According to a recent report, Pennsylvania detectives were reportedly conducting surveillance in a shopping plaza and arrested a man for drug possession. The detectives say that a vehicle parked in front of their unmarked police car and then a man got into the passenger seat of the car and sniffed heroin out of purple wax paper. The men got out of the vehicle when they saw the detectives’ car, the detectives called for patrol officers and authorities detained the driver, who reportedly agreed to let them search his car.
During the search, officers allegedly found a knife, almost $2,000 in cash in the driver’s pockets and a fake lint roller with wax paper of heroin, as well as cocaine and heroin. The driver faces multiple drug charges relating to drug possession, possession with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $250,000 and he posted bail and was released. As of now, he is scheduled for a preliminary hearing.
The penalties you will face for drug-related crimes will depend on a number of factors, including the type of drug, the quantity of the drug and past criminal history. Generally, for marijuana possession, 30 grams or less will lead to a misdemeanor charge, with up to 30 days in jail and $500 fine for a first offense. However, possession of heroin and cocaine could result in a $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail for a first offense. If you have a significant amount of the drug in your possession, you may be charged with distribution charges and could face a longer jail sentence.
If you are facing drug charges, talk to a criminal defense attorney about the circumstances surrounding your case. Your attorney may be able to find ways to have the charges reduced or dismissed.