Imagine you are facing charges of possession of marijuana in
Pennsylvania and the police tell you when they weighed the marijuana the total
amount was 31 grams. They then explain that because you had more than 30 grams,
you are possibly facing a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Now imagine the same police officer telling you that if you arrange a
marijuana purchase from the person who sold you the product to begin with, they
can reduce or eliminate the charges against you. Chances are, even if you
doubted you had that amount of marijuana in your possession, you are tempted to
accept their offer.
Police Deception and Informants
What the police officer is asking you to do is commit another illegal
act, but with legal cover of an informant. However, there are a few things you
should know about taking on the role of an informant in any case, and why it is
even more risky if you are facing a criminal charge.
- No guarantee if not
in writing — if the officer is not willing to put his offer in
writing, you could still be facing a criminal charge of possession. In
addition, you could face an additional charge if you are involved in
another purchase of marijuana.
- Police use
deceptive tactics – you may not realize it, but if the amount of
marijuana in your possession was less than 30 grams, a good defense
attorney could mean no jail time, no fine, and no charges.
- Personal danger is
possible — you could also be putting yourself in the path of
additional harm if the people you are purchasing drugs from as an
informant. In some cases, the danger could far outweigh a minor possession
charge.
It is important for you to consider all options and exercise your right
to have an attorney present before you answer any questions, make any deals, or
make any declaration about your arrest.
Police Officer Deception is Legal
One thing to keep in mind, it is legal for a police officer to use
deception to obtain a confession, or to "turn" you into an informant.
It is likely the officer will not tell a big lie, more than likely it will be
something minor that could possibly be shown to have been simply a misjudgment
such as telling you there was slightly more drugs in your possession than were
there. This is so the deception is not easily detectable by you while they are
pressuring you for help.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are arrested and facing a possession charge, do not make the
drastic decision to become an informant without speaking with an experienced
attorney first. Keep in mind, a first-time offender may be able to have the
charges dropped by completing a diversion program while on probation. In other
cases, the arrest may have violated your rights. Do not allow an officer's
deception to turn you into an informant without speaking with an
experienced criminal
defense attorney in Pennsylvania.
