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Drug Charges And Your Future

Drug Charges And Your FutureFew things can influence your life in the same way that being charged with a crime can, and under New York law drug charges are among the most serious. More than 8 million people call Long Island home, and a number of them could find themselves facing a drug charge at some point in the future.

Knowledge is power, and understanding the specifics of drug charges, the potential penalties, and how to defend against them is very important for anyone facing them. Here are several key things that you should know.

For starters, it’s worth understanding that ‘drug charges’ can cover a lot of different things. Each of them varies in severity and in the punishment. Some of the most common specific charges include:

  • Drug Trafficking – Transporting drugs across state lines or transporting for the purpose of distribution.
  • Possession With Intent To Distribute – Possession of a larger quantity of drugs and/or paraphernalia that is associated with the sale and distribution of drugs.
  • Simple Possession – The most common drug offense, and a relatively minor one. Simple possession involves the possession of small amounts of drugs on your person, vehicle, or in your home.

The severity of the crime is the key to understanding potential penalties, but other factors are at play as well. Prior convictions, for example, often plays a role in the punishment handed out if found guilty. Drug trafficking can reach up to 20 years in prison, while simple possession rarely results in jail time at all.

Along with the immediate consequences, drug convictions create a criminal record that can haunt you for decades, making it harder to secure employment, take out a loan, or do a variety of other things within your life.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that there are no absolutes when it comes to drug charges. New York has some of the country’s harshest drug laws and it’s important that you understand just how serious any type of offense can be. Talking to an attorney is the first step you should take to find out more about your options and how your case could go.

Our team can help you if you’re charged with a drug offense. Contact our offices to set up a consultation visit and discuss your case with our professional attorneys. They can explain to you just what to expect in the future and what the right steps to take for your defense are.