New York Drug Distribution Lawyer

Drug distribution is a serious offense, one that often results in serious jail time. Always a felony charge in New York, these offenses have the potential to seriously impact a person’s life for many years to come because of incarceration, post-release supervision, and an indelible criminal record. If you have been accused of transporting, selling or distributing illegal drugs, contact a distinguished drug possession attorney immediately.

Criminal charges do not have to result in a guilty verdict to the top count on a felony complaint or indictment. With the right legal defense strategy, a person charged with drug distribution can often receive a reduced sentence or see the charges waived altogether. Criminal charges must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt for the accused to be found guilty. New York drug distribution lawyers can help represent you and help you protect your rights.

New York Drug Laws

In New York and on the federal level, unlawfully possessing marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, LSD, MDMA, Molly, ecstasy, oxycodone, Adderall, and heroin, among other drugs, is illegal. Precursor chemicals used to produce such drugs are also illegal to possess.

To be arrested on charges of distribution, it must be proven that the defendant had the intention to sell the drugs in their possession or actually sold them. This distinction is very important, as a defense lawyer can argue that the defendant was unaware that their home or vehicle contained illegal drugs. When argued successfully, this defense may result in the dismissal of charges.

Distribution vs. Possession Charges

In many circumstances, possession of small amounts of controlled substances may result in a misdemeanor. This crime is Seventh Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, New York Penal Law.

Larger amounts and sometimes a first offense can result in felony charges. Some felony possession and distribution or sale crimes range from class D felonies to Class B felonies. They are often associated with mandatory minimums and maximums of incarceration. Even without evidence that a sale or distribution ever occurred, intent is often enough to warrant felony charges in New York.

In addition to the amount of controlled substances found in a person’s possession, police also look to evidence found at the scene to determine whether someone was attempting to distribute illegal drugs. New York drug distribution lawyers have seen that large amounts of cash, scales, smalls bags and client lists can be seized to help prove a person was intending to sell.

Consequences and Penalties for Distribution

The penalties for drug distribution vary dramatically depending on the kind of drug in question. The amount of the drug found, the jurisdiction that the arrest occurred in and a person’s criminal record can all impact the penalties a person faces when arrested for drug distribution.

Understanding the nuances of New York drug laws can be difficult, which is why we encourage anyone facing drug distribution charges to call an attorney for guidance. Self-representation is risky under any circumstance, but when real prison time is on the line it may be critical to speak with a New York drug distribution lawyer.

Help from a New York Drug Distribution Attorney

New York drug distribution lawyers will review the circumstances that led to your arrest to determine how best to defend you. The more we know about the situation, the better we can build a rock-solid defense.

With the help of an attorney, you may be able to prove you are guilty only of possession of drugs or that you were not in possession of illegal drugs at all. Do not delay in speaking with a lawyer to discuss your legal options going forward.