of domestic abuse are untrue

• The harm caused was accidental or unintentional

• You were acting in self-defense or defense of another party

• Insanity or diminished capacity 

• Other defenses specific to your case

Trial

If you choose to stick with a not guilty plea, your case will go to trial. You may select a trial by jury or a trial by judge. Your attorney can help you decide which option might be better for your case. Although pretrial matters usually move quickly, it could be months before your trial date is set. However, this gives you and your attorney time to thoroughly prepare for your case. Whether or not you choose to testify is a critical decision to discuss with your attorney, but ultimately it is up to you.

At a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. Steps of the trial process include:

• Jury selection

• Opening statements by each side

• Presentation of the case by the prosecution and then the defense, which may include evidence, testimony by the alleged victim, and witness testimony. 

• Closing arguments by the prosecution and defense

• Judge or jury deliberations

• Verdict

After a judge or jury deliberates, they will return with a decision. In a criminal trial, a defendant can only be found guilty if all 12 jurors unanimously agree on the verdict. Oftentimes, a defendant facing multiple charges may be found guilty of some charges, but not others.

If you're found not guilty, you’ll be free to go and move on with your life. If you are found guilty of one or more charges, the next step is sentencing. However, you have the right to appeal, which is a separate process you may want to consider.

Do you need help with a domestic violence case? Our experienced West Chester defense lawyers can evaluate your case, advise you of your options, and act as your staunch advocates.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/what-happens-when-a-domestic-violence-case-goes-to-trial/

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3 Types of PFAs in Pennsylvania

Victims of domestic violence deserve protection from their abusers. In Pennsylvania, a protection from abuse order (PFA) is a civil remedy that prohibits an alleged abuser from communicating with and harassing or stalking another party. Whether you have been served with a PFA or you’re a victim of domestic violence, understanding the three types of PFAs in Pennsylvania is critical.

1. Emergency PFA

When courts are closed after hours or on a weekend or holiday, it’s possible to get a temporary PFA by contacting your local police department. They can direct you to the magisterial district judge that handles emergency PFAs in your jurisdiction. If the judge determines that you’re in immediate danger, they may grant an emergency protection from abuse order. This type of order typically only lasts until the appropriate court is open where you can file for a temporary PFA.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you do not apply for an ex parte PFA on the business day when the court opens, the emergency order expires. Lawyers for domestic violence victims can help you navigate the process and provide the legal support you need.

2. Ex Parte Temporary PFA

In legal terms, ex parte means that an order can be granted to the person who requested it without requiring a response from the other side. When you file for a PFA, the judge will likely give you a temporary PFA if they believe you or your children are in danger and need immediate protection.

A temporary protection from abuse order will be in effect until your hearing for a final PFA, which is typically scheduled within10 business days. At the hearing, both you and your alleged abuser have the right to testify and present evidence.  If you’ve been served with a PFA and want to fight it, a defense lawyer can help you prepare for the final PFA hearing and represent yngou in court.

3. Final PFA

At the final PFA hearing, both sides may present evidence, testimony, and witnesses to back up their claims, and then a judge decides whether a final PFA is granted. A final protection from abuse order can last up to three years and may be extended in certain circumstances, such as if an abuser harms you again or behaves in other ways that demonstrate a continued risk of harm while while the final PFA is in place.

Who Can Get a PFA in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, only certain household or family members may request a Protection from abuse order. This includes a spouse, intimate partner, sibling, parent or child, another family member related by blood or marriage, or someone with whom you have a child. If you’re a victim of sexual violence or intimidation by someone other than a partner or family member, a sexual abuse lawyer can help you obtain a different kind of protective order, such as a sexual violence or intimidation protection order.

Regardless of whether you’ve been abused or need legal representation because you’ve been accused of abuse, our team of domestic violence lawyers, criminal defense attorneys, and sex crimes attorneys can help.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/3-types-of-pfas-in-pennsylvania/

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Marijuana Laws in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know

As more and more states legalize marijuana, and federal pardons are given for simple possession of cannabis, it can be confusing to know what is and is not legal in your state. Although possession of a small amount of marijuana is no longer a crime in certain counties in Pennsylvania, it is still illegal unless you have a valid medical marijuana card. If you’re facing charges, a drug crime lawyer can help you understand the law and safeguard your rights.

Is Simple Possession of Marijuana Decriminalized in PA?

The simple answer? No. However, possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish has been decriminalized in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties. This means it is now a civil violation that results in a fine of $25 if you are caught possessing it or $100 if the police find you smoking it. You can still be arrested and charged for possessing it or consuming small amounts in other jurisdictions in Pennsylvania.

