Seventh Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance

The New York City drug possession lawyers and criminal defense attorneys at Saland Law have literally handled thousands of cases in New York involving drug possession. Whether it was as lead prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorneys Office spearheading felony drugs sale and possession cases or as criminal defense attorneys representing clients arrested for personal possession (New York Penal Law 220.03), our attorneys have extensive legal and practical experience. Whether you are accused of possessing cocaine in Manhattan, heroin in Brooklyn, ecstasy in Queens or any other drug in the New York City area, our level of advocacy does not waiver as the ramifications of these crimes do not either. That is, if you are arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (New York Penal Law 220.03) you face an "A" misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

An arrest or New York City Desk Appearance Ticket for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree often comes about in the same manner. The two most common means by which the police find the drug is by either claiming they observed you purchase it from a dealer or you were stopped for some other alleged crime and a subsequent search yielded the cocaine, heroin or other controlled substance.

While an experienced New York criminal lawyer versed in defending clients in drug offenses may be able to challenge the basis of the stop and search, and thereby get the drugs suppressed, every case is unique. Because of this, it is imperative to ascertain and implement the appropriate defense from the earliest possible time. In some circumstances it may be that challenging the evidence in a legal capacity is the strongest defense while in others it may be mitigating your conduct so that prosecutors consider offering a non-criminal disposition. Because there are significant ramifications to one's career, licensing, certifications and status in the United States, disposing of a drug case without a criminal record is key. For some, even a deal involving a non-criminal violation will not be acceptable because of potential collateral consequences.

• NY Drug and Marijuana Possession Crimes: Avoiding Visa Complications and Warrants

Some factors you should consider discussing with your criminal defense attorney when charged with drug possession should include:

• Whether the police stopped and searched you legally.
• What was the weight of the drugs, ie, is there a potential felony charge?
• Is there any evidence you intended to sell the drugs? Again, there are potential felony charges.
• Whether you are a candidate for an ACD.
• How a violation and non-criminal conviction can still impact your future.

In answering some of the above questions, the New York criminal lawyers at Saland Law have drafted relevant and educational entries in the New York Criminal Lawyer Blog.

• Does Drug Weight Matter in an Arrest for New York Penal Law 220.03?
• Potential Offers for First Time Offenders in Misdemeanor Drug Cases.
• Legal Presumptions Involving Drug Possession in New York

At bottom, should you be accused of possessing any controlled substance, whether it is a prescription drug such as oxycodone without permission or a clear type of contraband, do not compound a bad situation by taking the wrong steps. The New York criminal defense attorneys and former Manhattan prosecutors at Saland Law have represented doctors, lawyers, teachers, financial services employees and other professionals accused of misdemeanor and felony crimes including the possession of narcotics. Although our past success is no guarantee of a future outcome, we guarantee that through our dedication we will advocate our hardest to put you in the best position to protect your name, integrity and future.

Call the New York City Drug Possession Lawyers and Former Manhattan Prosecutors at (212) 312-7129 or contact us online today.