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Philadelphia Drug Possession Lawyer

Drug Possession Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Asserting Constitutional Search and Seizure Rights Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Don’t be lulled into thinking that state and federal arrests and prosecution of drug possession laws have changed just because of news reports about some states legalizing marijuana. Drug possession laws in Pennsylvania are being aggressively enforced and prosecuted. The hard-working team of Philadelphia drug possession attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin take defending you against drug possession charges as seriously as the police and prosecutors who are trying to put you in prison.

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.


    They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
    “Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”
    - Former Client
    You should not go anywhere else.
    “This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue.  can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”
    - Bennie H.
    Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
    “This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”
    - Sewall M. Jr.
    They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
    “I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”
    - Quiana
    Guided me through the process for a success.
    “Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”
    - Frank A.
    They make my concerns their concerns.
    “Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”
    - Leslie L.
    The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
    “I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”
    - RB
    Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
    “Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”
    - Ninel B.

Controlled Substances That Can Lead to a Drug Possession Arrest

It is easy to become ensnared in a drug possession charge in Pennsylvania. Possession of a controlled substance includes an assortment of drugs and substances including:

  • Heroin
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Methamphetamine
  • MDMA (ecstasy)
  • LSD
  • Anabolic steroids

Having any number of prescription drugs that are designated as controlled substances can also lead to your arrest if you have them in your possession without a valid prescription from your doctor. Pennsylvania state law also makes possession of the component compounds that go into making controlled substances illegal.

Complex Drug Laws Require a Savvy Philadelphia Drug Defense Attorney

Drug possession charges and penalties depend upon the type of substance you possess and the quantity. Charges can range from the lowest grade misdemeanor, all the way to a felony. What may begin as a drug possession investigation could turn into a more serious charge of possession with intent to deliver.

You could be charged with drug possession without having actual possession of the illegal substance. Under a legal principle known as “constructive possession,” if in a house, car or other location over which you have control, police can charge anyone at that location with possession if there are drugs found there.

Just because police do not find drugs on you during a search does not mean you will escape criminal charges. Pennsylvania defines drug paraphernalia as any device intended or used for ingesting or otherwise introducing drugs into the body. Bongs, pipes and rolling paper are just a few of the items that could provide grounds for your arrest.

Pennsylvania has Harsh Drug Possession Penalties

The particular facts of a case could affect the sentence a judge imposes at sentencing, but the following are representative sentences that are authorized under state law:

  • Marijuana: Possession of 30 grams or less is prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $500. Possession of more than 30 grams us punishable by up to a year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
  • Heroin: Possession of up to five grams could result in a two-year prison sentence, and possession of 50 grams or more could lead to a five year sentence.
  • Cocaine: Possession of less than 10 grams carries with it a maximum one-year prison sentence, but the penalty increases to four years if you possess 100 grams or more.
  • Methamphetamine: Possessing less than 10 grams could send you to prison for three years. Possession of 100 grams or more of the substance could result in a five-year prison sentence.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Possession Charges in Philadelphia, PA

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!

  • Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes constructive possession, which allows prosecutors to charge you with possession if drugs are found in a place you control, such as a home, vehicle, or shared space. This applies even if multiple people had access to the location. Prosecutors must show that you had knowledge of the drugs and the ability to control them. A skilled drug possession defense attorney can challenge these assumptions and argue that you did not knowingly possess the illegal substances.
  • Do not argue with officers at the scene, and do not give statements about ownership or knowledge of the drugs. Immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. Many drug cases hinge on whether police had lawful authority to conduct a search. If the search violated your Fourth Amendment rights, your attorney may be able to suppress the evidence, which can lead to reduced charges or dismissal of the case. Early legal intervention is crucial to protecting your rights.
  • Penalties depend on the substance and the amount found. Marijuana possession may result in up to 30 days in jail for small amounts, while cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances carry much harsher penalties, including multi year prison sentences. Large quantities can escalate charges to possession with intent to deliver, which carries even more severe consequences. Fines, probation, mandatory treatment programs, and license suspension may also apply. A defense attorney can work to reduce or avoid these penalties.
  • Common defenses include illegal search and seizure, lack of knowledge of the substance, improper police procedures, challenges to constructive possession, flaws in laboratory testing, and violations of constitutional rights. If police lacked probable cause for a traffic stop or conducted an unlawful search, evidence may be excluded. Your attorney may also show that the drugs belonged to someone else or that possession cannot be proven. Each case is different, and a tailored defense strategy can significantly impact the outcome.

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
    "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
    "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

the complete coverage advantage

  • Full-Spectrum
    Law

    From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.

  • Values-Driven
    Practice

    From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.

  • Human-Centered
    Advocacy

    We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.

  • High-Caliber
    Results

    Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

Trial Lawyers Excelling in the Areas of Law Most Critical to You and Your Family
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