Penalties for Simple Possession of Marijuana In PA

Under Pennsylvania law, possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor that comes with a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. If you possess more than 30 grams, you will still be charged with a misdemeanor but may pay a fine of $5,000 and up to one year of incarceration. In addition, if you’re charged with possession a second time or multiple times, you can face fines of up to $25,000 and three years in jail. If police observe that the marijuana is packaged with intent to sell, you may face felony charges.

Selling or Growing Marijuana in PA is a Felony

Selling any amount of marijuana in Pennsylvania is a felony, regardless of whether it’s one joint or a pound. Of course, penalties and sentencing guidelines vary depending on how much you have in your possession. Even if it’s only for personal use or you have a valid medical marijuana card, growing marijuana is also a felony in PA.

Being convicted of selling or growing marijuana can result in a $15,000 fine and 2 ½ to 5 years of incarceration. Penalties increase for multiple offenses.

Can I Be Charged With A Drug DUI if I Smoke Marijuana?

Yes. Regardless of whether you’re eligible for medical cannabis, if you’re caught driving with any amount of marijuana in your system you may face DUI charges. Unfortunately, marijuana can be detected in your system even if you haven’t consumed it for weeks. If you’ve been accused of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it’s critical to consult an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

These are just a few examples of what you may face if you’re caught with marijuana in Pennsylvania. Facing any type of charge for drug possession is daunting. Our drug defense lawyers are well-versed in defense strategies that may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed. We help you understand your options and fight tirelessly to protect your rights.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/marijuana-laws-in-pennsylvania-what-you-need-to-know/

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Why You Need a Child Custody Attorney if You Have a PFA Against You

In Pennsylvania, a protection from abuse order (PFA) helps keep victims of domestic violence safe from their abusers. Being served with a PFA can affect your reputation and livelihood, and prevent you from seeing your children. If you are the subject of a PFA, it is critical to seek the counsel of the best child custody lawyer in your area.  They can evaluate your case and assist you with any legal processes that may be necessary to preserve or regain custody rights.

How Does a PFA Work?

A PFA prohibits an alleged abuser from contacting or seeing the plaintiff.  When filing for a protection from abuse order, a plaintiff can ask for specific restrictions on contacting or visiting his or her children. This means that if the court restricts contact with your children, attempting to see them or contacting them would be a violation of the PFA.

PFAs and Existing Custody Orders

In some circumstances, a PFA can supersede an existing custody order. For example, if a judge finds that a defendant is likely to abuse the children or remove them from the jurisdiction before a final PFA hearing, custody may be revoked. However, if your children are not named in the restraining order and the judge finds that they are not at risk of being abused by you, your custody rights will not be taken away. If there is no custody order in place, a judge can set forth custody arrangements in a PFA, including prohibiting custody or requiring supervised visitation.

What Happens if I Violate a PFA to See My Children?

Although it’s painful to be unable to see your kids, violating a PFA will not work in your favor. Violation of a PFA may result in criminal contempt of court charges, which can carry penalties of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. A violation could also have an impact on custody and visitation arrangements in the future, and be used against you in other pending court cases. A domestic violence lawyer can help you understand your legal options and advise you on a course of action that may be effective for retaining or regaining your custody rights.

Challenging a PFA

Although you can challenge a protection from abuse order, you will not be able to defend yourself until the final PFA hearing. A temporary PFA lasts for 10 days, so if the order bars you from seeing your kids, it is best to follow that order until your hearing. Having a family law attorney by your side greatly increases your chances of a favorable outcome in your final PFA hearing.  If a final PFA bars you from custody, your lawyer can help you fight it.

PFAs and Child Support

It is important to keep in mind that even if there is a protective order against you, you are still required to provide financial support to your children if it has been ordered by the court. Each circumstance is unique. A Pennsylvania child support lawyer can evaluate your case and provide advice about which types of support you are obligated to pay.

Protection from abuse orders can have a serious impact on child custody rights. Seeking the counsel of our custody lawyers in Chester County, PA can give you the best chance of preserving your rights so you can be there for your children.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/why-you-need-a-child-custody-attorney-if-you-have-a-pfa-against-you/

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Unsure of What to Do After a Sexual Assault? This Checklist Can Help

Dealing with a police investigation and possible court case after you have been sexually assaulted can add to the trauma you’ve already experienced. If you or someone you know is a victim, a sexual assault lawyer in Pennsylvania can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process. Regardless of whether your case goes to trial, it is important to gather information and evidence that can support your claims and potentially help police and prosecutors put your attacker behind bars.

Reporting Sexual Assault

After an assault, you may feel overwhelmed, terrified, and unsure of where to turn. These feelings are common in survivors of sexual abuse, but do not let them keep you from reporting what happened to you. Making your voice heard is critical, and it is the only way to bring your attacker to justice. The sooner you call the police, the sooner they can collect evidence and begin their investigation. Your body, clothes, and scene of the event can provide valuable evidence, so make sure to refrain from:

● Changing or throwing away your clothes or bedding

● Washing your hands, showering, or bathing

● Disturbing the area where the assault occurred

Getting a SAFE Exam

Survivors of sex crimes have the option to get a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (sometimes called a rape kit or SAFE exam). A specially trained nurse will collect DNA samples, hair, saliva, clothes, and other evidence that could help support your case. They will also interview you, and may take pictures with your consent.

