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When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.
Bronx Drug Trafficking Lawyers
Drug Offenses in New York: Understanding the Legal Landscape
Drug related offenses are common in New York but that it doesn’t mean that they warrant less attention than other crimes. Getting caught with a controlled substance can ruin your life in many ways. An arrest and subsequent conviction of a drug possession charge can result in serious penalties that range from massive monetary fines to jail sentences. Spending time in jail puts a marker on your record, which can make it hard to advance professionally. Alternatively, paying a hefty lump sum in penalties may leave you in financial strains for a long time.
Seeking Legal Representation for Drug Trafficking Charges
There is also the destruction that a conviction will cause to your various relationships. It is why an accused person should find a reputable drug trafficking attorney to provide the necessary representation. Drug trafficking is one of the specialty areas we cover at Spodek Law Group. Our lawyers in the Bronx have dealt with various cases that involve charges of drug possession and distribution.
NY Drug Possession and Distribution Laws
According to federal and New York laws, it is unlawful for an individual to possess illegal drugs, which include methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine, among others. Owning the chemicals used in manufacturing controlled substances is also an offense. However, marijuana-related offenses and crimes involving controlled substances are classified into different categories in NYC.
Whether the charges involve a controlled substance or marijuana, the prosecutor must provide proof to convict the accused of an offense beyond reasonable doubt. This process requires four elements. One, the prosecutor must show that the defendant was aware that the drug falls into the category of a “controlled substance.” Secondly, the drug was in the ownership of the accused. The prosecutor must also prove that the defendant was aware of the possession, and lastly, that the possession was illegal.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
The law classifies possession of a drug as physical or constructive, meaning that the accused had control of the drug. In instances of constructive possession, the prosecutor only has to show that the defendant had control over the location or the person who was handling the drug even if the accused was not physically present.
Penalties for Drug Possession and Distribution in the Bronx, New York
New York has some of the strictest laws on possession of controlled substances. Felonies involving drug trafficking fall into many categories, which can make it more complicated for an accused person, hence the need for an experienced lawyer.
Class A-1 felonies refer to the possession of controlled substances that weigh more 8 ounces and contain 5,760 mm of methadone or a narcotic drug. A defendant who has been accused of this offense can get a fine of $100,000 or a jail term of between 8 and 20 years. For crimes that fall into Class B to E, the monetary fines are between $15,000 and $30,000 with imprisonment sentences ranging from 1 year to a maximum of 9. An accused person charged with marijuana possession faces a penalty of no more than $250 and 15 days or less in jail.
Possession charges carry less punishment than crimes of intent to distribute and to manufacture. All cases involving the distribution of a controlled substance in New York are classified as felonies, and they are in five levels. A first time offender in a fifth-degree felony charge can get a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 2.5 years imprisonment. Penalties for first-degree felonies range from 12-20 years for second felony offenders to 8-20 years for non-major dealers to life imprisonment for major traffickers.
Defenses for Drug Trafficking Charges
A Bronx drug trafficking attorney has several approaches when mounting a defense, and the most suitable one depends on a specific case.
Marijuana Exceptions– a person charged with possession of marijuana may have a legitimate reason for it, so an attorney can explore the “temporary and lawful possession” defense. In New York, certain conditions, such as illnesses that cause chronic pain, cancer, and HIV qualify marijuana as a course of treatment. Patients on medical marijuana are legally allowed to have a 30-day supply, but NYC does not allow public use and patients must have their registry cards when carrying the substance.
Proving Control– in instances of constructive possession, the defense lawyer can show that the defendant did not have dominion over the person caught with a controlled substance. The lawyer can argue that the accused lacks the skills, means, or knowledge to exert control on the physical location or another individual.
Illegal Search and Seizure– Searches conducted by the police that result in arrests must follow strict protocols. Your Bronx drug trafficking lawyer can evaluate your arrest and see if the officers violated any regulations. The laws governing car searches are slightly different from the rest, so an attorney will factor that in as well.
Other defense options such as infancy for defendants under 16 years, lack of intent, and insufficient quantity can help get rid of the charges or minimize the penalties. Federal and state laws are subject to change, so a defendant may not be aware of rules that apply in particular situations. Even the simplest drug possession charge can turn into a complex situation, so call our Bronx drug trafficking lawyers for quality representation and an unrivaled dedication to finding the most appropriate defense.
