New York City Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Drug trafficking, which involves the possession or distribution of large quantities of illicit substances, is a serious offense and New York has some of the harshest drug trafficking penalties in the nation.

In fact, even a drug trafficking conviction involving small amounts of controlled substances can result in jail time.

If you have been charged with drug trafficking, it is in your best interests to contact an experienced drug attorney. A New York City drug trafficking lawyer could help you to determine the legal defenses available to you.

New York City Drug Trafficking Laws

Drug trafficking offenses are categorized into numerous degrees, levels, and classes. These laws are complex and detailed; however a knowledgeable New York City drug trafficking attorney can determine which laws, and defenses, apply to an individual’s situation.

Some of the most common drug trafficking offenses involve:

• Cocaine
• Crack (a free base form of cocaine that can be smoked)
• Marijuana
• Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogue (synthetic opiates)
• LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide, also referred as Acid)
• Methamphetamine (also referred to simply as “meth”)
• PCP (Phencyclidine, also referred to as Angel Dust)

It is important to understand that drug trafficking also applies to prescription drugs including painkillers such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin), sleeping pills and other pharmaceutical opiates.

Drug Trafficking Penalties

Drug trafficking penalties vary depending on the facts and circumstances of the offense including the type and amount of drug at issue, where the drug was distributed, and whether minors were targeted.

However, New York law classifies all convictions for the sale of a controlled substance as felonies which range in level from fifth-degree (the least serious and punishable by up to two and a half years of prison for first-time offenders) to first-degree (the most serious) which is punishable by:

• A minimum of eight to 20 years in prison for non-major drug traffickers, followed by a five-year period of post-release supervision
• At least 12 to 20 years in prison for second felony drug offenders
• At least 15 years in prison with a maximum term of life imprisonment for major drug traffickers

Fines

Drug trafficking fines can range from a minimum of $5,000 (or twice the amount of the drug sale commission) to $100,000 for those convicted of either first-degree sale of a controlled substance or operating as a major drug trafficker – the latter involves the selling, transporting, or illegally importing unlawful controlled substances with a total aggregated value of $75,000 or more.

In addition, drug trafficking can also result in conspiracy charges if the trafficking operation consists of two or more people. Adding conspiracy charges to an underlying drug trafficking charge can significantly increase the penalties a person may face.

The bottom line is that these laws are complex and subjective, so having an experienced New York City drug trafficking attorney’s assistance can be invaluable.

Contact a New York City Drug Trafficking Attorney

Drug trafficking of a controlled substance is a federal offense and carries stiff penalties including jail time, seized assets, and fines. It can also negatively affect your reputation and ability to get a job or obtain credit.

If you have been charged with drug trafficking, get in touch with a New York City drug trafficking lawyer’s counsel to discuss your situation, determine your legal defenses, and decide which options make the most sense for you.