(Last Updated On: August 3, 2023)Last Updated on: 3rd August 2023, 01:47 am
Charged With a Drug Crime in Brooklyn? How to Find the Best Attorney
Drug charges in Brooklyn can completely upend your life. Navigating the complex legal system and avoiding terrible outcomes requires an aggressive lawyer who knows the local courts inside and out. Here is a comprehensive guide on identifying the best Brooklyn drug crime attorney for your case, smart questions to ask during consultations, and the invaluable benefits of skilled legal representation.
Common Brooklyn Drug Charges
Some drug crimes prosecuted in Brooklyn include:
– Possession: Even small amounts of illegal substances.
– Sale/Distribution: Selling or sharing drugs with others.
– Trafficking/Smuggling: Transporting large quantities.
– Manufacturing: Making illegal substances.
– Prescription Fraud: Illicitly obtaining Rx medications.
Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, methamphetamine, prescription opioids and illegal steroids are common Brooklyn drug cases.
How to Find the Right Drug Crime Lawyer
Because each case is unique and the penalties are severe, it is critical to retain the best legal representation you can. Here are key factors to evaluate as you seek counsel:
1. Extensive Brooklyn Drug Crime Experience
Look for an attorney intimately familiar with Brooklyn courts, judges, prosecutors and procedures specifically for drug cases. They should have impressive depth of local experience versus being a newcomer.
2. Conviction Record and Plea Deal Results
Ask about their success with drug crime verdicts and plea bargains. An impressive track record is a good sign. Look for lawyers who regularly achieve charge reductions, avoided minimum sentences, and diversion opportunities.
3. Trial Skills
While most cases plea bargain, make sure your lawyer has litigation experience and success taking drug charges to trial. Their ability to argue before a judge and cross-examine witnesses is crucial.
4. Negotiation Abilities
Given than over 90% of cases resolve through plea deals, choose an attorney who is a strong yet strategically smart negotiator. Look for a hard bargainer who can secure favorable pleas.
5. Resources to Build a Defense
Fighting drug allegations may require private investigators, forensic experts, evidence analysis and more. Opt for a lawyer with resources and connections.
6. Staff Support
A solo lawyer is limited, whereas firms provide teams of associates, investigators, paralegals and support staff to build the strongest case. Choose depth of resources.
Questions to Ask Prospective Lawyers
Here are crucial questions to ask during initial consultations with attorneys:
– How much experience do you specifically have with Brooklyn drug cases? What % of your caseload is drug crimes?
– What is your track record for getting drug charges completely dismissed pre-trial?
– What kinds of plea bargains have you secured in past Brooklyn drug cases? How often do you avoid minimum sentences?
– How many drug cases have you taken to trial as defense counsel? What were the outcomes?
– If my case goes to trial, will you be the actual trial lawyer? What skills do you bring?
– How will you investigate the circumstances of my arrest and the police conduct?
– Will you leverage your prosecutor relationships to achieve better plea deals? Do you have examples?
– What educational seminars, training and associations help you excel in drug crime defense?
– If I want to avoid jail time, what options are typically available? What are you willing to fight for?
– How quickly do you respond to client inquiries? Will you provide frequent case status updates?
– What potential risks and outcomes do I face if convicted at trial?
Get clear and direct responses. Make sure the attorney’s reply show deep familiarity with Brooklyn drug courts specifically. You want confidence in their capabilities and commitment.
Why Hiring a Lawyer is Crucial
Here are the key reasons why retaining skilled legal counsel is essential if you’re facing drug charges:
1. Avoid Severe Penalties
From years in prison to massive fines, your future is on the line. Having an aggressive lawyer minimizes sentencing exposure.
2. Complex Laws and Procedures
Drug crime laws and criminal justice procedures are challenging for non-lawyers. Have an expert build the strongest case.
3. Evidence and Technicalities
From illegal searches to faulty lab tests, leveraging technicalities and evidence issues requires legal skill. Don’t waive rights.
4. Negotiation Advantage
Most cases end in plea deals. A talented negotiator who knows the system is vital for the best deal.
5. Trials are Highly Complex
If pleading out fails, be ready to win at trial. It takes an experienced litigator. Pro se is nearly impossible.
6. Prosecutors Have Powerful Resources
Don’t underestimate the DA’s office. Beat them by engaging a smart defense lawyer who levels the playing field.
7. Avoiding Costly Errors
Even simple missteps like admitting guilt can destroy your case. Let a pro safeguard you.
8. Emotional Support
Facing drug charges is scary and stressful. Leaning on counsel reduces anxiety.
The risks of going it alone against experienced police and prosecutors are immense. Engage a strategic Brooklyn drug crimes attorney to protect your rights, apply their skills in your favor, seek charge dismissals or reductions, and obtain the most favorable outcome. Don’t settle for less. Contact my office today to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.
Good people can sometimes find themselves in bad situations related to drugs. If you have found yourself facing Brooklyn drug crimes, you could be wondering how to proceed. You might know that your freedom and your reputation could be on the line, and you could be worried about financial implications and other consequences. Understanding a little more about drug crimes in Brooklyn, New York and about what to expect can help. If you work with our legal team, we can assist you through this trying time in your life.
Brooklyn Drug Crimes
There are many different types of Brooklyn drug crimes that individuals in New York are charged with on a daily basis. You could be charged for simply possessing marijuana or another drug, or you could be facing charges for selling or trafficking controlled substances. Any crime that is related to marijuana, controlled substances and narcotics can be considered a “drug crime,” although there are certainly different levels of charges related to drugs. Whether your charge is for something relatively minor or if you are facing one or more serious felonies, it’s important to work with a lawyer.
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Brooklyn, New York
The penalties for drug crimes in Brooklyn, New York can vary widely depending what you are being charged with and what you may end up being convicted for. For a simple possession charge of a small amount of marijuana, you simply have to worry about being convicted of a violation and receiving a small fine or a short jail sentence. For things like selling or trafficking drugs — particularly narcotics that are considered to be particularly dangerous for society, such as cocaine or ecstasy — you could actually be facing a long prison sentence.
Possible Defenses for Drug Crimes in Brooklyn
Attorneys use various types of defenses in order to defend clients who are facing drug-related charges. For example, if you are being charged with drug possession, your attorney might argue that you were not aware that the drugs were in your possession, that the amount that you possessed was too small to be considered a crime or that you had them legally, such as if you were charged for having prescription medication that you actually have a legal prescription for.
There are various defenses for more serious charges as well. For example, if a person is found with a larger quantity of any controlled substance, then he or she could be charged with selling or trafficking drugs. However, your lawyer might defend you by arguing that the substances that were in your possession were for personal, recreational use and that you did not have the intention to sell them.
Every situation is different. The best way that you can find out about the various defense options for your case is by sitting down and talking with an attorney who can talk to you more about the specific details of your situation.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
If you are someone who is currently facing charges for drug-related crimes in Brooklyn, New York, you should not wait before securing legal representation. Attempting to handle your legal case on your own can be stressful and can lead to the loss of your freedom and other consequences. If you work with a good legal team that you can count on, however, you’ll know that you are getting the best possible legal representation for your situation.
At our law firm, our attorneys are highly experienced in working with individuals who are in situations just like yours. Regardless of the circumstances around your case, our lawyers can work to defend you in the best way possible. Plus, you’ll have someone by your side throughout every step of the legal process to help provide you with peace of mind during this difficult time. Don’t hesitate; instead, contact us today so that we can schedule an appointment to sit down with you to talk to you about your case.