Law enforcement in Williamsport and across Pennsylvania are vigilant in addressing the rising drug problem in the state and across the nation. Heroin and fentanyl are two of the most common drugs that are being sold and used. When there is an arrest for drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug sales, drug trafficking and any other violation, having legal assistance can be critical to a defense.
A 21-year-old man was arrested after allegedly running from law enforcement after a vehicle he was in was stopped. When he was caught, police say he was found with a backpack containing heroin and fentanyl. He faces multiple charges related to the drugs and for fleeing. The drugs and his flight have resulted in felonies. He also faces misdemeanors for resisting arrest, escape, possessing drug paraphernalia and more.
The man was in a Nissan Sentra. It passed a law enforcement vehicle and an officer saw the man in the passenger seat. He was apparently recognized as having an outstanding warrant, so the officers initiated a traffic stop. The warrant was drug-related. They spoke to the driver and identified the passenger. They subsequently tried to handcuff him.
According to police, his backpack then fell on the ground. When officers sought to put him in the police cruiser, he ran. A Taser was used to subdue him, but he continued running. Eventually, he was caught and arrested. Police then checked the backpack and found the drugs and money. There were approximately 120 bags of heroin. They also found a bag with nearly two grams of fentanyl and foil that had fentanyl in it.
Drug charges can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s life. If it is a younger person as the man in this case is at 21, it becomes more important to lodge a strong defense. A conviction for drugs can lead to jail time, fines and extensive problems. The amount the person had will be fundamental to the severity of the charges and potential penalties. While this is undoubtedly serious, there are avenues to cobble together a viable defense.
The man in this case claims to be a drug addict and this could be considered with a possible treatment program. There might be problems with the evidence or the procedure the officers were required to follow. A law firm experienced in defending people on drug charges should be contacted as soon as possible to prepare a defense.