Illegal Search and Seizure Cases in Mercer, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law enforcement officials are focused on preventing the possession of marijuana over certain amounts, which can result in searches and seizures that may lack solid evidence. It’s important to understand that arrests and subsequent charges can arise from searches conducted improperly, placing innocent individuals at risk of facing unjust penalties.

Need Legal Help? Contact the Logue Law Group

The skilled attorneys at Logue Law Group are highly experienced in defending against marijuana charges that originate from illegal searches and seizures. They are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your case and avoid the undeserved consequences of such charges. If you need a Mercer criminal lawyer, our team is here to provide robust legal support.

Understanding Probable Cause in Pennsylvania

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and arrests. This means law enforcement officers must have a valid reason, known as “probable cause,” before they can make an arrest, search your property, or get a warrant. To obtain a search warrant for marijuana, officers must have a credible belief that the substance is on the property. Without this probable cause, police generally cannot search your property unless one of two conditions is met: you give them explicit permission, or the evidence is in “plain view” while they are lawfully on your premises.

When Are Search Warrants Not Needed in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law allows for specific situations where police can conduct a search without a warrant due to “exigent circumstances,” such as believing a life is in danger. However, any evidence that is not clearly visible during such a warrantless search is typically considered unlawfully obtained and is not admissible in court. The courts maintain a high standard for what qualifies as an urgent need that justifies bypassing the warrant requirement. An experienced Mercer DUI lawyer can challenge evidence collected under questionable circumstances. A significant case, Commonwealth v. Johnson, underscored this principle when evidence gathered based on an officer’s mere suspicion of drug activity was dismissed, reinforcing the importance of warrants and lawful evidence collection.

Proper Execution of Search Warrants in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, search warrants must be founded on clear probable cause. This means there must be a reasonable suspicion that illegal items, such as a significant quantity of marijuana, will be discovered at a precisely described location. The information provided to a judge to get the warrant must be specific and supported by enough evidence to establish that probable cause exists. A Mercer criminal lawyer can scrutinize the warrant to ensure it was lawfully issued and executed.

Get Experienced Legal Assistance at Logue Law Group

If you or a loved one are facing charges resulting from an illegal search and seizure in Mercer County, our legal team is prepared to defend you. Our Mercer DUI lawyers will diligently protect your rights and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation to pursue the best possible outcome. Contact us at 412.389.0805 for a free, confidential consultation today by calling our office or by filling out our online contact form.