Long Island Drug Lawyer

If you have been charged with a drug crime in New York, you may want to contact a Long Island drug lawyer as soon as possible. State and federal governments have certain laws prohibiting possession, unlawful use, distribution and production of certain types of drugs. Some of these drugs include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and heroin. State and federal laws were established in an attempt to greatly reduce the illegal use of these drugs as well as reduce the occurrence of crimes related to drugs.

There are five separate schedules or categories in which drugs are classified. Each drug is categorized according to their dependency and abuse potential in comparison to their therapeutic value. For example, Schedule I drugs or controlled substances are those drugs that pose the highest potential of dependency. These drugs have no medically accepted use. Schedule V drugs or controlled substances are those drugs that have the lowest dependency potential. These controlled substances have medically accepted uses. Manufacturing, selling or possessing drugs included in the Schedule I category carries the most severe of penalties.

Possible Punishments for Drug Related Crimes

Drug crime punishment is generally based on the schedule or classification that the substance falls under, purpose of drug possession and the amount of drug in one’s possession. Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute is a very serious crime. Often, prosecutors are able to prove a person’s intent to distribute the substance by simply showing the court the amount of the drug that was possessed. They do not have to have any proof that a person distributed the drug.

Possession of a controlled substance for personal use is also a very serious crime. It is often punished with a less severe judgment than distribution. For example, a person possessing less than 50 grams of marijuana may have a charge that is lessened or treated much like a disorderly conduct charge. If convicted, individuals may receive only a fine or probation as punishment. However, with larger amounts of the controlled substance in possession, punishment will be greater.

There are enhanced penalties rendered upon individuals who commit drug crimes with certain surrounding circumstances. These individuals will receive more severe punishments. Enhanced penalties are enforced in instances when a minor was used in the distribution of drugs, drugs were delivered or sold to a minor or drugs were distributed or sold in the vicinity of a school. In some cases, an individual charged with a drug offense may have to forfeit their property upon conviction. Your property can be seized by the government. For example, you may be ordered to forfeit your home if it was used to manufacture a controlled substance.

Drug Crime Defense

There are a wide range of drug charges carrying varying punishments. Surrounding circumstances as well as criminal background affect the sentences handed down by the court system. Your Long Island Drug Lawyer, Long Island Law, can provide you with the best representation possible. He or his associates will advise you on the best possible route to take your case. Your charges will be discussed in depth with you to give you a better understanding of the depth of your impending case. There are certain cases when Grosso and associates may be able to have your charges reduced or even dismissed. You should contact Joseph Grosso, PC or LI-Lawyers.Com soon as possible after you have been charged. This will give them adequate time to properly prepare your defense.