Pennsylvania Supreme Court to Hear Case Involving Cannabis Odor and Vehicle Searches Is the smell of cannabis probable cause for the police to search your vehicle? That is the question up for debate this week in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. In Commonwealth v. Barr II, the defendant was charged with illegally owning a firearm after …
If your friend or loved one has overdosed on drugs and you assist them in getting help, you can not be criminally charged, even if you were also using drugs (under most circumstances). This immunity also applies to anyone on probation or parole. This law is often referred to as the Pennsylvania Good Samaritan Overdose …
Federal Marijuana Reform: How it Could Impact Pennsylvania Marijuana Laws The MORE Act and Pennsylvania Cannabis Laws Federal Marijuana Reform Nearing the end of its session in late 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would decriminalize marijuana on a federal level, as well as provide a pathway to erase nonviolent federal …
What is the current marijuana / cannabis decriminalization and legalization status in Pennsylvania? In Pennsylvania, recreational marijuana, or cannabis, is still illegal, although several cities have passed ordinances decriminalizing marijuana. Several cities have decriminalized marijuana, including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Steelton, York, State College, Erie, Lancaster, Bethlehem and Upper Darby Township. Even so, arrests for marijuana …
What happens if you refuse a chemical breath or blood test after receiving a DUI charge in Pennsylvania? When you get your PA drivers license, and drive on PA roadways, you implicitly consent to submit to a blood or breath test when a police officer suspects that you are driving under the influence. This is …
DUI of Marijuana / Cannabis in Pennsylvania Information on What Happens When Charged with DUI of Marijuana in Pennsylvania While many counties in Pennsylvania have begun relaxing marijuana laws and penalties for possession, when it comes to driving under the influence of cannabis, Pennsylvania’s DUI law is incredibly strict. Driving while under the influence of …
New Expedited Review Program for Pardons on Non-Violent Marijuana Specific Convictions A recent update to the pardoning system in Pennsylvania can benefit anyone who has been convicted of non-violent marijuana charges. Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman is encouraging anyone who has been convicted of non-violent marijuana offenses to apply for a pardon. This expedited pardons …
The Allegheny County Drug Court Program is specifically designed for individuals with substance abuse issues that are involved in the criminal justice system and/or have been charged with drug possession. The goal of the Allegheny County Drug Court Program is to place individuals who are facing drug charges or have been convicted of drug charges …
What is the ARD Program and would it Benefit You? The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (“ARD”) program is a special program for first time offenders in Pennsylvania. ARD is usually used for a first offense DUI, but also can be used for other crimes such as first time drug possession and theft. As the name suggests, …
