Around the country, states are beginning to loosen their restrictions on recreational drug use. However, New York isn’t one of them and the state is actually home to some of the harshest drug laws in the country. Despite the long history of drug crimes, there are a surprising number of misconceptions and myths out there surrounding them. As such, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at some of the truths about this type of criminal charge.
There are number of different things that are worth looking at and understanding. Some of them include:
- The specifics of the type of penalties you could face will depend upon the nature of your drug charge, your criminal history, and the judge presiding over the case. The more serious the offense, the more serious the penalty will be.
- Simple possession is the most common and least serious offense, but it can lead to jail sentences and heavy fines too. It’s important to note that under New York law, just being in the same room as someone who is holding drugs could lead to you being charged as well. This is something that many are surprised to learn, and is worth remembering.
- Certain types of drug charges will be tried as federal crimes. Large quantities of drugs, smuggling drugs across state lines, and other similar offenses could be tried in this manner and may lead to more serious penalties including large fines and heavy prison terms.
- Along with heavy fines and as much as 20 years in prison, those convicted of drug charges will also have the conviction placed on their criminal record. More than 90% of employers now use background checks when hiring applicants, and a drug charge could make it very difficult to find employment later in life.
- Drug related law is incredibly complex, and only an experienced criminal attorney should be trusted to represent your best interests in the court system. They’ll understand the nature of your charges and how best to structure your defense.
Drug charges are very serious, and it’s vital that you get the help you deserve when defending yourself against them. If you’ve been charged with any type of drug crime, contact us today to get a consultation visit and find out more about your options and what steps you need to take.