New York has some of the toughest drug laws in the country. According to Drug War Facts, 83.1 percent of all drug arrests in 2014 were for drug possession, and 16.9 percent involved the sale of a controlled substance. If you are facing charges for a drug-related offense in New York, then a drug crime lawyer may be able to help.
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All drug charges are serious. A conviction may come with a steep fine, time behind bars, a mark on your criminal record and other consequences.
Fortunately, there may be a defense that convinces the courts to reduce the charges or the penalties, or to dismiss the case altogether. A drug crime attorney from Goldberg & Allen, LLP can evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Call us today at 212-766-3366 to learn more.
In the meantime, read on to learn about four common drug charges in New York City:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
Police can charge you with possession if they find a controlled substance on your person. There are varying degrees of this charge, depending on the schedule classification of the drug and how much you were carrying at the time.
If there is any suspicion of your intent to sell, then you may face charges of possession with intent to distribute. Here are the classifications for these charges:
- Class A-2 Felony: Criminal Possession in the 1st Degree
- Class 1-2 Felony: Criminal Possession in the 2nd Degree
- Class B Felony: Criminal Possession in the 3rd Degree
- Class C Felony: Criminal Possession in the 4th Degree
- Class D Felony: Criminal Possession in the 5th Degree
- Misdemeanor: Criminal Possession in the 7th Degree
- Sale of a Controlled Substance
The penalties for selling a controlled substance are typically harsher than those related to possession. Once again, the type of drug and the amount will influence the charge’s severity. Additionally, if police caught you selling drugs near a school or playground, then the penalties may be worse. All “selling” charges are felonies.
- Unlawful Manufacture of Meth
You will face this charge if police catch you with the equipment that is required for the production of methamphetamine. This includes laboratory equipment, certain chemicals and precursors.
The type and amount of equipment that police find will determine whether this is a felony charge in the first, second or third degree. There are also charges for unlawful disposal of meth material, which is a felony offense.
- Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker
If police charge you as a major trafficker, then you will face a Class A-1 felony. However, the prosecuting authority must prove that you directed an organization that sold controlled substances at least once and earned a minimum of $75,000.
The prosecution will have the same burden if your charge is for profiteering. Operating as a major drug trafficker is a very serious charge that could send you to jail for life.
If you or a loved one was arrested for a drug-related offense, then contact a New York City drug crime attorney at 212-766-3366. A criminal lawyer from Goldberg & Allen, LLP can structure an aggressive defense. Click here for more information about criminal offenses in New York.
