According to a new study, some individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis may be able to find some relief from painful muscle cramps by smoking marijuana. This disease is a chronic illness. Patients who suffer from MS often experience conditions that worsen over time as the protective coating begins to break down around their nerve fibers. This can result in severe muscle cramping, also known as spasticity.
]]> Researchers who conducted the study noted that spasticity may not have been improved, but the pain from the cramping at least appeared to have been relieved in MS participants who smoked marijuana compared to those who did not.Current treatments for MS patients do not always help to reduce spasticity; so many patients continue to suffer from muscle cramps. Researchers are hoping that this study will prompt further studies to test if cannabis compounds can be used in future MS medications to help treat the painful symptoms of the chronic illness.
Using marijuana may certainly be a violation of our state's laws. However, if folks are suspected of drug crimes, it is extremely important that they make sure they are not accused of committing a far more serious crime such as drug trafficking or distribution if police do happen to find a larger quantity of marijuana in an individual's vehicle or home.
Pennsylvania does have mandatory minimum prison sentences in place based on the type of drug crime an individual is accused of committing. Since minimum sentences are issued after folks are convicted of drug crimes, it is important that defense attorneys focus on the unique facts of each criminal suspect's case in order to make sure that no defendant serves more time than what is necessary if one is convicted.
Source: Reuters, "Marijuana may ease multiple sclerosis symptoms," Amy Norton, May 14, 2012
]]>In Pennsylvania, individuals who are charged and convicted of possessing 51 or more live marijuana plants could potentially face up to five years in prison, even if they have no prior convictions on their record.
]]> Prior to executing a search warrant and raiding the home, police said that they received a tip that there was an alleged marijuana operation taking place in the man's home. After investigating the tip, Pennridge Regional Police and detectives in Bucks County obtained a warrant and searched the home on April 27.While raiding the home, police searched the basement and found more than 200 live marijuana plants growing in pots. Police said that some of the plants were about three feet tall. In addition to finding the potted plants, police also found about 500 seedlings growing in the basement.
According to The Reporter, police who searched the second floor of the home allegedly found items that are often used for drying, packaging and selling marijuana. Police confiscated these items as evidence. Some items confiscated in the raid included more than 700 marijuana plants and seedlings, special lighting and heat lamps, potting equipment and scales.
After searching the home and confiscating the items, police arrested the man who has been living in the home. The renter has been charged with manufacturing a controlled substance. He was also charged with possessing drug paraphernalia.
Due to the number of marijuana plants and other items found in the home, the man now faces serious drug charges and penalties if he is convicted. He may certainly benefit from working with an attorney in order to create an effective defense strategy that could help to minimize his charges and sentence if he is convicted.
Source: NBC Philadelphia, "700 Pot Plants Found in Bucks County Home: Cops," May 3, 2012
]]>The incident certainly put many Temple University students on edge, but others were probably shocked to learn that instead of arresting all three of the armed robbery suspects, police arrested one of the students who lived in the home that had been robbed. According to Philadelphia police, the student was arrested for drug possession with intent to deliver. Police did arrest one of the alleged intruders, but as of earlier this week, police were still looking for the other two suspects.
]]> After investigating the armed robbery, Philadelphia police reported that they had found illegal drugs in the students' home. Police suspected that the drugs belonged to one of the students. However, instead of being accused of drug possession, the student who police believe the drugs belonged to was arrested and accused of drug possession with intent to deliver.Any drug charge can result in serious consequences if an individual is convicted. However, a conviction for possession with intent to deliver could carry far more serious penalties that could have a significant impact on an individual's life.
As of yesterday, formal charges filed against the 21-year-old Temple University student included possession of narcotics. After investigating the armed robbery, police reported that the incident may have been linked to the drugs that were found in the home. Police also reported that they are still investigating the incident and looking for the other suspects.
Source: NBC 10 Philadelphia, "Temple Student Targeted in Armed Robbery Arrested: Cops," Jackie Gailey and Dan Stamm, April 30, 2012
]]>Drug crimes are serious offenses that can carry harsh penalties in the state of Pennsylvania. Even criminal suspects who are innocent could be subjected to serving time in prison or other legal consequences if they do not make sure that their cases are properly defended. But in some situations, defendants who do seek legal representation may see their drug charges dismissed or reduced.
