Syracuse Drug Crimes Lawyers Defending Clients Charged With Drug-Related Crimes

If you have been charged with a serious crime related to drugs, you need to seek legal advice immediately. New York has some of the toughest laws in the nation when it comes to crimes that involve drugs.

Drug offenses are classified by type and severity. Some examples of drug cases include possession and/or sale of a controlled substance and drug trafficking. How you are charged depends on the amount of drugs that were in your possession at the time of your arrest.

If you have a large quantity of a controlled substance in your possession along with other items such as a scale, or sandwich bags, law enforcement will, in nearly all cases, charge you with intent to distribute and not consider that it was for personal use. However, if the amount of illegal drugs that you possessed was small enough, then you could be charged with drug possession.

Drug charges can have life-altering consequences due to the severe penalties involved, such as potential jail or prison time as well as steep fines. Being charged with a drug crime can also cause you to lose potential employment opportunities as well as the ability to receive student loans or even attend the college of your choice.

The law firm of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC has extensive experience fighting for those arrested and charged with drug crimes. Other lawyers may tell you that they are your best option, but in reality, your first choice should be our experienced legal team, who can launch a vigorous criminal defense and work to keep you from being convicted. Contact us at our law offices to set up a free strategy session where we can review your charges and determine how to best move forward.

What are the Penalties for Drug Possession Charges in New York?

According to the laws of the State of New York, drug possession refers to having narcotics within your control that are labeled as controlled substances. Controlled substances may include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy (also known as MDMA), marijuana, methamphetamine, LSD, prescription drugs, and other stimulants.

In New York, in the eyes of the law, there is no such thing as personal use or simple possession, even in small amounts. If at any time an individual is found to be in possession of a controlled substance as defined by state law, it is a crime. Prescription drugs fall under the rules of all controlled substances in that if you are caught in possession, and they are not prescribed to you, or you are selling them, you are in violation of state law. Some of the most frequently abused prescription drugs are Xanax, Valium, Methadone, Adderall, and drugs that contain codeine.

The penalties for selling illegal drugs or possession are dependent on various factors, such as the quantity that the defendant was caught with, location of arrest, and prior criminal history, just to name a few.

Can I Get My Drug Charges Dropped?

With the help of an experienced drug attorney, it is possible to have drug charges dropped. Nevertheless, it is not an easy process or even likely in the majority of cases for charges to be dropped or completely dismissed.

Nonetheless, hiring a skilled drug possession lawyer is one of the best decisions that you can make when attempting to resolve your drug charges. Skilled drug possession lawyers can negotiate with the prosecutor in the following ways in an effort to help you obtain a positive resolution to your case:

• Community service or probation in lieu of more serious penalties such as jail time
• A significantly lower jail or prison sentence, or in some cases, none at all
• Drug possession charges are either completely dropped or dismissed
• A reduction in fines related to your case

Although no outcome can be guaranteed when it comes to a drug charge, the assistance of an experienced attorney can be one of the best options that you have in order to avoid a potential criminal conviction or jail sentence. The lawyers of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC are committed to fighting aggressively for your rights and working to obtain an outcome that is favorable to you.

Can I Legally Possess Marijuana in New York?

New York law now stipulates that for adults ages 21 years and older, it is now legal to possess up to three ounces of cannabis (also known as marijuana) and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis for personal use

Additionally, adults of legal age are also permitted to smoke or vape cannabis in the same areas that smoking tobacco products are allowed, with only a few exceptions.

There are, however, certain areas that are off-limits when it comes to marijuana use. Cannabis use is not permitted in any motor vehicle, even if parked, or in outdoor dining areas. Any violation of these rules may result in a fine or civil summons.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember that it is still against the law for individuals under the age of 21 to possess, use, or sell any amount of marijuana. Furthermore, an individual is not permitted to possess more than three ounces of marijuana and 24 ounces of concentrated marijuana. You are also not permitted to sell any amount without a license or drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.

Why Should I Hire Passalacqua & Associates, LLC?

When facing serious drug charges in Utica, New York, and surrounding areas, you need an attorney who understands judicial procedures that relate to the prosecution of drug possession and other serious crimes such as drug dealing or manufacturing, to name a few.

Our criminal defense attorneys in New York are highly skilled and know what it takes to negotiate with prosecutors and, if necessary, take your case to trial. We are committed to fighting for a favorable resolution to your charges.

Contact our law offices by calling (315) 500-6425 and scheduling a free strategy session with a member of our legal team who can review your charges and answer any questions that you may have about your case.