Poughkeepsie Drug Crime Defense Lawyers
Seasoned Trial Lawyers in New York
If you are arrested for possession of an illegal drug, even without the element of violence or weapons, you may still face consequences that could affect your life long into the future. New York state prosecutors and courts take drug charges very seriously. A conviction could bring jail or prison time, heavy fines, a lengthy probation period upon release, and a future with a criminal record. Aside from the imminent prospect of incarceration and fines, a criminal record can seriously jeopardize future opportunities for getting a job, rental housing, or maintaining or qualifying for professional licenses in such industries as pharmacy, real estate, medical careers, and more.
For all these reasons, you will need a hard-hitting and competent defense attorney fighting on your behalf in any drug arrest in the greater Poughkeepsie area. At McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC, you can find legal representation from one of the largest law firms in the area with a legal team that has 200 years of collective criminal defense experience. Our Poughkeepsie drug crime defense attorneys have handled hundreds of trials in the local courts giving us deep knowledge and skills that can be brought to bear on your defense. When you engage our services, you will have immediate and consistent access to your attorney throughout all phases of the criminal justice process.
Arrested for a drug crime? Learn more about where you stand and your legal options. Call us at (845) 209-1355 for a free, initial case analysis.
What Are Drug Crimes in New York?
Controlled substances are listed in “schedules” under New York law arranged according to the level of addiction and risk they pose. Dangerous controlled substances include opiates, heroin, cocaine, LSD, and more as well as their derivatives. Prescription drugs are also outlawed when possessed or sold without a valid prescription.
Your charges in any drug offense will be based on the following factors:
- What scheduled drug was found in your possession
- How much of it was found
- Whether its sale, distribution, or trafficking was evident
- Whether dangerous weapons were involved
- Your previous criminal record, if applicable
Drug convictions are based on the fact that your possession of the drugs was knowing and that the drugs were either found on your person or were under your control, as in your home, vehicle, office, or some other place you controlled. Drug crimes can include simple possession for one’s own use, possession with intent to sell or distribute, sales, drug manufacture (as in methamphetamine labs), drug cultivation (as in marijuana farms), and drug trafficking which is the most serious. Elevating a drug crime from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute is based on specific quantities or weight of drugs as outlined in drug laws. Penalties for this as well as manufacturing and trafficking are very harsh.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes?
The potential penalties you face will depend on the type of drug involved. For example, simple possession of marijuana carries a penalty of a fine only of up to $100. Second and third offenses can result in fines of $200 and $250 with potential jail time of up to 15 days. Possession of small quantities of such drugs as cocaine or crack cocaine may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Possession of larger quantities of cocaine carry felony charges that can range from more than a year up to life in prison in cases of major drug trafficking.
Work with a Respected & Well-Known Legal Team
In a first offense, our firm may be able to negotiate an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) which can result in a dismissal and a sealing of your record providing you abide by all court orders. In any drug case, however, our firm will carefully review the facts and devise a defense strategy aimed at the most optimum outcome.
Call McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC at (845) 209-1355 to speak with an attorney today. Hablamos español.
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