What Should I Do If Accused Of Causing Overdose Deaths In Rockland County?

A drug trafficking allegation is a serious prospect, but you face even more severe consequences if your alleged trafficking has been linked to overdose deaths. What can you do if you face allegations of causing drug overdoses in Rockland County? How can prosecutors even prove that your specific drugs caused someone else’s death? These are questions you might want to ask your criminal defense lawyer in New York.

Rockland County Man Admits to Causing Three Fentanyl Overdoses 

In August of 2024, a man from Rockland County pleaded guilty to vicarious drug offenses in federal court, admitting that his fentanyl had caused the deaths of three people. In addition, he admitted to “poisoning” three others who survived. He now faces a maximum sentence of 40 years behind bars.

The fact that this man entered a guilty plea suggests that he faced overwhelming evidence. However, a report from the Mid Hudson News does not specify what this evidence might have been.

What Kind of Evidence Can Prove That I Caused Overdoses? 

Prosecutors might point to various evidence in their attempts to establish that you caused overdoses. Perhaps the most obvious option is to gain access to your text messaging history. If you sent or received a message that suggests you sold the alleged victim drugs before their passing, this could be enough to satisfy the burden of proof.

Eyewitness accounts could be even more convincing in court. For example, the victim’s friends might have seen you sell the alleged drugs before the overdose.

But is this really enough to establish that you “caused” the overdose beyond reasonable doubt? Remember, the burden of proof for criminal cases is quite high. Even if you sold the alleged victim drugs before their passing, they may not have used these same drugs before overdosing. For example, they might have had other drugs in their possession prior to the alleged drug transaction. If they were with friends at the time of the overdose, there is always the chance that they used drugs provided by others.

Even the most compelling evidence may be inadmissible. The DEA notes that evidence should be collected and preserved from the scene of the overdose, but sometimes this evidence is compromised by various mistakes. Toxicology reports may be inconclusive, and the DEA admits that sometimes it has no choice but to pursue lesser charges. Always speak with a defense lawyer before admitting to anything or pleading guilty.

Find an Experienced Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Rockland County 

If you face allegations of drug trafficking and causing overdoses in Rockland County, it might be time to contact an experienced New City drug trafficking attorney. With help from Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law, you can strive for positive outcomes while avoiding excessive penalties. Depending on your situation, we may be able to help you prove that your drugs were in no way connected to overdose deaths. Reach out today to learn more about potential defense strategies.

Sources: 

dea.gov/stories/2023/2023-02/2023-02-08/overdose-death-investigations-challenge-dea-agents-bring-justice

midhudsonnews.com/2024/08/08/rockland-man-pleads-guilty-to-supplying-fentanyl-that-led-to-three-deaths-and-three-non-fatal-poisonings/