Finding the right New York drug crime lawyer can make a major difference for your criminal case. Attorneys who bring years of experience and a track record of success can work in your best interests for such criminal charges, helping you strike favorable deals intended to help you move on from these challenging times.
Partnering with a NYC criminal defense lawyer like Julie Rendelman provides deep knowledge of any and all drug-related crimes. With her past experience as a prosecutor and her aggressive approach to protecting the rights of her clients, you can be certain that you are in the best of hands when facing the most complex criminal charges.
What Is a Drug Crime Lawyer?
When individuals in New York are arrested and charged with drug-related crimes, a drug crimes lawyer or attorney can work to guide the client through every detail of the legal process. Attorneys will present all the options available to the client, gather more information about the case, develop possible legal defenses, and work to find a solution that supports your best interests.
Your attorney is on your side during these stressful times. A New York drug crimes lawyer may also work directly with the opposing prosecutor to strike a deal that could lessen or reduce the legal consequences that you are facing. They represent you and protect your rights during what is likely an intimidating legal process, helping to carefully guide you through every detail of the process.
Learn More About The Work of Julie Rendelman
Our online blog is regularly updated with relevant information regarding criminal defense matters in New York. Check back regularly and click the links below to learn more.
- What Happens After an Arrest in NYC
- Choosing Between a Public Defender or Private Attorney
- The Differences Between Felony and Misdemeanor Crimes
Take advantage of an entirely free, no obligation consultation call to learn more about our services and how we can help you navigate drug-related charges here in NYC. Contact us today.
What Is Considered a Drug Crime Under New York Law?
There are many different drug-related crimes according to New York law, with the most common charges being drug possession, drug dealing, drug trafficking, and manufacturing of illegal substances. These crimes can come in both misdemeanor and felony charges, where “classes” and “degrees” articulate the severity of the crime.
Classes & Degrees of Drug Crimes in New York
Drug crimes are categorized based on classes and degrees. What you are actually charged with matters significantly.
For instance, possession of a small amount of cannabis could result in a Class A misdemeanor charge in the 7th degree, which comes with a fine of $1,000 or up to a year in prison.
Then, possession of more dangerous drugs in larger amounts could result in what is known as a Class C felony in the 4th degree, a federal crime, with the potential of more than five years in prison, with, potentially, $15,000 in monetary fines.
Misdemeanors are considered less severe crimes, while a felony crime comes with a minimum jail sentence. Federal prosecutors are known to show less leniency against defendants.
Should there be an intent to sell, distribute, or manufacture controlled substances, that could also lead to longer prison sentences and far more in monetary fines. The legal consequences can vary greatly depending on the nature of the case, the types of drugs involved, the amount of drugs in your possession, the client’s criminal history, and the individual’s intent to either distribute or manufacture the controlled substances.
Each case is unique to the individual client, calling for a personalized approach to defending these charges. Regardless of the severity of the crimes, each case calls for the representation of a qualified criminal defense attorney who can work to lessen the potential legal consequences.
Steps To Take Should You Be Arrested For Drug-Related Crimes
Have you been recently arrested in NYC for a drug-related crime? Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Comply with requests from law enforcement and remain as calm as possible. Should law enforcement request identification, provide it to them. Consider that every detail of your behavior will be closely analyzed, including how you interact with law enforcement upon your arrest.
- Step 2: Carefully listen to your legal rights as they are read to you. Law enforcement will read you your “Miranda Rights,” ensuring that you understand that you have a legal right to remain silent. Listen to them carefully and acknowledge that you understand them.
- Step 3: Decline the opportunity to answer any questions related to your criminal charges. Even if police insist that they just want to hear your side of the story, or even if you believe your arrest is a misunderstanding, explain to police that you wish to speak with your attorney prior to answering any questions. Remain polite but also firm when asked questions about your case, and request to speak with your attorney as soon as possible.
