Last Updated on: 2nd August 2023, 12:14 am

Drug trafficking is a serious offense in New York state. If you are caught with significant amounts of a controlled substance, the consequences can be severe and follow you around for the rest of your life. Being arrested is one thing, but a conviction can land you in jail for quite some time. This can cost you your job, future employment prospects, and even your friends and family. Beyond that, you could be looking at significant fines if convicted of certain drug trafficking laws, and this just compounds the need to have Bronx drug trafficking lawyers working on your behalf. You will want a lawyer that specializes in this area of the law. Continue reading to learn more about drug trafficking violations in New York.

Drug Trafficking and Distribution Laws in New York

To begin, one must understand that drug trafficking is a different crime than drug possession. To be convicted of trafficking drugs, the prosecutor will need to show that you have a certain amount of a controlled substance and that you were moving the drugs to be sold for financial gain. In addition, the severity of the crime, and corresponding penalties, is directly related to the type of drug you accused of trafficking. Heroin and cocaine, for example, will command stiffer penalties than if you are convicted of trafficking marijuana.

The law is pretty clear in the state of New York in regards to what constitutes a drug trafficking offense. There are basically three situations that can occur to result in such a charge, but you only need to be shown to fall under one of them. The first is that you are accused of being a director of an organization that is found to be selling a controlled substance that nets a minimum of $75,000 in a twelve month period. The second possibility is that you are accused of selling drugs at least one time where those drugs have a value of more than $75,000. The final possibility is that you are caught with drugs valued at more than $75,000 or more and it is believed that you had an intent to sell them.

Possible Penalties for a Drug Trafficking Conviction

There are actually quite a few different charges within the drug trafficking umbrella that an individual can be charged with. Each carries a different sentencing guidelines. However, it is important to note that all drug trafficking convictions are felonies in the state of New York, and all carry a mandatory prison sentence. A first time offense of drug trafficking in the fifth degree can result in between one to two and a half years in prison. The penalties go up from there as the severity of the crime and your criminal history increase. You will want a Bronx drug trafficking lawyer working on your case to get you as minimum a sentence as possible in the event that you are convicted.

If you are convicted of drug trafficking in the first degree, you are looking at a minimum of eight years and a maximum of twenty years in prison. This is if you are classified as a non-major drug trafficker. You will then be required to a five year post-release supervision. The prison sentence will increase to between twelve and twenty years for a second felony drug offense, and then 15 years to life for subsequent offenses after that.

Defenses to Consider When Charged With Drug Trafficking in New York

There are quite a few defenses to consider when charged with drug trafficking. Remember that you must be shown to have profited or directed an organization that is selling drugs. That profit must be significant and it must be proven. Your lawyer will look at the evidence and work to mount a defense in that direction. You might also have the defense that you were only in possession of the drugs, but that you had no intent to sell them.

How Can Bronx Drug Trafficking Lawyers Help You?

Bronx drug trafficking lawyers can help you in a number of ways. They will represent you at all of your court hearings and work to get you an acquittal or the charges reduced. Contact our office today.

Spodek Law Group: The Bronx’s Drug Trafficking Attorneys

Drug offenses can turn your life upside down in so many ways, with consequences that can last a lifetime. From hefty fines to lengthy prison sentences, a conviction for drug possession can negatively impact your professional and personal life. At Spodek Law Group, we know that being accused of a drug-related offense can be overwhelming, and that is why we offer our services to the Bronx community to provide the necessary representation to protect our clients’ rights.

The Consequences of Drug Possession and Distribution in New York

If you have been charged with a drug offense in New York, the first thing you need to know is that you have rights, and you need an experienced and reputable drug trafficking attorney to represent you. At Spodek Law Group, our lawyers have vast experience in handling drug possession and distribution cases, and we can guide you through the legal process to ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

According to federal and state laws, possessing illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine is illegal in New York. Depending on the type and quantity of the drug involved, possession charges can result in monetary fines and imprisonment. For instance, Class A-1 felonies, which involve possession of controlled substances that weigh more than 8 ounces, can lead to a fine of $100,000 or a jail term of between 8 and 20 years. Other offenses, such as marijuana possession, can result in a penalty of no more than $250 and 15 days or less in jail.

At Spodek Law Group, we understand that being accused of drug possession can be stressful, and that is why we offer an array of defense options to help our clients get the best possible outcome. Our lawyers can argue that you had no control over the controlled substance, challenge the legality of a search, or prove that you have a legitimate reason for possession. We understand that each case is unique, and that is why we provide individualized attention to all our clients to provide the best possible representation.

Whether you are a first-time offender or have been previously convicted, we can help you get your life back on track. We are passionate about defending our clients’ rights, and we strive to get the most appropriate defense for each client. Do not let a drug offense ruin your life, contact us today, and let us provide you with the best defense available.

Drug possession is a serious offense that can have life-altering consequences for anyone, no matter their background or status. In New York, the consequences for drug possession can be particularly severe, with the state having some of the strictest drug laws in the country. If you or a loved one has been charged with drug possession in the Bronx, it is crucial that you seek out experienced legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

At Spodek Law Group, we understand the stakes involved in drug possession cases and have made it our mission to provide top-notch legal representation to clients in the Bronx and beyond. Our founder, Todd Spodek, is a renowned criminal defense lawyer with over a decade of experience defending clients in drug possession cases. He has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for his clients, from getting charges dropped to negotiating reduced sentences.

One of the unique aspects of our approach to drug possession cases is our focus on individualized attention. We know that no two cases are alike, and we tailor our approach to the specific needs and goals of each client. We work closely with our clients to develop a comprehensive legal strategy that takes into account all the factors involved, from the circumstances of the arrest to the client’s personal background and history. Our goal is to ensure that our clients have the best possible chance of a successful outcome, whether that means negotiating a plea deal or taking the case to trial.

We also understand that being charged with drug possession can be a stressful and emotional experience. That is why we place a premium on clear communication and empathy in our client interactions. We want our clients to feel informed, supported, and heard throughout the entire legal process. Our team is always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer guidance as needed.

If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession in the Bronx, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The consequences of a drug possession conviction can be severe and long-lasting, but with the right lawyer on your side, you can fight back and protect your rights. Contact Spodek Law Group today to learn more about how we can help.

Sources:

• https://www.nyclu.org/en/drug-possession-laws-new-york
• https://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/drug-possession-penalties.aspx
• https://www.justice.gov/usam/criminal-resource-manual-902-elements-possession-controlled-substances