Anyone who is charged with drug possession or distribution may face serious consequences, which could include hefty penalties or jail time. Some drug charges are even subject to mandatory minimum sentencing laws, although there are many factors that will affect the sentence that is ultimately levied.
A 60-year-old Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, resident was arrested on Feb. 1 after local law enforcement officials and federal agents executed a search warrant on the man’s home. The man allegedly ran a barber shop out of the basement of the Beaver Dam Drive home, which is where most of the items seized were found.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, suspected drugs worth $5,600 as well as drug manufacturing and distribution paraphernalia related to cocaine and crack cocaine were seized. Police also found drug-related items such as razor blades, digital scales and agents used to cut drugs.
Several charges were levied against the man, including manufacturing, delivering and possessing a controlled substance and being in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arraigned and given a $500,000 bond, which he did not post. As of Feb. 3, he was in Bucks County prison awaiting trial.
Drug charges are serious, and a solid knowledge of the laws and the legal process is important for a good defense. Although this case involved what may be a legal search and seizure because of the search warrant, the recovery of drugs and drug equipment by law enforcement officials often winds up being the crux of the ensuing trial. If the recovery was not done properly, it could have a major effect on the outcome of the case.
Source: NBCNews.com, “Bristol Township man, 60, facing drug charges,” Jo Ciavaglia, Feb. 4, 2013
