When you are faced with jail or prison time as a result of drug charges, an attorney who has regularly advised and represented clients in criminal drug law matters can help you to achieve a cost-effective and timely resolution. To learn more, contact our firm to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
What You Need to Know When Charged with a Drug Crime
Essential Information from the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a drug crime, you may be uncertain as to what your rights are and what the potential consequences may be. When do you have to consent to a search of your property? Will you face jail or prison time? Can your property be taken under forfeiture laws?
At the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, in Sayville, New York, we represent individuals throughout Long Island in both Nassau County and Suffolk County who face drug charges. We offer extensive, hands-on experience in criminal matters. Attorney Cameron served as a prosecutor for four years before opening his practice and was an assistant in the Narcotic Trial Bureau. We have handled the defense of thousands of criminal cases.
To learn more about our drug crimes defense, see our page on drug sales and possession charges. For a free initial consultation, contact our office or call us at 631-319-3487 (toll-free at 888-816-9087). We accept Visa and MasterCard.
Se habla español
Thank you for contacting Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron. Your message has been sent.
Call us now
or use the form below.
At the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, we defend people throughout Suffolk County and Long Island who have been charged with drug crimes, including sales and possession. With experience in the prosecutors' office, we understand how the state investigates and prepares drug cases and will make certain your rights are protected. Contact our office to set up a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Have you been charged with possession of a controlled substance? Are you under investigation for drug trafficking, cultivation or manufacturing? Contact the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, in Sayville, New York, to set up a free initial consultation. We have handled criminal matters for over 15 years, serving four years in the prosecutors office before opening our own practice dedicated to protecting the rights of criminal defendants.
Drug Crimes - An Overview
Drug crimes cover a broad range of offenses involving controlled substances, from possession and sale to manufacture and distribution. These crimes involve violations of federal or state law, or both. Depending on the particular circumstances of a case, these offenses can result in a broad range of potential criminal and administrative consequences, including probation, prison, property forfeiture and participation in a court-ordered drug treatment program.
Though more severe charges typically result in harsher penalties, even less serious charges, such as possession of a small amount of a controlled substance, may have severe consequences, especially if prior convictions, firearms, activity near protected zones (e.g., schools and parks), or minors are involved. If you have been charged with a drug crime, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney from Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron in Sayville, New York to discuss your legal options.
Federal and State Drug Laws
The federal government has exercised control over the importation and manufacture of drugs since the mid-1800s. In 1970, Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, which took the place of numerous existing drug laws and classified controlled substances into five categories (Schedules I to V), based on their abuse and addiction potential compared to their therapeutic value. Also known as the Controlled Substances Act, this law established regulatory requirements, enforcement mechanisms and penalties for the unauthorized manufacture, distribution or possession of controlled substances.
The most severe penalties involve drugs listed in Schedule I, with the least severe involving Schedule V. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, and include heroin, LSD and marijuana. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and severe dependence, but have a currently accepted medical use. Schedule II drugs include PCP, cocaine, methadone, and methamphetamine. Schedule III drugs have less potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs, a potential for moderate dependency and an accepted medical use. Anabolic steroids and codeine fall into this category. Schedule IV drugs have less potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, a limited potential for dependency, and are accepted in medical treatment. Schedule IV drugs include Valium, Xanax and other tranquilizers and sedatives. Finally, Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse, limited risk for dependency and accepted medical uses. These include drugs like cough medicines with codeine.
Most states have drug laws that mirror the Controlled Substances Act. Penalties may be less harsh and more flexible under state sentencing schemes than under the federal sentencing guidelines. In state court, a conviction of simple possession may result in court-ordered drug treatment rather than jail, and probation may be available to first-time offenders even for more serious crimes. However, lesser offenses can result in severe criminal consequences depending on the particular facts of a case or a defendant's prior criminal record. If you are facing a drug charge, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney from Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron in Sayville, New York to discuss your case and the legal options available to you.
Drug Crimes and Penalties
Drug crimes include a wide range of activities prohibited by federal or state statute, including possession, sale, manufacture, distribution and trafficking, as well as prescription fraud and forgery. Drug crimes include attempts and conspiracies to commit any of these acts. At the federal level, participation in a continuing criminal enterprise also exposes an individual to criminal liability. These crimes are very specifically defined, and the government is required to prove a specific set of facts before an accused person can be found guilty of any of them.
In addition, drug cases frequently involve the question of whether the evidence was properly obtained by law enforcement. Evidence obtained in violation of an accused's constitutional rights is not admissible in court. Most challenges to the admissibility of evidence are based in the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Drug courts operate or are being planned in all 50 states. While they vary from state to state, these specialized courts emphasize treatment over incarceration for defendants with substance abuse issues. Compliance with the imposed terms and conditions (e.g., regular drug testing, participation in a treatment program) can result in dismissal of charges, or suspended or reduced sentences.
When incarceration is involved, however, potential penalties escalate depending on the nature and quantity of the drug at issue and the defendant's prior criminal record. Certain offenses are grouped into classes and minimum and maximum sentences for these classes are specified according to an accused's criminal history. Use of these sentencing guidelines in federal and state court have long been controversial; proponents maintain that guidelines ensure uniformity and fairness in punishment, while opponents argue that they fail to offer the flexibility needed to consider a defendant's unique circumstances.
If You Have Been Charged with a Drug Crime
Drug charges can have severe consequences, including forfeiture of property and incarceration. Consulting with an experienced attorney for advice on how to proceed is essential. If you are facing drug charges, a knowledgeable attorney at Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron in Sayville, New York can help you navigate through the issues involved in this complex area of law.
Copyright ©2009 FindLaw, a Thomson Business
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
