Drug offenses are taken very seriously on Long Island and being charged with one can have life-altering consequences. Whether you’re facing accusations of possessing cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, heroin, LSD, crystal meth, ecstasy (molly), or another controlled substance, New York’s strict laws impose heavy penalties. These can include long prison sentences, substantial fines, and lasting effects on your personal and professional life.
At The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how challenging it can be to face drug charges in Nassau County or Suffolk County. Our experienced team is committed to fighting for your rights and providing strong representation tailored to your case. With years of defending clients against drug crimes, we have the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of drug possession, trafficking, and related offenses. Whether you need help with a minor possession charge or a serious trafficking accusation, our goal is to give you the information you need to make informed decisions. Don’t hesitate to contact a known and trusted Nassau County criminal lawyer from our firm today for a free case evaluation—we’re here to help you through this challenging time.
Types of Drug Cases We Handle
Our firm has successfully defended clients in various drug-related cases, including but not limited to:
- Possession of Cannabis (Marijuana) and Controlled Substances: This includes concentrated cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Items such as scales, balances, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules, and ziplock bags often indicate drug activity and can lead to charges.
- Possession with Intent to Sell: Being found with drugs coupled with evidence suggesting intent to sell can lead to serious felony charges.
- Sale of Cannabis (Marijuana), Narcotics, and Controlled Substances: Selling drugs carries harsher penalties than simple possession.
- Manufacturing Controlled Substances: This includes the illegal production of drugs like crystal meth.
Understanding New York’s Drug Schedule Scales
New York State uses drug schedule scales to classify controlled substances based on their potential for abuse, addiction, and accepted medical use. There are five schedules ranging from 1 to 5, with Schedule I being the most dangerous and addictive drugs and Schedule V being the least potent. These schedules play a significant role in determining the severity of penalties associated with drug offenses.
- Schedule I: Drugs with the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Examples include heroin, LSD, psilocybin, and ecstasy.
- Schedule II: Drugs with high potential for abuse but with accepted medical uses. Examples include oxycodone, fentanyl, opium, and cocaine.
- Schedule III: Drugs with moderate potential for abuse. Examples include ketamine and buprenorphine.
- Schedule IV: Drugs with low to moderate potential for abuse. Examples include Xanax and Valium.
- Schedule V: Drugs with the lowest potential for abuse, such as cough syrup with low amounts of codeine.
Classification of Controlled Substances
New York State laws also categorize controlled substances into several classifications:
- “Narcotic drug.” These are drugs that are generally known to produce pain relief, a state of stupor or sleep, and addiction. Common drugs that fall under this classification are cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl.
- “Narcotic preparation.” These are drugs that are generally known to be a mixture, solid or liquid, that contain two or more substances. A common drug that falls under this classification is suboxone, formally known as buprenorphine hydrochloride.
- “Hallucinogen.” These are psychoactive drugs that produce altered states of consciousness or hallucinations. A common drug in this classification is LSD.
- “Hallucinogenic substance.” These are other psychoactive drugs that fall outside the hallucinogen classification. A common drug in this classification is Ecstasy, also known as Molly or “E.”
- “Stimulant.” These are drugs generally known to speed up messages traveling between the brain and body and make a person feel more awake or energetic. A common drug in this classification is Adderall.
- “Depressant.” The opposite of a stimulant, these drugs reduce stimulation by affecting the body to slow down messages between the brain and body. Common drugs that fall under this classification are Xanax and Valium.
Types of New York Drug Crimes and Their Penalties
The penalties for drug crimes on Long Island are harsh and vary based on several factors, including the type and amount of drug involved, the intent behind possession, and any prior convictions. Below are common drug offenses and their potential penalties:
- Possession (for Personal Use): Possession of a small amount of an illegal narcotic or controlled substance is typically charged as a Class A Misdemeanor, which can result in up to 1 year in jail, 3 years probation, and a $1,000 fine. In many cases, these charges are issued via a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT), allowing individuals to avoid being held in custody.
- Possession with Intent to Sell: This offense is more serious and can be charged as a Class D Felony, even for a first offense. It can lead to up to 2.5 years in prison, 1 year of post-release supervision, up to 5 years probation, and a $5,000 fine.
- Sale of a Controlled Substance or Narcotic Drug: Selling or distributing drugs is treated as a serious felony offense. The lowest level of a sale offense is a Class D Felony, but many controlled substances can be charged as a Class B Felony, carrying a sentence of up to 9 years in prison, 2 years of post-release supervision, 5 years probation, and a $30,000 fine.
Experienced and Aggressive Nassau County Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
Being arrested for a drug-related offense in New York makes it imperative to have a competent and aggressive defense attorney on your side. At The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and freedom. With over a decade of criminal law experience, Attorney Ramy M. Louis has successfully defended clients against various drug charges across Nassau County and Suffolk County.
Your future is too important to leave to chance. Contact a drug crime lawyer from our firm now to schedule your free confidential case evaluation. Our experienced team is committed to providing you with the strong legal representation you need and deserve. Don’t wait—let us fight for your rights!
