Avoiding Conviction from Philadelphia Undercover Drug Stings

Avoiding Conviction from Philadelphia Undercover Drug Stings

Getting busted for drugs is scary. It can feel like your life is over if cops catch you with some weed or coke. But there’s hope! Good lawyers can help you avoid conviction from undercover drug stings in Philadelphia. This article explains how undercover operations work, common defenses, and finding a lawyer to protect your rights.

How Undercover Drug Operations Happen

Undercover drug stings are sneaky. Cops pretend to be regular people to get you to sell them drugs. Then they arrest you. Some common techniques include:

• Confidential informants: Snitches who help cops make drug buys in exchange for money or getting their own charges dropped.
• Undercover officers: Cops that pretend to be drug buyers to catch dealers. They often go to known drug corners or areas.
• Fake drug houses: Cops rent houses and pretend its a drug den to get dealers and users to come inside and sell. Then they bust everyone.
• Delivery stings: Cops pose as mailmen or delivery drivers to catch people expecting drug packages.
• Reverse stings: Cops pretend to sell drugs. When someone tries to buy them, they get arrested.
• Wire taps: Recording phone calls to get evidence against dealers and buyers.

Cops don’t have to tell you they’re undercover. Thats why stings work. You think your selling to a regular person but its actually a cop trying to bust you.

Common Defenses Against Undercover Drug Charges

If you get busted in a sting, all hope isn’t lost! Skilled lawyers can often get charges reduced or dismissed. Some common defenses include:

Entrapment

This argues cops tricked or pressured you into committing a crime you wouldn’t normally do. Like if an undercover cop hounded you relentlessly to sell them drugs even though you said no at first. Or if they used threats or coercion.

Illegal searches

If cops search you, your car, or home without consent or a warrant, evidence can get thrown out. Drug stings sometimes involve illegal car searches or fake drug dogs “alerting” to allow a search.

Mistaken identity

If cops accuse the wrong person, a lawyer can show it wasn’t you with alibis, mistaken description, or other evidence.

Planted evidence

There are cases of corrupt cops planting drugs on innocent people. A lawyer can request lab tests to show the drugs weren’t yours.

Procedural errors

If cops didn’t read you your rights or let you call a lawyer, it can help your case. Also if they make other procedural mistakes during the arrest.

Finding a Lawyer to Fight Undercover Drug Charges

The best chance at beating a drug case is having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Look for lawyers with specific experience fighting undercover drug stings and winning. Things to ask:

• Case results: Ask about previous undercover drug cases they’ve defended and results won.
• Court familiarity: Find someone who regularly practices in the courthouse your case is in. Familiarity helps.
• Cost: Get fee estimates in writing upfront. Avoid lawyers asking for money upfront before doing any work.
• Responsiveness: Find a lawyer who quickly returns calls, emails, and keeps you updated. Drug cases move fast.
• Personal attention: Make sure the lawyer you meet with will actually handle your case, not pass you off to less experienced attorneys.
• Reputation: Look for respected lawyers with positive client reviews. Avoid ones with frequent complaints.

Don’t go through this alone! With an experienced drug crimes lawyer, you can hopefully avoid conviction and move on with your life.