New City Drug Crime Attorney
New York, New Jersey & Connecticut Drug Offenses
Drug-related offenses, such as possession or distribution of a controlled substance, are fairly common. But conviction for a drug crime can have serious consequences. If you have been arrested for or charged with a drug-related crime, you should contact a defense attorney today. Attorney Phillip J. Murphy has extensive experience representing those accused of all kinds of drug crimes in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, contact our experienced New City drug crime attorney today.
Drug Crimes
New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut all have laws prohibiting the possession or distribution of controlled substances. Common drug offenses include:
Controlled substances include marijuana, cocaine or crack, opiates, methamphetamine, heroin, steroids, or unauthorized prescription drugs. If a police officer discovers any of these substances in your possession, you can be charged with a drug crime.
Aggravating Circumstances
Possession of a controlled substance is generally the least serious drug-related offense. Distribution, trafficking, and other drug crimes carry more severe penalties. However, some aggravating circumstances may mean that more serious charges may be filed against you. These circumstances include:
- Proximity to a school;
- Possession of drug paraphernalia;
- Use of a firearm or other weapon;
- Driving while under the influence of drugs; or
- Death or injury resulting from the drug use.
If any of these or other aggravating circumstances exist, harsher penalties may result if you are convicted. A dedicated defense attorney can help to reduce your charges, if possible.
Consequences
Possible penalties for drug crimes include jail time, fines, and probation. The severity of the sentence will depend upon the severity of the charges. Simple possession is generally the least serious drug charge. The penalties for distribution, possession with intent to distribute, trafficking, driving while intoxicated, and manufacturing are all more serious. But if you possess a certain quantity of drugs, this may escalate the charges to possession with intent to distribute. Other aggravating factors can also increase the possible penalties.
In some cases, a drug crimes defendant may be eligible for a treatment program or court supervision instead of facing jail time. In New Jersey, for example, drug crimes defendants may file for admission to a pre-trial intervention program. If a defendant is admitted to the program, he or she can request treatment for drug addiction, rather than spending time in jail.
Defenses
If you have been charged with a drug crime, your lawyer can help you formulate your case. This may include a defense, such as:
- Illegal search and seizure;
- Lack of probable cause for a traffic stop;
- Lack of intent to distribute;
- Lack of knowledge; or
- Entrapment
If any of these defenses apply in your case, the charges against you may be dropped or reduced.
Contact Experienced New City Drug Crime Attorneys Today
Drug charges are serious, but our New City drug crime attorney can help you present your best case and develop your strongest defense. If you have been charged with a drug crime in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, please contact drug crimes defense attorney Phillip Murphy to schedule your initial consultation.