New City Drug Distribution Attorney
The offense of drug distribution in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut effectively means that you are accused of selling illegal drugs. Drug distribution is not permitted under the law, and is a felony, which means a conviction for drug distribution carries serious consequences. Simply making an offer to sell drugs is often enough to prove drug distribution. Contact our experienced New City drug distribution attorneys today.
When you are charged with drug distribution, your potential punishment if you are convicted depends on a number of factors. These factors include:
- What type of drug you are accused of distributing;
- The purity of the drug you are distributing;
- How much of the drug you are caught trying to sell;
- Where the drug sale took place – certain locations, such as a school or senior center can result in harsher punishment;
- Whether the sale was made to a minor; and
- Whether you have previous drug offenses, such as drug distribution, already on your criminal record.
Drug laws in the Tri-State Area are fairly complicated and can be difficult to navigate. For example, in New York conviction for drug distribution falls into five degrees: fifth degree through first degree with increasing severity in terms of punishment.
- Fifth degree drug distribution occurs when a person knowingly and unlawfully distributes a controlled substance. It is a class D felony.
- Fourth degree drug distribution occurs when a person knowingly sells a narcotic preparation, a dangerous depressant, concentrated cannabis, PCP, methadone, ketamine (i.e., Special K), GHB, or when the sale of the drug takes place at a school or on a school bus, a day care of educational facility. These offenses result in a class C felony if convicted.
- Third degree drug distribution occurs when a person knowingly sells a narcotic; a stimulant, hallucinogen, or lysergic acid in certain quantities; methamphetamines, PCP in certain quantities, or sells a narcotic preparation to a person who is under the age of twenty one. It is a class B felony.
- Second degree drug distribution occurs when a person knowingly sells a narcotic and narcotic preparation, methamphetamines, stimulants, hallucinogens or methadone is certain quantities. The quantities are larger than in the preceding degrees. It is a class A-II felony.
- First degree drug distribution occurs when a person knowingly sells a narcotic and narcotic preparation or methadone in a certain quantity larger than in the preceding degrees. It is a class A-I felony.
Since every drug distribution charge is a potential felony if convicted, it is critically important for you to contact an experienced New York criminal defense attorney if you have been arrested for selling drugs. A conviction means serious penalties, fines and jail time. You could lose your personal freedom if you are convicted. Having a skilled and knowledgeable drug crimes lawyer will help ensure that you are able to defend yourself from these charges, and that you will receive fair treatment under the law.
If you or a loved one has been charged with drug distribution, or any other drug offense, it is important that you get in touch with an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. Contact attorney Phillip Murphy for a consultation today and to learn how we can assist you in your case.
