Drug Charges
Drug Charges
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Drug Charge Lawyer in Nassau County, New York
- Understanding drug classifications and penalties in New York
- What are misdemeanor drug crimes in NY?
- Should I hire a lawyer for a drug charge?
- How much does it cost to hire a drug lawyer in New York?
- Defending you against drug charges in Nassau County, New York
Drug Charge Lawyer in Nassau County, New York
In New York, being charged with a drug crime can be a severe offense that carries strict penalties if you are convicted. Since police officers and prosecutors work hard to investigate drug crimes, when they charge someone with a drug crime, they often go to great lengths to secure a conviction. Fortunately, by hiring the right drug crime attorney in NY, you can fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
If you or a loved one has been accused of a drug crime in NY, contact the Law Office of Richard Hochhauser in Nassau County today to discuss the details of your case. We have years of experience defending clients who’ve been accused of drug crimes and can use our knowledge of NY drug crime law to help you achieve the best results.
Understanding drug classifications and penalties in New York
Not all drug crimes in New York are the same and the penalties you receive for a conviction can vary depending on factors such as the quantity of drugs you have, the location you were arrested, and whether the drugs were for personal use or for distribution. In New York, controlled dangerous substances (CDS) are regulated by the state and there are different penalties for making, possessing, or selling CDS.
Here’s a look at some of the penalties associated with criminal possession of a controlled substance in NY:
- Class A-I felony: This is the most severe type of drug crime. If caught in possession of eight or more ounces of a narcotic drug or more than 5,760 milligrams of methadone, you can be penalized with fines up to $100,000 and at least 15 years (up to 25) in prison.
- Class A-II felony: This charge is for possession of between 4-8 ounces of a CDC listed as a narcotic drug, more than two ounces of methamphetamine, ten or more grams of a stimulant CDS, 25 milligrams or more of lysergic acid, 25 milligrams or more of a hallucinogen or between 2,880 and 5,760 milligrams of methadone. Penalties include at least three years (and up to eight years and four months) in jail, and/or up to $50,000 in fines.
- Class B felony: This charge is for possession of between half an ounce to four ounces of any narcotic drug, between 5 and 25 milligrams of lysergic acid, between 5-25 grams of a hallucinogen, and 1,250 milligrams or more of phencyclidine (PCP). Penalties include up to 25 years in prison and/or up to $30,000 in fines.
- Class C felony: This charge is reserved for possession of smaller amounts and specific types of CDS. It can be punished with up to 15 years in prison and/or fines up to $15,000.
- Class D felony: This type of felony is for half an ounce or more of a narcotic preparation, 50-250 milligrams of PCP, 1,000-4,000 milligrams of ketamine, or 28-200 grams of GHB. Penalties for a conviction include up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to seven years in prison.
For repeat offenders, the cost of fines and length of jail time is increased significantly. Because the punishments for felony drug crime convictions can be so severe, you should have a knowledgeable drug crime defense attorney on your side to help you aggressively fight the charges.
What are misdemeanor drug crimes in NY?
Although all drug crimes are serious and can detrimentally affect your life if you’re convicted, not all drug crimes are felonies. Listed below are some of the other drug crimes in NY:
- Violation: Although New York has decriminalized marijuana, you can still be charged with a violation and fined up to $100 if you are found in possession of under 25 grams. The punishments increase with each subsequent offense.
- Class B misdemeanor: Criminal possession of marijuana in the 5th degree is considered a class B misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to 3 months in jail and fines up to $500.
- Class A misdemeanor: For criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, you can face up to one year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.
Although the penalties for violations and misdemeanor drug crimes in NY are obviously less severe than the penalties for felony convictions, no drug crime charge should be taken lightly. Even misdemeanor drug crime convictions can stay on your record for up to ten years and affect your ability to find housing and employment.
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Should I hire a lawyer for a drug charge?
- Cross-examine witnesses
- Find holes in the prosecution’s arguments
- Investigate your case and find evidence and witnesses to defend you
- Protect your rights throughout the case
- Negotiate a plea-bargain in your favor, or reduce the charges that are being brought against you
AMAZING WORK
- RENITA R
How much does it cost to hire a drug lawyer in New York?
Drug crime lawyers in New York have a range of prices. The two factors that most determine the cost of an attorney are the attorney’s experience and the specific nature of the crime committed. As you might expect, more knowledgeable and experienced attorneys tend to charge more. And if you are facing numerous drug charges or the charge is a felony, that means your case will be more complicated and you can expect an attorney to be more expensive.
Before deciding on an attorney, you should call around and speak with a few drug crime attorneys in Nassau County. And remember, that although more experienced lawyers may be more expensive, your life is on the line when being charged with a drug crime, so in most instances, the extra price is well worth it.
Defending you against drug charges in Nassau County, New York
