Long Island residents are among the most diverse in the nation, but several things bind us all together in commonality. One thing that is unfortunately common is the fact that we can all make mistakes from time to time. If you find yourself facing a charge of drug possession, the odds are that you aren’t the only one who was charged with that offense during the week – or even the day.
But the frequency of the crime doesn’t make it any less important to defend yourself in a court of law. In fact, drug laws in New York are among the harshest in the entire country and those who face them could end up with significant penalties as a result. There are a number of things you’ll want to keep in mind where a drug possession charge is concerned.
- Simple possession very rarely ends with a jail sentence. There is a chance you could serve some time, however. This is primarily if you have a long criminal record or depending upon the other specifics of your case.
- The amount that you possess will have a direct impact on your sentence if found guilty. Larger amounts could quickly lead to felony instead of misdemeanor charges, which in turn can lead to harsher penalties.
- Even if you face only a misdemeanor and end up with a small fine as your only punishment, you’ll still have a criminal record from that point forward. This can make it harder to find a job, secure a loan, or even rent a home.
- Most drug possession charges will end with a plea agreement. This can help you get a reduced penalty in exchange for freeing up the time of the court system. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not always best to plead guilty. In some cases there may be a chance of being found not guilty or of having charges dropped. Only a professional can determine this for you, though.
- Despite what you might think, you need a good criminal defense lawyer on your side. The fact is that their experience makes a huge difference in your case and will be vital in identifying which path is the best one for you to take for your defense.
Possession can be serious, and even minor charges can impact your life in significant ways. As a result, it’s important that you make sure you do all you can to understand the charges and to defend yourself against them. Finding a good criminal defense attorney should be your first step.