It is important to keep in mind that you can go straight to the hospital and get a rape kit before reporting an assault to the police. This allows you to preserve vital physical evidence and get medical treatment and the resources you need right away. This is also a good time to contact a close friend or family member for extra support. You may also want to find a sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible to help get justice.

Pressing Charges

After you make a report to law enforcement, you can decide whether you want to press charges. Ultimately, it is up to prosecutors to determine whether to move forward with criminal charges based on the evidence available to them. In many cases, a defendant may agree to a plea bargain and you will not have to testify in court. If you do have to testify, your lawyer and the prosecution team will help you prepare. If the state decides not to prosecute your attacker, it is still possible to file a civil lawsuit against them to recover monetary compensation for damages.

When Your Attacker is Someone You Know

Unfortunately, many victims are sexually assaulted by someone they know. Whether it was an acquaintance, family member, coworker, classmate, spouse, or intimate partner, you have the right to report the crime and hold them accountable. If you have been assaulted by someone in your household, lawyers for domestic violence victims can offer the support and legal representation you need.

Documenting Threats and Harassment

If you have been facing ongoing threats from the person who assaulted you, make sure to preserve and provide all written or electronic communications, including text messages, emails, DMs, social media posts, phone logs, and voicemails. It can also help to promptly create a timeline and write down everything you remember about what happened, and provide the names and contact information of any witnesses who may be aware of the situation.

Take Advantage of Resources and Lean on Your Lawyer

Even if you do not report a sexual assault, seeking help to process what happened and find healing is critical. The  National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) can automatically route you to the nearest sexual assault service providers, who can connect you with counseling, medical care, crime victim advocacy, and other resources.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of an assault, our Chester County sex crimes attorneys can be your staunch advocate and protect your rights and interests.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/unsure-of-what-to-do-after-a-sexual-assault-this-checklist-can-help/

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Surgical Errors and Medical Malpractice: When the Wrong Organ is Removed

During surgery, patients are at their most vulnerable and rely on physicians and other medical professionals to look-out for their health and well-being. Unfortunately, medical mistakes like removing the wrong organ can have lifelong consequences. Recently, a California woman was a victim of this type of error and had to hire medical malpractice lawyers to help her hold the responsible parties accountable.

Sarajane Parfitt’s Story

In 2021, 55-year-old Sarajane Parfitt underwent surgery to have her diseased left kidney removed at the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, California. The surgery was botched, and her spleen was mistakenly removed instead. She will now have to undergo another surgery to remove her kidney. Although it’s possible to live without a spleen, Sarajane is now more at risk for infection and will require special treatment to boost her immune system for the rest of her life.

Even more shocking, her spleen was labeled as a kidney when submitted to a pathology lab for testing, and the error went unnoticed for several days. When the pathologist reported that her spleen had been removed, the hospital performed a CT scan and found that her left diseased kidney will still there, and her spleen was gone.

Sarajane Filed a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Sarajane found a medical malpractice law firm, and her attorney, Paul Pimentel, filed a lawsuit on her behalf against Dr. Narayana Ambati, Community Regional Medical Center and Urology Associates, and Dr. Shahin Chandrasoma.

Her medical malpractice claim asserts that having the wrong organ removed has caused her to suffer severe emotional distress and other damages. Dr. Ambati’s malpractice defense lawyer asserts that he did not do the nephrectomy (kidney removal) – it was performed by a visiting surgeon, Dr. Chandrasoma. Sorting-out which parties are liable in this situation is just one factor that could make this medical malpractice lawsuit especially complex.

The Case Will Likely Be Resolved Outside the Courtroom

The vast majority of medical malpractice cases are settled out of court.  Physicians, health systems, and other medical providers don’t want to deal with the hassle or expense of going to court, not to mention the public scrutiny that can accompany a trial.

Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers fight to help clients resolve medical malpractice cases as efficiently and effectively as they can, but sometimes litigation is necessary to recover damages and hold negligent parties accountable. This case is still pending, so there’s no word on whether Sarajane has reached a settlement agreement with the defendants, but hopefully, she’s saved the trauma and headache of a lengthy trial.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a healthcare provider’s error or negligence, our personal injury lawyers can help. Our team features one of the best medical malpractice attorneys in Pennsylvania. We’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you recover the maximum compensation you need to move on with your life.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/surgical-errors-and-medical-malpractice-when-the-wrong-organ-is-removed/

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