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Marijuana Possession Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation
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Philadelphia Marijuana Possession Attorney

Marijuana Possession Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Leveraging Evolving Cannabis Laws Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

While it is true that some states have changed their laws to legalize marijuana use and possession, Pennsylvania is not among them. If police find that you are in possession of marijuana, your first telephone call should be to van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin to retain the services of the foremost Philadelphia Marijuana possession attorneys to represent you.

Marijuana possession is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania, and possession of even a small amount can put you in jail. It can even allow a judge to take away your driving privileges. Marijuana charges should not be taken lightly. You need skilled representation from the premier criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia.

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 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
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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
    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
    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.

Defending You Against Harsh Penalties

Possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you could be facing the following penalties:

  • Up to 30 days in jail
  • Fines up to $500
  • Driver’s license suspension for six months

If police find more than 30 grams of marijuana in your possession, you could face up to a year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. Fines and the length of the jail or prison confinement double with each subsequent marijuana possession conviction.

At the van der Veen law firm, our team of Pennsylvania drug crime attorneys carefully review the facts of your case to design an innovative defense strategy taking full advantage of weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. We then utilize facts and provisions of the law favorable to you to exploit those weaknesses.

For example, if this is your first marijuana possession conviction, you could be eligible for conditional release. Conditional release allows you to be placed on probation instead of going to trial on the charge. When you successfully complete probation, your criminal record reflecting the marijuana possession charge is expunged.

Knowing what sentencing alternatives and diversionary programs are available sometimes requires taking the time to conduct research and make inquiries. Our Philadelphia marijuana defense attorneys explore all options the laws make available to you in planning a rigorous defense strategy to defend against the charges, and minimize the penalties to which you are exposed.

A Philadelphia Criminal Defense Team Committed to Protecting Your Rights

If you are in a car or other motor vehicle in which police find marijuana, everyone in the vehicle can be charged with possession unless police can determine to whom the drug belonged. Under this concept of constructive possession, just being in the vehicle means that you exerted control over the drug and can be arrested.

Our savvy Philadelphia marijuana defense attorneys know how police and prosecutors can abuse constructive possession to pressure someone, who simply might have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, to provide incriminating evidence against others in the vehicle. This is when you need our aggressive, hard-nosed defense team to stand by your side and fight for your rights and secure your freedom.

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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  • CNN
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  • Philadelphia Inquirer
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana Possession Defense 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!

  • Pennsylvania continues to treat marijuana possession as a criminal offense. Possessing 30 grams or less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail, fines up to $500, and a six-month driver’s license suspension. Possessing more than 30 grams carries up to one year of jail time and fines up to $5,000. Penalties increase significantly with each subsequent conviction.
  • Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes constructive possession, meaning you can be charged if marijuana is found in a vehicle or location you control or share, even if it was not physically on you. Prosecutors often use this theory broadly, making it crucial to have a defense attorney who can challenge whether you had actual knowledge or control of the substance.
  • Yes. Many first-time offenders may qualify for conditional release or diversionary programs. These alternatives allow the case to be resolved through probation and compliance with certain conditions. Successful completion may result in expungement of the marijuana charge, preventing long-term consequences on employment, education, or housing.
  • A strong defense focuses on attacking the legality of the police search and seizure, questioning whether officers had probable cause, and challenging the evidence linking you to the substance. If your constitutional rights were violated, key evidence may be excluded, which can lead to reduced charges or a full dismissal.

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 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
    "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

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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