]]> After the arrest, authorities claimed that they discovered messages on the man's cell phone that suggested that he was involved with the couple's alleged drug ring. The man pleaded not guilty to the charges and his attorney argued that he was not involved in any illegal activity with the couple. The teacher was simply a guest in the couple's home when the raid was carried out.The couple accused of running the cocaine ring were sentenced to serve more than a year in prison after the raid. However, the teacher was able to participate in a federal Pretrial Diversionary Program. Participants of this program are decided on a case-by-case basis. Typically, participants are first-time offenders who have been accused of minor offenses. Once participants successfully complete the program, their charges are dismissed.
According to reports, the former high school teacher did successfully complete the program as of last month. Although his record is now clean as a result of participating in the program, he has yet to get his old teaching job back. The program does not typically insure one's employment after charges have been filed.
Source: The Patriot-News, "Former Boiling Springs High School teacher indicted in federal drug case has charges dismissed," Matt Miller, April 18, 2012
]]>In Pennsylvania, police may conduct strip-searches and seize any type of a suspect's property only if they have probable cause to do so. Under the Fourth Amendment, people do have a right to privacy. However, earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court made a controversial ruling that suggests that criminal suspects, even those who are accused of committing minor offenses, do not have a right to privacy when it comes to routine strip-searches after an arrest.
]]> The 5-4 ruling argues that the safety of guards, officers and other inmates in correctional facilities is more important than a new inmate's right to privacy, and officers can perform a routine strip-search for any new inmate, regardless of the type of charges that have been filed against the inmate.Federal appeals courts have previously ruled that routine strip-searches of inmates charged with minor offenses are unconstitutional. Two years ago, one county in Pennsylvania agreed to pay $3 million to settle claims that the county had violated about 1,600 inmates' privacy rights after conducting strip-searches without a legal basis to do so. Prior to the settlement, the county had banned law enforcement from conducting routine strip-searches of new inmates charged with minor offenses unless law enforcement had probable cause to suspect that an inmate was dangerous.
The Supreme Court's decision was made after reviewing a New Jersey man's claim that his rights had been violated after police arrested him for allegedly failing to pay a traffic ticket. Police then performed two strip-searches. In its opinion, the high court ruled, "Jails are often crowded, unsanitary and dangerous places. There is a substantial interest in preventing any new inmate, either of his own will or as a result of coercion, from putting all who live or work at these institutions at even greater risk when he is admitted to the general population." Two justices did note that there will be exceptions to this ruling.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Councilman says Allegheny County settled strip-search lawsuit too quickly," Bob Bauder, April 10, 2012
]]>Last week, a Philadelphia man was arrested after a routine traffic stop when police suspected that he was hiding drugs in his pants. When police brought the 23-year-old man to their headquarters, they performed a strip search and discovered that the man had tied nearly 90 bags of illegal substances to his penis. The man was charged with possession with intent to deliver.
]]> The traffic stop was conducted April 6 shortly before 9 p.m. after police noticed two individuals sitting in a car with the lights off. Police noted that this type of activity was suspicious because the individuals were in an area where drug trafficking has been a problem.Police approached the two individuals in the vehicle. One officer was questioning the driver while the other approached the passenger. The officer who approached the passenger reported that a substance that looked like marijuana was in a bag resting near the passenger's feet. The passenger complied with the officer when asked to step out of the vehicle. But when he did, police reported that they found another substance that looked like marijuana on the man's seat.
After noticing a bulge near the passenger's crotch, police searched the man at their headquarters. When the man took off his pants, he revealed 89 bags of drugs that had been tied to his penis. Police reported that the substances appeared to be cocaine and heroin.
Source: The Delaware County Times, "Man busted for allegedly holding 89 bags of coke in his pants," Cindy Scharr, April 10, 2012
]]>Many individuals who are accused of committing criminal offenses do choose to work with attorneys in order to ensure that their rights are protected in court and that their cases are aggressively defended. Attorneys help individuals to determine which course of action will be most beneficial in one's case such as choosing to accept a plea bargain in order to avoid having one's case go to trial, or allowing one's case to go to trial in an effort to minimize one's sentence if he or she is convicted.
