Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 10:57 pm

Brooklyn Drug Trafficking Lawyers: Your Best Defense Against Drug Charges

Getting arrested for drug trafficking can be scary. The penalties are harsh, and you need an experienced lawyer on your side. In Brooklyn, drug laws are complex. You want a local lawyer whose familiar with how things work in the courts here. Let’s break down what you need to know.

The Charges Against You

In New York, drug trafficking charges depend on the type and weight of the drugs. Even small amounts can lead to years in prison. The main charges are:

• Criminal possession of a controlled substance (CPCS)
• Criminal sale of a controlled substance
• Criminal possession of marihuana

Penalties get higher as the drug weight increases. Even a few grams can mean 2+ years in jail. The laws are harsh cuz the goal is to stop large suppliers. But that means low level guys get treated the same. It ain’t right, but it’s reality.

Getting the Right Lawyer

Fighting drug charges starts with the lawyer. You need someone whose done this before. Check for:

• Years of experience with drug cases
• Knowledge of Brooklyn courts and judges
• A track record of good results

A green lawyer won’t cut it. Find someone whose been practicing for 10+ years. They’ll know all the strategies and negotiation tactics that work here. This ain’t the time to cheap out.

Possible Defenses

There are a few main ways your lawyer can fight the charges:

• Illegal search – If the cops didn’t have probable cause or a warrant, the evidence may get thrown out. But it ain’t easy to prove.
• Entrapment – If an undercover cop pressured you into committing a crime you wouldn’t normally do, this defense can work. But you gotta prove you didn’t intend to break the law.
• Misidentification – If the cops confuse you with someone else, it’s hard to beat the charges. Eyewitnesses make mistakes all the time.

Other options are getting charges reduced through plea deals or cooperation. But the defenses above give you a chance to beat the case outright.

What a Good Lawyer Can Do

Having an experienced drug trafficking lawyer in your corner evens the odds. They can:

• Negotiate with the DA for better plea deals
• Get charges reduced or dismissed
• Avoid mandatory minimum sentences
• Fight civil asset forfeiture to keep your property

Even if the evidence looks bad, a lawyer may find issues the cops overlooked. In Brooklyn, you want someone whose done this for years. They have relationships with judges and prosecutors to draw on.

The Cost of a Lawyer

Good lawyers ain’t cheap. Expect to pay $5,000 – $15,000+ for an experienced drug trafficking attorney in Brooklyn. Price depends on:

• Lawyer’s experience level
• Complexity of your case
• How far they have to take your defense

It’s a lot of money. But a trafficking conviction can ruin your life. So don’t penny pinch on your lawyer. You get what you pay for.

Finding the Right Fit

The lawyer-client relationship is crucial. You need someone you trust and can be open with. Look for:

• Good communication skills
• Patience to explain legal issues
• Understanding of your background

Don’t feel rushed to pick one. Interview a few lawyers before deciding. Meet them in person if you can. Go with your gut feeling on who “gets” you.

Getting Started

Once you hire a lawyer, they’ll start building your defense. Expect them to:

• Review police reports and evidence
• Investigate the circumstances of your arrest
• File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
• Negotiate with the DA for plea deals

Be ready to honestly discuss what happened. Don’t hold anything back from your lawyer. The more they know, the better your defense will be.

The Bottom Line

Fighting drug trafficking charges in Brooklyn is tough. The laws are complicated and the penalties are severe. Having an experienced lawyer levels the playing field. Take time to choose someone whose done this before. The right lawyer can win dismissals, avoid jail time, and give you your life back.

Good luck and stay strong!

References

Drug Trafficking Laws in New York: Overview from NY Courts

Marijuana Possession Penalties in NY: NORML analysis

Brooklyn Drug Busts: Case studies

NY Drug Trafficking Sentencing Guidelines: From NY Courts