Today’s law enforcement and judicial courts are enforcing tougher laws against illegal drugs and much harsher penalties for people who violate drug laws. Our Queens Drug Crime Lawyer staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC states that some of the more common types of illegal drugs include marijuana, LSD, methadone, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, and unauthorized use of prescription drugs. A person found to be in possession of any illegal drug or controlled substance can be charged with a drug crime or drug offense.
As mentioned, the laws and punishments for drug-related crimes have increased dramatically over the last several decades. A significant number of drug crimes are felony offenses and a person found guilty can face over a year in prison and hefty financial fines.
If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with a drug-related crime, it is important that they seek the help of our experienced Queens Drug Crime Lawyer team to defend them. At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, our Queens Drug Crime Lawyer group works in defending clients in drug crime cases. Our Criminal lawyers know how devastating and life-altering a drug crime conviction can be, which is why we're committed to thoroughly examining the evidence and how that evidence was gathered. In many instances, overzealous cops obtained evidence by violating the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees that US citizens should not be subjected to illegal searches and seizures.
Various Types of Drug CrimesWhile there are many drug crimes that a person can be charged with, the most common two are possession and possession with the intent to sell. Regular drug possession means that a person has what is considered to be a quantity of drugs that is for personal use, for example a small amount of marijuana possession such as a joint. If a person is deemed to have more than what's considered a personal amount of drugs, then they may be charged with intent to sell or the intent to distribute, which is a much more serious offense. Depending on the circumstances, a person who has no prior record, and is caught with an less than an ounce of pot, will likely get a lesser punishment than someone who is selling drugs. Further, if that person has a few bags of marijuana, the law may go ahead and charge them with intent to sell regardless of whether that was their intention or not. Of course the state still has to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and this is where our experienced Queens Drug Crime Lawyer staff can help; by attempting to raise a reasonable doubt.
Other types of drug crimes include drug manufacturing and drug smuggling. Drug manufacturing is basically the combining of chemicals and other substances to create illegal drugs such as methamphetamine or crack cocaine.
Punishments for Drug-Related CrimesSince a number of drug-related crimes maybe a felony crime the punishments are often usually harsher that what you find with misdemeanor offenses
As with most crimes, the courts will take into consideration the nature of a drug crime, the person who committed the crime and the amount of drugs involved. For example, if a person is selling drugs to minors or within a certain distance from a school, park or other place where children gather, they may be looking at years in prison. In addition, the amount of drugs involved also comes into play when the courts are considering sentences.
Because a drug conviction may mean a mark on your permanent record, it's important that you contact our Queens Drug Crime Lawyer staff as soon as you can to help defend you in these cases. The consequences of a drug conviction can last a lifetime. Most employers, landlords and banks do criminal background checks, which means you may find it difficult to get a loan, get housing or get a good job.
If you are facing these charges, contact our Queens Drug Crime Lawyer staff with Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC at 800.696.9529 or contact one of our New York City offices serving Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx or Manhattan, or in Westchester County or one of our Long Island offices in Suffolk County or Nassau County.