To assure criminal suspects that they will be properly informed by their attorneys about the penalties and benefits of accepting or rejecting plea deals, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that defense lawyers must inform their clients about any plea agreement that is offered in a case. Additionally, attorneys must sufficiently explain the pros and cons of accepting or rejecting plea deals.
]]> The important ruling was made after the justices reviewed two cases in which individuals claimed that their rights to legal counsel were violated because their attorneys had failed to provide effective counsel regarding plea bargains.In one case, a convicted criminal said that he was never informed by his attorney that prosecutors had offered two different plea deals that would have reduced his prison sentence if he would have accepted either agreement. In the second case, a man who had shot a woman was informed by his lawyer that he would not be convicted of certain charges if he chose to have his case go to trial due to the nature of the shooting. However, he was convicted and sentenced to serve 30 years in prison. Both of these cases will now be reviewed again in the lower court and the sentences could be significantly reduced.
The Supreme Court ruled that failing to provide a client with correct information regarding plea deals could be grounds for an individual to reopen his or her case after a conviction. The ruling made by the Supreme Court last month came after a 5-4 vote. This ruling is especially important because the Justice Department estimates that about 95 percent of criminal cases are settled through plea agreements rather than trials.
Source: Reuters, "Supreme Court extends effective lawyer right to plea deals," James Vicini, March 21, 2012
]]>This week, police in Warminster, Pennsylvania, reported that burglary rates in the area seem to be dropping after making at least a dozen arrests in Bucks County. Authorities believe that many of the individuals who have recently been arrested for their alleged involvement with the home break-ins have an addiction to drugs and committed the offenses in order to earn money so that they could purchase more drugs. Many of the suspects are older than 18. However, one of the suspects is only 12 years old. All of the individuals now face burglary charges and a variety of other criminal charges.
]]> Since investigating the burglaries, police have arrested 12 individuals allegedly associated with the home break-ins. A 24-year-old man has also been arrested and charged with four counts of delivery of a controlled substance. Police believe that he had been selling drugs such as heroin and oxycodone pills to some of the suspects allegedly associated with the home break-ins.According to reports, police have been investigating several burglaries in the Bucks County area for months. Many of the burglaries occurred during the day. Items such as cash, jewelry, cameras and laptops were taken in many of the incidents. Police reported that these items were taken because they were easy to grab and sell for cash at pawn shops.
More arrests could be made and additional charges could be filed. Police reported that they are not done investigating some of the burglaries.
Source: UpperSouthhamptonPatch.com, "Warminster Police Make Arrests Related to Recent Burglaries," Tom Sofield, March 27, 2012
]]>Although individuals accused of committing a drug crime might assume that they do not stand a chance to fight the drug charges, the truth is, police officers and other authorities do not always respect the rights of citizens. Police might conduct an unlawful search and seizure in an attempt to gather evidence in a criminal investigation. Police might also make the mistake of wrongfully accusing someone with a criminal record of committing another crime.
When an individual is arrested for a crime he or she did not commit, it may certainly be embarrassing for the individual, but it is also a very inconvenient and unpleasant experience. In 2010, a man was wrongfully arrested in Pittsburgh after police claimed that they saw him buying drugs. Now the man is seeking justice for the wrongful arrest and the damage it caused by filing a lawsuit against the officers and the city for the incident.
]]> The civil rights lawsuit was filed this week in federal court by a 23-year-old man who was arrested by two Pittsburgh police officers in 2010 for allegedly buying marijuana. According to the lawsuit, the man was falsely accused of purchasing marijuana when he was simply cleaning out his vehicle at a car wash. Because the man had a prior conviction for drug possession on his record, he was forced to remain in jail for several days after the arrest.After investigating the arrest, the charges were dropped when video surveillance showed that the man accused of purchasing drugs at the car wash had no interaction with the individual officers claimed they saw the man purchasing drugs from. In addition to unlawful arrest, the civil lawsuit also cites unlawful search and seizure and malicious prosecution.
