Allentown Marijuana Possession Attorney Safe and Protected, Powerfully Represented

Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
Not Guilty Rape case
Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
Charges Dropped Embezzlement
Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
Not Guilty Child Pornography
Not Guilty Murder Case
Not Guilty Double Homicide
Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Theft
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Acquittal Impeachment Trial
Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Assault
Charges Dropped Arson
Charges Dropped Embezzlement
Not Guilty DUI
Not Guilty Aggravated Assault

Allentown Marijuana Possession Attorney

Allentown Marijuana Possession Defense Attorneys Pushing Back Against Pennsylvania’s Harsh Pot Laws

Many states have legalized marijuana possession in recent years. But Pennsylvania still has one of the toughest marijuana possession laws in the country. A smoked joint butt could mean up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. There is almost always at least a little marijuana residue in a used joint. In addition, some local law enforcement agencies no longer make marijuana possession arrests. But these policies come and go, and they are limited to specific agencies.

So, marijuana possession is a very serious offense in Allentown. Fortunately, the aggressive Allentown marijuana possession attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin routinely handle drug possession cases. We are familiar with all the complex issues involved, and we are ready to present an assertive defense. This approach often leads to a successful plea bargain or a favorable result at trial.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

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Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
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Breaking Down an Allentown Marijuana Possession Case

Simple possession is normally a misdemeanor. Possession with intent to distribute is normally a felony. If the defendant had a large quantity of marijuana, Lehigh County prosecutors could bring serious charges against the defendant. In addition to quantity, to upgrade charges from possession to distribution, prosecutors look for items like:

Baggies,
Scales,
Firearms, and
Cash.

There must be a connection between the aggravating facts and the marijuana. For example, an illegal firearm in the garage might have little or nothing to do with marijuana in the living room. Some additional defenses are outlined below.

Pretrial diversion may be available in many cases. That’s especially true if the defendant has no criminal record and is charged with misdemeanor possession. Normally, after the defendant completes a drug education class and jumps through some other hoops, prosecutors dismiss the case. As a result, the defendant has no criminal record.

If any drug case goes to trial, prosecutors must establish each element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. That trial could be before a judge or a jury.

Possible Defenses At Trial and During Plea Negotiations

We have already looked at one defense. Another involves the difference between possession and position. These are two very different concepts. If police find marijuana in a car, they usually arrest everyone in the car. But to establish a possession case, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant:

Knew exactly where the drugs were, and
Could easily access the contraband.

Assume officers find a dime bag in a car’s glove compartment. It would be almost impossible to prove possession if the defendant was in the back driver’s side seat. That’s especially true if the defendant did not know the drugs were in the car and/or the glove compartment was locked.

If officers found drugs in a house, they usually obtained a search warrant prior to the seizure. This warrant must be specific as to the place and items. “Drugs in the house” is probably not an adequate description. Something like “marijuana in the master bedroom” is much better.

Finally, Pennsylvania has a medical marijuana law. Most other states have similar laws. However, in Lehigh County, the prescription must come from a Pennsylvania doctor, and the entire transaction must pass muster under Pennsylvania law.

Reach Out to Tenacious Drug Crime Attorneys

The winds of change may be blowing in terms of marijuana laws, but possession is still a serious crime in Pennsylvania. For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Allentown, contact van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Home and jail visits are available.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Internet crimes are governed by both federal and Pennsylvania state laws. Whether it's cyberbullying, online fraud, or identity theft, these offenses are taken seriously by the Pennsylvania justice system. Our firm stays up-to-date with evolving laws in this area to offer the most effective defense strategies.
Pennsylvania has strict DUI laws, and penalties may include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even imprisonment. Multiple offenses within a 10-year period will significantly escalate these penalties.
Sex offenses in Pennsylvania cover a wide range of actions, from sexual assault and rape to possession of child pornography. Pennsylvania has strict laws governing sex crimes, and convictions often come with severe penalties, including mandatory registration as a sex offender.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin

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