Did law enforcement accuse you of a drug crime after an illegal search and seizure? Similarly, did someone claiming to be your friend leave controlled substances in your car or in your home? Have the police offered you a deal in exchange for dropping your drug charge?
Attorney Craig P. Kalinoski of Kalinoski Law Offices P.C. in Scranton is a former police officer who has first-hand knowledge of the rules and procedures that apply to criminal investigations. He does not accept the narrative used in a police report as the complete and final word. He knows how to read these reports to find the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. When you use Kalinoski Law Offices for defense, you are using a highly qualified lawyer willing to fight for your rights every step of the way.
Pennsylvania Drug Penalties and Defenses
In Pennsylvania, it is a crime to possess illegal or controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, etc. Consequently, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed the controlled substance without a valid physician order for the drug.
If charged with drug possession, there are defenses available to you:
- Lack of intent or knowledge
- Insufficient quantity of the drug
- Drugs did not belong to the defendant
- The police found drugs during an unlawful search and seizure
- Entrapment
Addiction is not a defense for a drug crime.
The type and amount of drug will determine the length and severity of the penalty.
- Possession of fewer than 30 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor; the penalty is up to 30 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $500.
- For narcotics of a higher amount, this can be a felony charge; the sentence can be up to fifteen years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Know that the more drugs the police find you with, the more severe the punishment. This is especially true if there’s an intention to sell.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Always Prepares For Trial
In criminal cases, early preparation is a valuable asset. We proactively investigate and analyze every detail — beginning on day one — to build a position of strength. Attorney Craig P. Kalinoski has earned a reputation for his drive to challenge the evidence in pretrial motions. He’s more than willing to go to trial when necessary to safeguard our clients’ rights.
Drug cases are not run-of-the-mill charges in Pennsylvania. Attorney Kalinoski draws on his background in law enforcement and over a decade of fighting for those charged with drug crimes to obtain the most favorable outcome possible. Drug cases often involve a complicated interplay between factual evidence and constitutional principles. Moreover, your attorney must have the skills to fully analyze these kinds of cases.
Common friction points arise over search and seizure issues. We thoroughly analyze whether the police had a legal right to be present to affect a search or seizure. In cases involving a traffic stop, we fully review the legal basis of the stop. When the prosecution’s case involves a search warrant, you need a lawyer who can evaluate the validity of the warrant. Attorney Kalinoski is that lawyer.
Most importantly, we have the legal know-how and experience to aggressively defend against all types of drug charges in Pennsylvania, including:
- Felony drug distribution, sales, or delivery
- Possession with intent to deliver
- Heroin trafficking
- Cultivation or growing of marijuana
- Drug manufacturing
Get A Free Consultation With An Effective Drug Possession and Drug Crime Lawyer in Scranton
Above all, we dedicate ourselves to always being prepared for trial. To learn more about how our approach to building a strong defense can be your advantage in protecting your future, contact Kalinoski Law Offices online or call 570-207-4000 for a free consultation.