New York Drug Crime Attorneys

Defending Against Drug Crime Charges Throughout Suffolk & Nassau Counties

Whether your issue involves simple possession or international trafficking, the New York drug crime lawyers at Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP possess the knowledge and resources to effectively defend your interests. Our scope of experience spans all sides of criminal proceedings: the defense, the prosecution, and even the bench itself. Our New York drug crime attorneys have more than 200 years of collective experience. This allows us to deliver swifter and more effective results in every drug matter we take on.

Call Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP today at (888) 779-0267 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug crime lawyer in New York.

An Overview of Drug Charges in New York

New York is known to have some of the toughest drug laws in the country. Drug offenses range in type and severity. Types of drug cases include possession of a controlled substance, sale of a controlled substance, and drug trafficking. Whether you are charged with possession, sale, or trafficking will depend on the quantity of drugs with which you are arrested and other factors surrounding the arrest. For example, if officers discover a large quantity of drugs along with items that could be used to sell the drugs, like a scale, this may lead to a charge of possession with intent to distribute.

Drug charges carry the threat of a range of criminal penalties and collateral consequences, including fines, prison time, lost educational or career opportunities, and more. You must involve the right firm if you are to have the best opportunity of avoiding a conviction and everything this brings with it. At Barket Epstein, we have built a team of renowned legal professionals serving clients from our offices in Huntington, Garden City, and the Empire State Building in Manhattan, dedicated to protecting the rights of those who seek our help.

What are the Penalties for Possessing a Controlled Substance in New York?

Drug crimes are serious offenses in the state of New York. Often, these charges will stem from the possession of a small amount of a controlled substance. Being arrested for even a small amount of drugs could potentially lead to fines, prison time, and a permanent criminal record. Those facing a drug offense need to take action by retaining the assistance of a NY criminal defense lawyer to defend against the charges lodged against them.

Drug Offense Penalties in New York

Drug offense penalties vary depending on the specific charge and the drugs involved. Factors that will influence the drug penalty include:

• Which illegal substance was involved?
• Was there evidence of intent to sell?
• How much of the drug was found?
• Do you have a criminal record?
• Were firearms seized along with the drugs?

Additional considerations may include the location of the offense, such as proximity to schools or other public areas, which can also lead to enhanced penalties. Understanding these nuances can be crucial for anyone seeking to defend against drug-related charges in New York.

Legal Defenses for Drug Charges in New York

With a team comprising former prosecutors and judges, thought leaders in criminal law, seasoned litigators, and lawyers adept at handling high-profile cases, Barket Epstein can defend our clients with insight and tenacity.

Every case is different, but there are various defenses that may be used to challenge drug charges. These may include:

• Lack of knowledge or intent
• Possessing medication prescribed for the defendant’s own use
• Entrapment, meaning a police officer coerced the defendant into committing the crime
• Illegal search and seizure
• Planted evidence

Some drugs are patently illegal, such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin. Others are illegal when they are not being used with a prescription for the medical problem they were designed to address, such as amphetamines used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, antidepressants, opioid painkillers, and medical marijuana.