New York City Drug Conspiracy Lawyer
New York is tough on drug distributors and traffickers, and penalties can include jail time, fines, seized assets, and more. However, adding a conspiracy count to underlying drug charges will likely result in significantly higher penalties.
If you are facing charges, contact an experienced New York City drug conspiracy lawyer to discuss your situation and determine which legal defenses may be available to you. Let a qualified drug attorney fight on your behalf.
Six Degrees of Conspiracy
As a seasoned lawyer could further explain, New York law has very specific definitions of what constitutes drug conspiracy. The law has six degrees of conspiracy which are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies:
Conspiracy in the First-Degree
When someone over 18 years of age conspires with one or more people under the age of 16 to engage in the act with the requisite intent. This is a Class A-I felony which is punishable by a possible life jail sentence or 20-25 years in prison and may include fines.
Conspiracy in the Second-Degree
When conduct consisting of a Class A felony is performed and two or more people conspire to engage in the act with the requisite intent. This is a Class B felony which is punishable by one to 25 years in prison based on the offense’s violence and may include fines, probation, and more.
Conspiracy in the Third-Degree
When conduct constituting a Class B or C felony is performed and one person over 18 years of age conspires with one or more people under 16 years of age to engage in the act with the requisite intent. This is a Class D felony which is punishable by up to seven years in prison based on the offense’s violence and may include fines, probation, and more.
Conspiracy in the Fourth-Degree
When a Class B or Class C felony is performed and two or more people conspire to engage in the act with the requisite intent. A felony is also performed when someone over 18 years of age conspires with one or more people under 16 years of age to engage in the act with the requisite intent.
The felony of money laundering in the third-degree is performed and two or more people conspire to engage in the act with the requisite intent.This is a Class E felony which is punishable by up to four years in prison based on the offense’s violence and may include fines, probation, and more.
Conspiracy in the Fifth-Degree
When a felony is performed and two or more people conspire to engage in the act with the requisite intent. Or, a crime is performed and one person over 18 years of age conspires with one or more people under 16 years of age to engage in the act with the requisite intent.
This is a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by up to one year in prison and may include fines, probation, and more.
Conspiracy in the Sixth-Degree
When conduct constituting a crime is performed and one person conspires with another to engage in the act with the requisite intent. This is a Class B misdemeanor which is punishable by up to six months in prison and may include fines, probation, and more.
Conspiracy definitions are complex and always require intent. Regardless of the type of drug conspiracy charge someone is facing, it is important to contact an experienced New York City attorney to represent a person’s best interests.
Consult a Seasoned New York City Drug Conspiracy Attorney
Drug conspiracy charges allow prosecutors to question many individuals and often pit parties against each other. That may result in some parties getting greater (or lesser) sentences than others.
The bottom line is that drug conspiracy charges can result in harsh penalties and affect your reputation. Make sure you have an experienced New York City drug conspiracy lawyer on your side. Call now to schedule a consultation.