LONG ISLAND LAWYER DEDICATED TO HELPING CLIENTS IN NASSAU COUNTY AVOID DRUG CRIMES CONVICTIONS
Being charged with any crime is scary—especially if you are accused of committing drug crimes. These crimes are very common on Long Island, but that doesn’t stop authorities from aggressively prosecuting defendants in these cases.
If you are facing drug crimes charges in New York, you need a criminal defense attorney who will protect your best interests and fight for your freedom. Don’t wait any longer—contact Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
What is considered a controlled substance under New York law?
A controlled substance under New York law is any drug listed in the New York controlled substance schedules that is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute without authorization. These substances include drugs such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, LSD, and certain prescription medications that are restricted without a valid prescription.
The term controlled substances refers to various substances that are grouped into five different categories: Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V. Some examples of the substances in each of these categories include:
- Schedule I: Opiates, opium derivatives, heroin, hallucinogenic substances,
synthetic cannabinoids - Schedule II: Opium extracts, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine
- Schedule III: Certain stimulants, ketamine, and limited quantities of certain
substances, including codeine and opium - Schedule IV: Certain depressants, certain stimulants
- Schedule V: Limited quantities of certain substances, including codeine and
opium
Controlled substances are categorized by their addictiveness and the likelihood of abuse. The controlled substances in Schedule I are the drugs that are the most addictive and frequently abused.
WHAT ARE THE DRUG LAWS ON LONG ISLAND?
There are a number of laws that govern the possession, use, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances, including:
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance
- Use of a child to commit a controlled substance offense
- Criminal sale of a controlled substance
- Criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds
- Criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument
- Criminal injection of a narcotic drug
- Criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child
- Criminally using drug paraphernalia
- Criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance or a controlled
substance by a pharmacist or practitioner - Criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material
- Criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine
- Unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine
- Operating as a major trafficker
The drug laws in New York are complex, which is why it’s recommended that you seek legal representation from a criminal defense attorney if you are charged with a drug offense.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR DRUG CRIMES CONVICTIONS?
The penalties for a drug conviction can vary depending on the type of crime you are accused of committing. There are several misdemeanor drug crimes, including criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in the second degree. Both of these crimes are class A misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
However, most drug crimes are felonies. These offenses can range from a class E felony to a class A felony. Some drug crimes are class A-II felonies, including the criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree and the criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree.
The most serious drug offenses are criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first degree, and operating as a major trafficker. All three of these offenses are class A-I felonies. If you are convicted of a class A-I felony, you may be sentenced to decades in prison.
What should I do if I am arrested for a drug crime on Long Island?
If you are arrested for a drug crime on Long Island, you should protect your constitutional rights and avoid making statements that could be used against you. Important steps include:
- Remain calm and do not resist arrest
- Exercise your right to remain silent
- Do not answer police questions without a lawyer present
- Do not consent to searches without a warrant
- Contact an experienced drug crimes attorney as soon as possible
What are the possible defenses against drug charges in New York?
Common defenses against drug charges in New York may include:
- Illegal search and seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment
- Lack of possession or control of the drugs
- Lack of knowledge that the drugs were present
- Errors in laboratory testing or evidence handling
- Violations of constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest
How quickly should I contact a lawyer after being charged with a drug crime?
You should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after being charged with a drug crime. Early legal representation allows an attorney to review the evidence, protect your rights during questioning, identify possible defenses, and begin building a strategy to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY FIGHT DRUG CRIMES CHARGES?
Your future and freedom are on the line in drug crimes cases. If you are facing these criminal charges, contact attorney Gianni Karmily right away. Gianni’s goal is to help you reach the best possible outcome in your case. This may mean aggressively negotiating with the state to arrange a plea bargain on your behalf. Or, it could mean taking your case to trial and winning an acquittal. In some cases, Gianni may be able to get the charges dismissed altogether.
Let Gianni review the details of your drug crime case today. After reviewing your case, Gianni will determine the best way to defend you against these charges and help you avoid the serious penalties of a conviction.
How do I find a drug crimes lawyer near me?
To find a drug crimes lawyer near you, look for a criminal defense attorney experienced in drug possession and drug trafficking cases in your area. You can search online for drug crime defense lawyers, review law firm websites and client ratings, confirm the attorney handles New York drug offense cases, and schedule a case evaluation to discuss your charges and legal options.
SCHEDULE A CASE EVALUATION WITH OUR DRUG CRIMES LAWYER ON LONG ISLAND
Have you been accused of committing drug crimes on Long Island? If so, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation from experienced drug crimes lawyer Gianni Karmily as soon as possible. The stakes are high in drug crimes cases, and the only way to protect your future is to work with an attorney who is willing to fight for you. Gianni Karmily is passionate about helping the accused. Let him work tirelessly to reach a favorable outcome in your case. To schedule a confidential case evaluation with the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC, call our Great Neck office at (516) 630-3405 or our Hempstead office at (516) 614-4228.
