In New York State, a drug crime conviction can cost you thousands in fines and potential jail time. Drug-related charges such as possession, manufacturing, and sale and distribution could also result in a permanent criminal record and limit future career opportunities. If you have been arrested or charged with a drug crime in Brentwood, an experienced drug possession defense attorney can help analyze the facts of your case and work hard to protect your future.
Regardless of your circumstances, Roche Law Group’s very own Olivier E. Roche will help craft a solid defense strategy on your behalf. Whether negotiating a plea deal or bringing a case to court, working with a
reliable drug possession defense attorney can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
What are New York’s drug possession laws?
Willful possession of dangerous controlled substances, even merely for personal use, is a serious criminal offense in New York State, with convicted individuals subject to imprisonment and monetary fines. Controlled substances include cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamines, amphetamines, and prescription drugs like Valium and Vicodin.
For a person to be convicted with drug charges in Brentwood, the following must be proven beyond a
reasonable doubt:
- The drug discovered is a controlled substance
- The defendant deliberately and unlawfully possesses an amount of the controlled substance
Penalties for drug possession
If proven guilty, you can face hefty fines and imprisonment depending on the severity of the charges:
- A 1st degree Class C felony for possession of marijuana can result in up to $15,000 worth of fees and 1 to 5-and-a-half years in jail
- A 1st degree Class A-1 felony for carrying illegal drugs can lead to 20 years in jail and around $100,000 in fines
- Class B to C felonies are punishable by fines of $15,000 to $30,000
- Class B to E felonies can lead to up to 9 years of jail time
- Unlawful possession of marijuana imposes a fine of $250 and up to 15 days of imprisonment
Aside from these penalties, a conviction for drug possession can impact your personal relationships as well as limit job, homeownership, and education opportunities. Sanctions for criminal possession of controlled substances largely depend on the type and amount of the controlled substance found and the nature of the crime.
Understanding NY’s drug paraphernalia laws and sanctions
Possession of drug paraphernalia for the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of controlled substances is unlawful under federal law and within New York State.
- Drug paraphernalia includes but is not limited to
- Various diluents or adulterants
- Bongs, syringes, glass pipes, and miniature spoons
- Vials, envelopes, capsules, or any other material used to pack illegal drugs
- Scales and similar weighing instruments used to measure illegal drugs
Hire a seasoned drug charges lawyer in Brentwood, NY
If you have been charged with a drug-related crime in Brentwood, do not delay in protecting your rights and seeking legal representation. Even if you’ve been a victim of a false accusation where the evidence is overwhelming, our drug crime attorney has the skill and courtroom experience to help
minimize or drop the charges. Contact us now for a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