- Step 4: Contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Many individuals who have been recently arrested do not have the contact information of a qualified drug crime attorney here in New York, and as such, you should contact a close friend, neighbor, or family member to contact an attorney or law firm on your behalf. Pass along information regarding your arrest to whomever you have contacted and request that they reach out to a law firm or attorney as soon as possible.
Even at times when you have not been arrested but have instead been investigated for drug-related crimes in New York, this too should warrant a call to a qualified attorney. Early legal intervention remains a key element of obtaining favorable results in your case.
What Types Of Defense Strategies Can a New York Drug Crimes Lawyer Utilize?
The legal defenses for these types of charges can come in many different forms and will likely be dependent on the nature of your case. The burden of proof is on the prosecutor, meaning that they will need to prove with complete certainty that the client committed the crime in question.
Commonly, attorneys will challenge the evidence against the client, arguing that how law enforcement acquired such evidence against the client was done so unlawfully.
Should a client have been illegally searched at any point during the ordeal, that could be the basis for a legal defense. Further, an attorney could potentially argue that the means in which the drugs were weighed, measured, and tested was done so improperly, potentially reducing the legal consequences.
An attorney can also argue that the defendant was unwittingly in possession of the illegal substance, with no real intent to commit a drug-related crime. An exceptional legal defense will carefully consider every detail of the case, how law enforcement obtained their evidence, and the validity of the evidence used against the client.
Possible Outcomes Achievable by a New York Drug Crime Lawyer
The absolute best possible outcome for a drug-related crime in New York is acquittal, meaning that the defendant is simply not guilty of the crimes for which they are being charged. There are no guarantees, however, and many attorneys will look to have the charges reduced, working to reduce prison time or monetary fines.
Many factors will influence the results of your case.
The Possible Legal Consequences of a Drug Crime Charge in New York
These crimes are serious and can have lifelong consequences beyond monetary fines and prison time. A criminal record can limit your ability to travel, obtain professional certifications, and limit your ability to find employment after you have served your time in prison. Your crimes will appear in criminal background checks conducted by employers for many years, and you could be ordered into drug rehabilitation programs.
New York City Drug Crime FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions related to drug crimes here in New York City.
Is drug possession a felony in New York?
Potentially, yes. Possession of a controlled substance here in New York can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony crime, depending on the circumstances of your case. New York prosecutors consider the amount of drugs you are in possession of, the type of drugs you are in possession of, and whether or not you had any intent to sell, distribute, or manufacture drugs. Your prior criminal history can influence your case as well. Both felony and misdemeanor drug charges require the services of an experienced attorney who can consider the relevant details of your case and formulate a defense strategy specific to your case.
What is the most common drug crime in New York?
The most common drug charge here in New York is Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree, a misdemeanor crime. Conviction can include up to a year in prison, $1,000 in fines, and a criminal record. This can include small amounts of common street drugs like cocaine and MDMA, but also possession of prescription drugs for which you do not have a valid prescription.
How long do you go to jail for selling drugs in New York?
Those accused of selling or distributing a controlled substance in New York City can face anywhere from probation to one year to life in prison. Prosecutors will consider the many details of your case to determine possible legal consequences, including the amount of drugs you were found in possession of, the type of drugs, where the sale of drugs occurred, and your prior criminal history.
Is possession of a controlled substance a felony in NY?
Potentially, yes. Whether or not the charges against you are deemed to be a felony or misdemeanor crime is dependent on the circumstances of your case, including the type of drug you were in possession of, the amount, and other factors like your prior criminal history. Both felony and misdemeanor drug possession crimes here in New York come with the possibility of jail time and a criminal record. Speak with a qualified attorney to learn more about the possible legal consequences and possible legal defenses.
Is possession of coke illegal in NYC?
Yes. Possession of even small amounts of cocaine is illegal in NYC, as it is considered a Schedule II controlled substance.
What drugs are illegal in NY?
