At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, our Brooklyn Drug Crime Lawyer staff states that a person convicted of a drug crime mayl likely face life-changing consequences. Throughout the United States and the New York area, law enforcement agencies are fighting to reduce drug-related crimes such as drug selling, drug trafficking, distribution and drug possession.
Types of Drug CrimesWhile there are a multitude of drug crimes an individual can be charged with, in New York, the most common drug-related crimes are drug possession, drug possession with intent to distribute and drug manufacturing.
Drug possession is defined as having some type of illegal narcotic or controlled substance in your possession. To be charged with this crime, prosecutors will usually look at the amount of drugs in a person's possession to determine if the person has more than what's defined as for personal use.
Drug possession with intent to sell is defined as having an amount of illegal narcotics or drugs that could be used to sell or distribute. This is somewhat of a gray area as to what constitutes an amount for personal use and an amount for drug selling. Prosecutors will have to prove intent to sell and will look for evidence to make their case. An experienced Brooklyn Drug Crime Lawyer will also look at the evidence and try to make the case that there was no intent to sell. This will depend largely on the person accused and whether they have prior convictions for drug-related crimes. Possession with intent to sell is a much more serious offense than simple drug possession like marijuana possession and a person convicted of this crime may face multiple years in prison.
Drug manufacturing implies that a person obtained the necessary chemicals and/or substances needed for the manufacture of illegal narcotics such as methamphetamine, LSD, crack cocaine, etc. Prosecutors will look to see if there is evidence of drug manufacturing by looking for the tools used to make these drugs in large quantities. Our Brooklyn Drug Crime Lawyer group states that a person charged with manufacturing may also be charged with intent to sell.
A person who is charged and convicted of a drug-related crime may face a variety of punishments including prison time, probation, court-ordered drug counseling, and community service. It should be noted that because drug crimes can be felonies, a conviction means that it maybe on your permanent criminal record. This can hinder your life going forward as most employers, banks and landlords perform criminal checks on potential applicants. This can make it extremely difficult to get a loan, get a good job or even find decent housing. That's why it's so vital to discuss your drug crime case with our team of experienced Brooklyn Drug Crime Lawyers as soon as possible. At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, our defense attorneys are skilled at defending clients against drug charges.
Even people who use drugs for recreational purposes can find themselves sent to prison regardless of whether they're charged in state court or federal court. Prescription drugs can also be considered controlled substances if they're sold to or possessed by people without a doctor's prescription. While it may seem harmless to give someone you know some of your prescription medication to help them, that is a crime and you could be charged with drug distribution if caught.
At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, our Brooklyn Drug Crime Lawyer team will closely examine both the evidence against you and the manner in which that evidence was collected. In many cases, evidence is gathered illegally and in violation of a person's rights granted to them by the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. If it's found that evidence was obtained by an illegal search and seizure, that evidence may not be admissible in court.
If you're ever arrested for a drug-related crime, it's vital that you say nothing to the police until you've had a chance to speak to one of our New York Criminal attorneys.
If you are arrested for a drug crime, contact our New York Drug Crime Lawyer team with Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC at 800.696.9529 or contact one of our New York City offices serving Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx or Brooklyn, our office in Westchester County or one of our Long Island offices in Nassau County or Suffolk County.