New York has seen an increase in drug possession crimes, especially during these troubling times where many people turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with job loss and financial instability.
Possession of illegal drugs is considered a serious crime in Wyandanch. If convicted, you’ll be ordered to serve jail time and pay hefty fines.
Additionally, a conviction will permanently reflect on your criminal record and may make it difficult for you to find a stable job. Create a solid defense for your drug possession charge with the help of Wyandanch’s trusted drug crime lawyer, Olivier Roche Criminal Defense Attorney.
Understanding Drug Possession in Wyandanch
While the charges for marijuana-related offenses and other controlled substances are separate, the basics remain the same. For possession to be categorized as criminal, it must be proven beyond reasonable doubt that:
- The item in question is indeed a controlled substance
- that you’re in knowing of possession of a controlled substance
- The possession of drugs was unlawful
Here are the following drugs involved in a drug possession charge:
- Heroin
- Crack
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Unauthorized prescription drugs like Oxytocin, Ritalin, and Vicodin
The Legal Consequences of Drug Possession
In New York, penalties for simple drug possession may result in a fine of up to $100 for marijuana possession. The graver the charge, the higher the degree of the misdemeanor or felony:
- A 1st degree, class C felony for marijuana possession may result in 5 1/2 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
- A 1st degree, class A-1 felony for controlled substances like narcotics, methamphetamine, LSD, and methadone may result in a fine of $100,000 and 8 to 20 years of jail time.
- Class B to Class C felonies for controlled substances demand 1 to 9 years in prison while,
- Class B to Class C felonies impose a fine of $15,000 to $30,000.
Possible Drug Crime Defenses
Winning a drug possession charge can be challenging but not impossible with guidance from experienced Wyandanch drug possession attorneys. They may use the following defenses to build your case:
- The unlawful search and seizure of drugs (without the defendant’s permission) may not be used in trial and entered as evidence in court.
- An entrapment defense may be utilized when law enforcement persuades or influences you to commit a crime that you wouldn’t have committed otherwise.
- The prosecution must be able to prove that the drugs are, in fact, yours. For instance, if you live in an apartment with three other people, and the police obtains a warrant to search your place, a drug charge lawyer may argue that the substances are your roommates’, not yours.
Seek Help from Oliver E. Roche Esq, an Attorney Specializing in Drug Crimes
As an experienced drug possession lawyer and a former prosecutor, I have handled over a hundred drug-related cases in New York. This has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to present an aggressive defense for my clients. I’ll guide you throughout the legal process and leave no stone unturned while working for the best possible outcome.
If you are facing a drug-related charge, contact Olivier Roche Criminal Defense Attorney at (516) 399-0233 or at Rochelawgroup@gmail.com to get a free 15-minute consultation.
