Criminal Defense Lawyers

New York, like many other states, takes drug possession and drug distribution quite seriously. Prosecutors pursue these crimes with the help of laws that only a good criminal law defense lawyer can navigate.

Drug possession and distribution come with severe penalties that can destroy lives in different ways. If you happen to be on the receiving end of the law regarding drug possession and distribution, then it is of the utmost importance that you contact an experienced lawyer who has experience with these kinds of crimes. You want the odds on your side, and this is one way to tip the balance in your favor.

What May Impact Drug Possession Charges

These types of charges can be influenced by a number of things, causing the prosecutor to seek different penalties. One thing that could influence the penalties is the weight of the drug in question or the amount that was sold or that you were in possession of.

You should also know that crimes linked to this charge will also affect the severity of your penalties. Crimes that are sometimes associated with distribution or possession are murder, assault, weapon possession, past incidents or crimes, and much more. Specifics will have to be discussed with your lawyer so that you have a better understanding.

Keep in mind that search warrants have gotten quite sophisticated. It is possible that a warrant could be issued to search through smartphones, computer, and videotapes that show the crimes taking place.

It is possible that if a person is arrested for distribution several times, the police department may attempt to investigate you as a part of something bigger. The police department may be attempting to go after the organization you are part of. If you happen to be arrested as a part of this larger arrest, then a lot is likely to be taken in, such as a large amount of drugs or cash, vehicles, watches, jewelry, and anything else of value.

Penalties for These Charges

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

New York law could say that your possession penalty will be nothing more than a misdemeanor, and that means you won’t serve more than one year in jail. Some people may be charged with a C felony if the crime is severe enough, and that could mean years of state prison.

After the Conviction

Once a conviction has been reached, a lot could happen depending on what the judge wants for you and the crime. Some can be ordered to probation so that they are monitored for a specified amount of time.

During this time, you are going to be sent to rehabilitation as part of your punishment. It is in your best interest to go ahead and partake in these drug rehabilitation programs because if you are a first-time offender, you might be able to prevent a criminal record. If it is not your first offence, you might earn some grace points if you go through the program.

Finding a way to fight this is incredibly important. As you know, your life could be compromised with a conviction. Your ability to get a job, an apartment, go to college, and have any sort of normal life is on the line. Having a defense attorney that knows the law and knows how to help you with these charges is your best bet.

Diversionary and Alternative Sentencing for First Offenders

First time offenders do have an option in New York that would steer them away from jail. You can pursue diversionary or alternative penalties with the help of the right lawyer. This route can help you avoid the criminal aspect of this charge, well, not entirely, but it should definitely be helpful.

Most of the time, the alternatives deals with rehabilitation, but if you do have a problem with drugs, then it is in your best interest to talk to a lawyer as quickly as possible because your problem could get the better of you later on.

Information Regarding Possession in New York

Remember that, at least for now, there is no such thing as personal use possession. The law is going to recognize any kind of possession as a crime. You are in possession of a controlled substance, and that means you are violating the law, no matter the amount you possessed during the arrest.

Prescription drug abuse is treated the same. There are certainly a number of prescription drugs that could lead to a misdemeanor or worse. If you have it and don’t have a prescription for the drug, this is a problem. This is the case even if you grabbed it from a family member in your own home. The prescription drug was not for you, end of story.

What lies ahead could be quite overwhelming, and the penalties can definitely be severe. You don’t have the luxury to go on without the help of a lawyer. It is important that this lawyer is from New York and has defended others for this type of crime. Do not hesitate to give us a call as soon as you are capable so that we can get started building a case on your behalf.