New York Drug Offense Attorney Serving NYC and the Hudson Valley
Fight Your Drug Arrest with our Help
The “war on drugs” is a popular slogan, and police and prosecutors make a good name for themselves by zealously going after drug offenders. Unfortunately for many citizens, law enforcement can sometimes be too aggressive and sweep up innocent people in its net, or prosecute people more harshly than they deserve for minor offenses. The criminal defense attorneys at Dupée & Monroe, P.C. in Goshen always stand up for the rights of the accused. We make sure that your rights to a fair trial are protected and utilize all available defenses and other legal means to get you the best result possible when you are arrested and charged with possession, trafficking or other drug offenses under New York Law.
New York Drug Laws
Common street drugs such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine are considered controlled dangerous substances in New York, and the compounds used to make them are illegal as well. Therefore, you can be arrested for cultivating or manufacturing drugs as well as being in possession of or selling certain drugs, compounds or paraphernalia.
New York classifies drugs into five different schedules, and the penalties you can be subject to on conviction of a drug offense can depend on the type of drug, the quantity involved, and other factors. For instance, possession offenses range from Class A misdemeanors with up to $1,000 in fines and up to one year in jail, all the way to a Class A-1 felony with fines up to $100,000 and from 15 to 25 years in prison.
New York Marijuana Laws
Marijuana is a Schedule I drug in New York, and penalties for possession can range up to $5,000 in fines and 15 years in prison. Possession of 25 grams (about an ounce) or less is not a criminal offense in New York, but you could be given a civil citation and fined up to $100 for a first offense and $200 for a second offense. For a third or subsequent offense, you could be charged with a misdemeanor and jailed for up to five days in addition to being required to pay a $250 fine.
You Have Rights and Defenses When Arrested for Drug Offenses
If you are arrested on drug charges, don’t despair, and don’t plead guilty or make any statements until you have talked with an attorney. You may have many defenses available. Drug arrests are often made after a search has turned up suspect substances, and that initial search itself may not have been constitutional. If it wasn’t, your criminal defense attorney may be able to have the evidence suppressed or get the case thrown out. Other arrests may be based on questionable identifications from unreliable witnesses or have other problems that work in your favor.
At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we will examine every aspect of your case and raise all possible defenses to secure a dismissal or reduction in charges, or an acquittal at trial. If you determine that a plea is in your best interests, we can help negotiate a favorable outcome such as probation or drug treatment with no jail time in many instances.
Get Help from Experienced Attorneys for Your New York Drug Arrest
If you have been arrested and charged with possession, sale, distribution or other narcotics offenses in New York, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C. in Goshen for immediate assistance. Don’t give up without a fight and let a drug arrest destroy your life. In Orange County and throughout the Hudson Valley, call our office at 845-294-8900 to find out how we can help you.