Although some individuals are lawfully arrested for violating laws, it is very important that anyone accused of committing a crime in Pennsylvania makes sure that his or her rights were not violated in any way by local police officers or other law enforcement.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Man sues Pittsburgh, two officers for flawed drug bust," Brian Bowling, March 20, 2012
]]>Although studies have offered conflicting results in the past suggesting that driving under the influence of marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol, a new study published last month claims that driving stoned is indeed dangerous. The study suggests one's chances of being involved in an accident are greater shortly after smoking marijuana. Because driving stoned could result in a serious accident causing injury or harm to others, it could also result in heightened DUI charges with severe penalties.
]]> Driving drunk can impair one's judgment, reaction time and vision when behind the wheel, increasing one's risk of causing a car crash. But researchers have questioned whether marijuana has the same effect on drivers and whether driving under the influence of marijuana could increase an individual's risk of being involved in a DUI accident.According to the recent study, which was conducted by researchers in Nova Scotia, Canada, driving within a few hours of smoking marijuana may double one's risk of being involved in a car accident. Researchers analyzed data from more than 49,000 people who were involved in motor vehicle accidents on public roads.
DUI charges can result in jail time, fines, drug or alcohol counseling or the suspension of one's license. In Pennsylvania, the penalties are often more severe if an individual accused of DUI was also involved in a car accident. Although one may think smoking marijuana and driving is not as dangerous as driving drunk, current research suggests otherwise.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Smoking pot a few hours before driving may almost double crash risk," Jeannine Stein, Feb. 10, 2012
]]>This week, a 19-year-old who was arrested and charged with several offenses in January including drug possession learned that the charges filed against him have been dropped. Shortly after his arrest, a video surfaced on the Internet showing that police had no lawful basis to suspect the man of drug possession. The video also showed footage of police beating the man during the arrest.
]]> On Jan. 26, the 19-year-old man and two of his friends were walking along the street when New York police officers suddenly stopped the man and threw him to the ground. The arresting officers claimed that they had stopped the man because he was possessing marijuana and cocaine. After handcuffing the man, a video recording of the arrest showed that the officers began beating the man.The man was injured in the beating. He needed stitches in his elbow had staples in his head.
After reviewing the video, prosecutors reported this week that seven charges filed against the man will be dropped because there was not enough evidence to warrant the search or the arrest of the man.
The man's family hopes that the incident will prompt an investigation of the officers and their questionable practices. Others have been disturbed by the video and believe that the officers should be disciplined for the alleged beating, especially since the officers had no lawful reason to stop or arrest the man.
Source: The New York Times, "7 Charges Dismissed Against Man Beaten By Police," Al Baker, March 7, 2012
]]>These serious charges are oftentimes filed after law enforcement officers have conducted lengthy investigations or controlled buys in order to trap suspects. When this occurs, it is extremely important that individuals who have been charged with drug crimes consider the benefits of working with an attorney who will fight for their rights and protections under the law.
Last week, three Bucks County men were arrested for possessing drugs and weapons. The men, who are all in their 20s and 30s, had been under investigation by authorities since July 2011.
]]> Law enforcement began investigating the men after police were notified about suspicious activity at the home of two of the suspects. While the home was under surveillance, police suspected that the individuals were selling drugs from the house. Police even made several traffic stops after people came and went from the house. After making several vehicle stops, police were able to arrange undercover buys with the help of several individuals who agreed to be informants. During the undercover buys, police allege that the men were selling marijuana.The undercover buys resulted in warrants to search and seize property at the residence. On Feb. 24, police executed arrest warrants and confiscated numerous drugs and weapons from the home. While executing search and seizure warrants, police found and confiscated the following: 120 Oxycodone pills, five ounces of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a handgun, two pairs of Nun-chucks, a medieval weapon and more than $6,200 in cash. Police also confiscated TVs, a safe and a motorcycle.
Two of the men arrested face felony drug charges. The third man faces a misdemeanor charge.
