Those accused of drug crimes face serious fines, a loss of professional and driving privileges, jail time and even the forfeiture of valuable assets. Choosing the right attorney to defend you against drug charges is vital.
An experienced New York Drug Charges Lawyer should understand that there are many possible defenses to this type of criminal charge. Some defenses are based upon constitutional principles, such as the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Other defenses are based upon the specific circumstances of the case, such as arguing that the drugs found were not legally seized and that they therefore should be excluded from the evidence against you.
The most basic drug charge is drug possession, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a heavy fine. Those charged with more serious drug offenses, such as intent to distribute or trafficking, face far more serious penalties and should have an experienced criminal defense attorney.
To be convicted of the crime of intent to distribute or trafficking, police must prove that you had both constructive and actual knowledge of the presence of drugs. This can be a subjective matter, and factors such as the way that the drugs were packaged or accompanied by drug paraphernalia could influence the officer’s view of your intentions. A good drug defense attorney should know how to raise doubts about this allegation, so that you can avoid the most severe consequences.