You do not only need a defense attorney if you have been charged with a drug crime in Ardmore, but also if you are arrested or even questioned by law enforcement. Your attorney can watch out for your best interests during any interactions with the police and the court.
If you are arrested for a drug crime, we can make sure you are released if not charged within 72 hours. If you are eventually charged, we can represent you as you enter your plea and the judge sets bail. Before the trial begins, we may file a motion to suppress illegally obtained or tainted evidence, substantially weakening the prosecution’s case against you and possibly leading to the charges being dropped.
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 to schedule a confidential and free case discussion with our drug crimes lawyers.
When Do I Need a Drug Crime Lawyer?
You may need a defense attorney present for almost any interaction with law enforcement in Pennsylvania, even if you have not been arrested or charged with an offense yet.
If You Are Questioned by the Police
If the police informally question you about a drug trafficking operation, you should have a lawyer present. If it is not a custodial interrogation, the police do not have to read you your Miranda rights, which would remind you of your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
If You Are Arrested
The first thing you should do after being arrested is tell the police you want to contact your attorney. Law enforcement should remind you of this right before they interrogate you. If they do not, any statements you made may be inadmissible.
If You Are Charged with a Crime
Even before charges are officially filed against you in court, our lawyers can begin working on your case, forming your defense, and assessing the prosecution’s case. Charges can be dropped after they are filed, so this does not guarantee the case will go to trial, especially if we convince the judge to suppress inadmissible evidence.
FAQs About Drug Crimes in Ardmore
What Evidence Can a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Challenge?
Our attorneys can challenge any evidence that was obtained through an illegal search and seizure or during a custodial interrogation where you were not read your Miranda rights beforehand.
How High is Bail for Drug Charges in Ardmore?
The bail set by the judge in your case depends on several factors, including the severity of the offense, whether or not this is your first offense, and whether you are considered a threat to the community or a flight risk. Even if the prosecution asks for egregiously high bail, we can ask the judge to lower it.
How Soon Are Drug Charges Filed After an Arrest?
Prosecutors in Delaware County have 72 hours to file formal charges after arresting you for a drug offense in Ardmore. If charges are not filed within three days, you must be released, though you could face re-arrest if new evidence turns up.
How Soon Should You Get a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer After an Arrest?
You should consult with our drug crime lawyers as soon as possible after you are arrested, as you might be most vulnerable to police questioning and other investigatory tactics at this stage.
What Should You Tell Your Defense Lawyer?
Tell our defense attorneys anything and everything you can about the reason for your arrest. What you tell us is confidential, and it could be the key piece of information we need to mount a convincing enough defense for the jury.
What Does the Prosecution Have to Prove for PWID Charges?
To prove possession with intent to distribute (PWID), the prosecution must prove that the defendant had the intent to distribute controlled substances beyond a reasonable doubt.
Should You Testify in a Drug Crime Trial?
Not all defendants should testify if their charges go to trial. If we believe it will help your case, we will spend time preparing you to testify so you are prepared when the time comes.
Will You Go to Prison for a Drug Crime Conviction?
Felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute Schedule I, II, III, and IV drugs carry mandatory minimum prison sentences in Pennsylvania, even for the first offense. Expensive fines may also accompany your sentence.
What is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Drug Offenses in Ardmore?
The major differences between misdemeanor and felony drug offenses are the consequences upon conviction, though being convicted of any criminal offense can have long-lasting effects.
When Can You Face Federal Drug Charges?
Defendants might face federal drug charges for allegedly participating in drug trafficking operations across state lines, which is a violation of federal law. Defendants convicted of federal charges serve their sentences in federal prison.
Can You Use Fourth Amendment Violations to Defend Drug Charges?
The Fourth Amendment protects you against unlawful search and seizure. If the police do not have a judicial warrant or lack probable cause to search a property, we could motion to suppress any controlled substances they might find.
Can You Use Lack of Knowledge to Defend Drug Charges?
If you share a house, car, or other property with another person and their controlled substances have been unfairly attributed to your possession, we can use your lack of knowledge to defend the charges.
Can You Use Coercion to Defend Drug Charges?
Tell our attorneys if you were forced to participate in a drug trafficking operation under duress or threat to your family, as you should not be held responsible for an activity you had no choice but to partake in.
Call Our Armore Drug Crimes Lawyers Now
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill’s drug crimes lawyers at (215) 423-5500 to have us assess your case for free.