Source: Bucks Local News, "Lower Makefield Police arrest three, seize weapons, drugs, and marijuana," Feb. 25, 2012
]]>According to reports, the man had won $2,500 while playing blackjack at the Bucks County casino. But when the man attempted to collect his cash winnings, the casino discovered that there was a warrant out for the man's arrest in Blair County, Pennsylvania. In order to collect winnings, the man's ID needed to be checked, which alerted personnel about the warrant when the man's ID was swiped.
Although the man can collect his winnings from the casino when he is released from jail, police reported that the charges against the man could result in a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted.
]]> The Blair County Drug Task Force and the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation have accused the man of drug crimes in connection with another man who was allegedly running a cocaine ring in the area. Law enforcement claim that the man delivered cocaine on two separate occasions to an informant last year.Court records indicate that on March 16, 2011, the man allegedly sold the informant $100 worth of crack cocaine. Later that month, the man allegedly sold another $200 worth of crack cocaine to an informant.
After his arrest on Saturday, the man told police that he was aware of the charges filed against him. He said he was trying to make some money so that he could post bail after turning himself in to police.
Individuals who believe that they are under investigation for drug crimes or who have a warrant out for their arrest in Pennsylvania may want to consider the benefits of working with an attorney in order to make sure that their rights are properly protected in court. Choosing to take matters into one's own hands could result in making a mistake that could damage one's defense case.
Source: The Altoona Mirror, "Alleged dealer caught at casino," Greg Bock, Feb. 21, 2012
]]>It is one thing to be caught in possession of marijuana, but accusations of drug delivery carry serious criminal charges with major penalties if one is convicted. Some legal penalties individuals could face in the state of Pennsylvania for delivering marijuana could certainly include jail time and the suspension of one's driver's license.
]]> According to Selinsgrove police who allegedly witnessed the drug deal, the man was spotted taking a package out of his vehicle in the Susquehanna University parking lot Monday afternoon. The officers said that after taking the package out of his vehicle, he got inside another vehicle that was parked in the lot.When the former student entered the vehicle, the car left the university's parking lot and police conducted a traffic stop. Police spotted a metal container inside the vehicle which contained a fourth of a pound of marijuana. The driver and the former student were arrested. Police also seized the former student's vehicle that had been parked at the school's lot.
Police are investigating the former student in order to determine if additional charges should be filed. After Monday's incident, the man was charged with several felonies including:
The 19-year-old also faces a misdemeanor charge of delivery or possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia. When an individual faces any drug charge in Pennsylvania, he or she may benefit from working with an attorney in order to reduce or drop one's charges depending on the circumstances of one's arrest.
Source: The Daily Item, "Ex-SU athlete charged in 'pot' sale," Tricia Pursell, Feb. 15, 2012
]]>Last week, five individuals were charged with running a profitable LSD-distribution ring outside of a West Philadelphia home. Two of the individuals who face drug distribution charges are students from Drexel University.
]]> According to police, investigations of the alleged LSD-distribution ring began on Jan 18. A student from Drexel University had been arrested for charges involving marijuana and a gun. After his arrest, he told police that he would cooperate with them and he provided them with information about an alleged drug ring that distributed LSD in the area.During the investigation, police recorded phone calls between the student and another Drexel University student. During the phone calls, the two students allegedly set up a drug deal. The second student was arrested after the deal was set up, and police reported that the student also agreed to help police in their investigations.
After conducting the investigation of the alleged LSD-distribution ring, police raided a home in the Philadelphia area that was believed to be where the drug transactions were taking place. Police arrested the owner of the home, a 31-year-old man, as well as two other individuals. While searching the residence, police confiscated more than 9,000 hits of acid and $10,000 in cash. The drugs are believed to a have a street value of about $28,000.
All of the individuals arrested were charged with possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy. Because a child was at the home at the time of the raid, the individuals were also charged with child endangerment.
If a Philadelphia resident or college student is guilty of committing a minor drug crime, such as simple possession of a controlled substance, it is extremely important that he or she does not face legal or social penalties for more serious crimes than the ones that were actually committed. However, while an investigation is pending, college students are at risk of being suspended until their names are cleared from criminal charges
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, "Five charged with running LSD ring near Drexel," Allison Steele, Feb. 1, 2012
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