What Are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking Charges in New York?

To say that the state and federal governments take drug trafficking seriously may be an understatement. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, you are looking at hefty penalties that could derail your life. You should hire a Queens drug crime lawyer who can help you defend yourself from any accusations.

What is Considered Drug Trafficking?

When you are accused of drug trafficking, you are accused of being part of a network of criminals who move drugs to different markets and sell them to as many people as possible. You are not some small-time dealer with a couple of customers. You are being accused of something much bigger due to the sheer quantity of drugs you possess, and the penalties are going to be far more severe as a result.

Will I Go to Jail For Drug Trafficking?

In New York, the answer to this question is almost always yes. If you get convicted of drug trafficking you are going to prison, even if this is a first offense or if the drug is considered a less dangerous one. A fifth-degree conviction can result in a jail sentence of one to 2.5 years. A first-degree conviction can result in a prison stay of between eight and 20 years.

Do Certain Drugs Result in Harsher Sentencing?

Yes, the trafficking of some substances is treated more seriously than others. The potential punishments are often based on what “schedule” a drug is classified as. Cocaine and fentanyl are considered Schedule II drugs. Heroin and LSD are considered Schedule I drugs. There are also other categories, extending all the way to Schedule V.

If we want to compare penalties, trafficking a Schedule V drug can result in a prison stay of under one year if it is a first offense. If you are convicted of trafficking heroin, a jail sentence can last between five and 40 years. There are expensive fines associated with both of these charges as well. Being convicted of the lesser charge of trafficking a Schedule V drug can result in a fine of up to $100,000. Someone convicted of trafficking heroin can expect a fine of up to $5,000,000.

How Can a Defense Attorney Help Me Fight Drug Trafficking Charges?

The stakes are high in a drug trafficking case, so you want to have an experienced defense attorney on your side during this process. Your lawyer can:

• Get evidence against you thrown out
• Protect you if your civil rights are violated
• Show that you were ignorant of the operation and had no intent to distribute
• Negotiate a plea deal if necessary
• Prepare you for testimony
• Answer any questions you have about the legal process
• Help you keep track of important court dates and deadlines

Contact Our Law Firm

It is time to start taking these charges seriously. Contact Vasiliou Law and schedule a free consultation with our team. We can tell you more about what our attorneys can do to defend you.