New York Drug Charges Do Not Have To Obstruct Your Future
Penalties for conviction of drug crimes can be severe. With a dedicated lawyer on your side, however, you can expect full protection of your rights and a detailed strategy for your defense.
At the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, we bring more than 25 years of experience to individuals who face drug charges throughout Long Island. We have a comprehensive understanding of how the state investigates and prepares criminal cases.
Our criminal defense attorney has personally handled felony drug cases as a former assistant in the Narcotics Trial Bureau. Draw upon his knowledge for your defense by calling our firm for a free case review.
Serious, Dedicated Defense Representation In Suffolk County And Beyond
Drug convictions could lead to jail time, heavy fines and more. If you have a professional license, you could also lose your right to work in your occupation. It is important to combat serious charges with a smart strategy. We can work to prevent or reduce drug crime penalties.
Attorney Bryan Cameron has successfully helped clients defend themselves against all types of charges involving illegal drugs, including:
- Drug possession and possession with intent to sell
- Drug sales or distribution
- Drug trafficking
- Drug manufacturing
- Conspiracy
We handle cases involving a broad range of controlled substances, from cocaine to heroin. We also defend people charged with crimes involving prescription drugs and pills, such as Vicodin, OxyContin, morphine and Percocet, as well as illegal steroids.
Learn more: Sharing, gifting or selling prescription drugs is a crime
Our knowledge of local drug laws can help you find the best available resolution to your case. When appropriate, we work to get the judge to use discretion to reduce the sentence – often in exchange for the completion of treatment.
Drug Crimes In New York: Felonies Vs. Misdemeanors
As with other offenses, misdemeanor drug crimes are generally considered less serious than felony drug crimes. Misdemeanors might involve possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use, and sentences would, therefore, be less severe. By definition, misdemeanor convictions carry potential sentences of no more than a year in jail plus fines and other penalties. First-time offenders might be given probation instead of jail.
By contrast, felony drug crimes involve larger amounts of drugs and more severe consequences. These charges can lead to longer prison sentences (a year or more), larger fines and more significant long-term impacts on your life.
Whether a drug crime is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony can depend on several factors, including:
- The type of drug involved (including what “schedule” it is)
- The quantity of drugs seized
- Whether the offense was violent or nonviolent
- Their suspected purpose (personal use vs. sales or distribution)
Additionally, a defendant’s prior criminal history will also likely play a role in the severity of the charges.
Penalties For Drug Crimes
As mentioned above, potential penalties vary based on whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony. These two categories are further broken down into degrees or classes.
Misdemeanors can be further divided into Class A, Class B and Unclassified. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, carrying up to a year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines, whereas Unclassified misdemeanors are likely to result in probation.
Felonies are divided into five classes (A-E), with Class A being the most serious. Someone convicted of a Class E felony drug crime might face just over a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. On the other end of the spectrum, a Class A felony conviction could result in decades or life in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
It’s important to note that prosecutors often have leeway when it comes to charging drug offenses. If you contact a skilled defense lawyer at the first sign of trouble, it may be possible to get your charges reduced or to have some thrown out entirely.
Contact Us For A Free Review Of Your Drug Charges And Legal Options
To discuss your drug crime charges for free, contact the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron online or call us at 631-319-3487 or toll-free at 888-816-9087. We will answer your call at any time of the day, and we can meet with you in the evening or on the weekend as necessary. Se habla español.