T
here have been many recent discussions on social media about drug problems in various parts of Schuylkill County. One topic frequently being discussed involves situations where drugs are being sold out of various apartment buildings and rental homes. There is a little known, but very powerful law, known as the Expedited Eviction of Drug Traffickers Act, which communities can utilize to address these situations.
WF&J attorneys, particularly J.T. Herber, III have successfully utilized this law to have drug dealers rapidly evicted from rental housing.
WHO DOES THIS LAW TARGET?
The law is focused upon evicting individuals who engage drug related criminal activities within rental units. The law applies when anyone who is living in rental housing sells, manufactures, or possesses sizable quantities of illegal drugs.
THE FAST TRACK PROCESS
The Expedited Eviction of Drug Traffickers Act provides that a trial of this type of eviction matter must be held within ten (10) days of the filing of the Complaint, in the county Court of Common Pleas. Eviction can occur the same day of trial, allowing the entire process to occur in less than two weeks. This fast track process stands in sharp contrast to traditional eviction actions which can take at least 2 – 3 months, and sometimes much longer if appeals are filed.
WHO CAN FILE THIS TYPE OF ACTION?
This type of eviction action can be filed by a landlord, a tenant organization, or the District Attorney’s Office. Additionally the Pennsylvania Attorney General can also file such an action, if requested to do so by the District Attorney.
For more information call WFJ Law at (570) 622-5933.