Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Charged with possession and paraphernalia without having anything
My friend and I were going to a party, and he was driving. Upon arriving we noticed marijuana was being smoked. Shortly after noticing this we decided to leave.
So my friend walks out the door and is questioned by police approaching the house. They decided to let him walk to his car and leave.
I was about a minute behind him saying bye to the one kid I knew there. So as I open the door 3 police officers are right there and marijuana is being smoked about 10 feet behind me. So they instantly force their way in and detain everyone.
Next thing they do is search everyone and arrest those who are in possession immediately. I was searched and nothing was found. I was then to be questioned back at the police station.
At the station I refused to talk without a lawyer, and I was read my rights and arrested for �possession and paraphernalia� (Their reasoning is some illegal items were unaccounted for, and that I knew of this illegal activity and allowed it to happen.)
Should I seek a public defender because I am a poor college student? Or spend out some money and find a reputable lawyer to defend me?

Asked on 11/14/11, 3:55 am

Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

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0 attorneys agreed

First of all, most public defenders, like most lawyers, are "reputable lawyers."

I would be willing to help if you email me. Tell me the county and municipality where the arrest occurred, and whether it was local or state police.

Answered on 11/14/11, 5:05 am

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