Drug cases are prosecuted very seriously here in Pennsylvania, and convictions for possession with the intent to deliver can come with mandatory minimum sentences. This depends on the type and amount of drugs involved as well as the defendant’s criminal history, but the consequences can generally be very severe. This is why it is very important for those who face drug charges to be sure to protect their rights.
Late last month a 33-year-old Philadelphia man was charged with several drug offenses, including felony drug manufacturing counts, drug possession with the intent to deliver or manufacture, illegal use of a communication facility and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to Middlesex Township Police, the drugs involved include cocaine, marijuana and heroin.
The man was arrested back in August when police reportedly found him selling drugs in the parking lot of an area hotel. The man was found in possession of some cash and heroin. The police also ransacked his room and allegedly unearthed 20 grams of raw heroin, $3,000 in cash, heroin baggies and packaged heroin, marijuana and cocaine.
The formal arraignment is scheduled for January 2013.
These are very serious drug charges that can have serious consequences, including significant jail time. These are not the kind of charges that anyone should handle lightly.
However, just like in all criminal cases, defendants are deemed innocent until proven guilty. There is a due process to be followed when prosecuting such cases and defendants should be aware of this and their constitutional rights in order to attain the best outcome in a case.
Source: cumberlink.com, “Man goes to court after allegedly selling drugs in Middlesex Township,” Andre Carr, Oct. 24, 2012