Most drugs in New York City are illegal, with the exception of cannabis intended for recreational use, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs when licensed by a healthcare professional.
Illegal drugs in New York can include:
- Narcotics and/or Opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and related opioid derivatives, along with Morphine, Methadone, Oxycodone, and hydrocodone, without a prescription.
- Stimulants, including cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamines.
- Club Drugs and Hallucinogens such as MDMA, Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, LSD (Acid), PCP, and Psilocybin, often referred to as magic mushrooms.
- Unprescribed drugs, including benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
Interested parties can learn more about controlled substances and their regulations by visiting the New York Department of Health website.
What’s the minimum sentence for drug dealing in New York City?
The minimum sentence for drug dealing in New York City can range anywhere between probation and one year and up to life in prison. The legal consequences of such criminal charges are dependent on the circumstances of your case, including the type of drugs that were being distributed, the amount of drugs you are in possession of, where the sale of drugs occurred, and your prior criminal history.
What is the statute of limitations on drug charges in NY?
The statutes of limitations for New York City drug charges can vary, depending on the nature of the criminal case. Some misdemeanor crimes have a statute of limitations of two years, while some felony crimes have no statute of limitations. Speak to a qualified attorney to learn more about these matters.
What is considered a controlled substance in New York?
Most drugs that come with the risk of addiction or abuse are considered controlled substances.
New York Public Health Law has classified recreational drugs across 5 schedules, classifying them based on the risks each drug poses to public health. Visit the New York Public Health website to learn more.
How Long Do You Go to Jail for Drug Possession in New York?
Depending on a client’s criminal history, the nature of the crime committed, and the intent to sell or manufacture, clients in New York could face potential prison time of anywhere between one year to life in prison.
How Can A New York Drug Crime Lawyer Help?
A qualified attorney who brings a track record of success for drug crimes here in New York City can offer sound legal guidance throughout every detail of the case. Attorneys help you understand the legal consequences you are facing, explain how to speak to law enforcement about your case, and formulate a defense strategy exclusive to your case.
Your attorney will research the relevant details of your case, challenge the evidence against you, and, in some circumstances, work directly with prosecutors to reduce the charges against you. Your attorney works to represent you, fighting in favor of your best interests.
When To Contact a NYC Drug Crime Lawyer?
The moment you are either investigated or arrested for drug crimes here in NYC is the moment you should contact a qualified attorney. Many individuals who have been recently arrested for these charges do not have the direct contact information for an attorney, and as such, should request that a close friend, neighbor, or family member reach out to a law firm on their behalf.
Early legal intervention for these cases remains incredibly important, as your attorney can begin to gather important evidence and guide you throughout every detail of the process.
How Much Does a Drug Crime Lawyer in New York Cost?
The costs of legal representation can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Exceptional legal representation does come at a cost, but the lifelong legal consequences you are facing far outweigh the costs that come with exceptional representation. To learn more about the costs of such representation, consider partaking in a free consultation with an attorney who can provide a quote for their services.
Should you be able to afford dedicated legal representation from an attorney, you should retain their services.
Contact A New York Drug Crime Lawyer Today
Your livelihood is at stake, and retaining a qualified drug crime lawyer is well worth the costs. People make mistakes, and one drug-related crime doesn’t mean you have to face a lifetime of legal consequences. Take these charges seriously from the very beginning and retain the services of a criminal defense attorney in New York like Julie Rendelman to address every detail of your case.
Ms. Rendelman offers free case evaluations to determine your eligibility. Experience personalized and aggressive legal defenses for all drug-related charges in New York, regardless of their severity or complexities.
Julie Rendelman brings decades of experience in these matters, crafting sound legal defenses and striking favorable deals for her clients in some of the most complex and difficult criminal cases across New York. Her aggressive approach to defending the rights of clients has seen continued success.
Contact Julie Rendelman today and begin the process now.
New York, NY 10017
loading ...
