How Did a Section 17 Plea Save a Man from a Drug Conviction
We at the Logue Law Group have fought cases for many first-time offenders and have helped them achieve their favorable outcomes.
But this case was a little different, as our client and his entire family’s future depended on the court’s orders! And therefore, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers had to come up with a different way to make sure that our client walks away freely.
So, how did we ensure that the prosecution didn’t find our client guilty? Well, explore till the end of this blog to know it all!
The Incident
Our client, a 33-year-old Hatboro resident, went to visit his friends on a Saturday night. They were having a great time when suddenly an argument started between them. Unfortunately, the argument escalated a little too much as they garnered the attention of the patrolling cops.
But wait, the incident doesn’t end here! So, when the cops were trying to deal with these people, the friend of our client tried to leave the vehicle! This sparked curiosity in the patrolling officer, and as he approached our client, he claimed to have smelled a ‘marijuana stench.’
As usual, the cop insisted on searching through the vehicle. And this was the turning point of this case. The cops found out a small stash of marijuana, roaches, and paraphernalia. And naturally, they filed some severe charges and pursued the case quite aggressively.
What Did Our Experts Do?
Our client was well aware that drug cases, especially when they involve marijuana, can have life-altering effects! And being a professional Uber driver, he couldn’t have afforded to lose his driving privileges, as he was the only earning member in his family. So, he refused to take any more chances and sought help from our expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyers.
Now, drug charges in Pennsylvania are a big thing, especially because marijuana is considered illegal. So, our client was about to face imprisonment, along with fines and a mandatory license suspension. What’s worse is that the prosecutors were in no way ready to dismiss the drug charges against our client.
It is at this point that our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers came up with a better idea! We moved for a Section 17 plea. Now, the Section 17 plea, more commonly known as ‘Probation Without Verdict’, is a diversion program that helps first-time drug-related offenders to avoid a criminal charge by completing a probation period.
The Results
The Section 17 plea happened to turn the tables instantly! Also, since our client was a first-time offender, it became a cakewalk for our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers to get him into the diversion program. And after a long discussion session, our client pleaded guilty to his offense, with an assurance from the judge that once he completes the probation, this criminal charge won’t appear in his record.
So, the moment our client completes his probation, his case becomes eligible for dismissal as well as expungement! Therefore, he will be able to retain his clean record, and also will be able to freely continue his job!
At the Logue Law Group, our motto is simple- to get the best possible outcome for our clients so that they have a second chance at life. So, if you, or your friend, have been held for drug charges, don’t waste time, and call us at 844.PITT.DUI immediately.