Bronx Drug Possession Lawyer

You may have heard that police in areas like the Bronx are too busy dealing with high-level narcotics traffickers that they don’t have the time or resources to arrest everyone carrying small amounts of drugs, but that’s simply not true. NYPD takes an aggressive stance when it comes to drug enforcement and that often starts with arresting individuals on simple drug possession charges.

If you’ve been arrested for possession of a controlled substance in the Bronx or anywhere else in New York City, it’s important to retain the services of a New York drug possession lawyer at your earliest convenience. Even small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other drugs can lead to prison, fines, mandatory counseling, and a criminal record.

Drug Possession Cases in the Bronx

In the state of New York, there are six levels of criminal possession of a controlled substance:

• 1st Degree – Class A-I Felony

• 2nd Degree – Class A-II Felony

• 3rd Degree – Class B Felony

• 4th Degree – Class C Felony

• 5th Degree – Class D Felony

• 7th Degree – Class A Misdemeanor

The degree of the offense is dictated by the type of substance, weight, and the method of carry. All levels of charges can result in jail or prison.

Possible Defenses in Drug Cases

In order for the police to charge you with drug possession they must be able to show that:

1. The drug is a controlled substance

2. You were in possession of the substance

3. You knew you were in possession of a drug

4. The possession was illegal

Your criminal defense lawyer will look to those elements of the crime for prosecutorial flaws that can result in a reduction in charges, a dismissal, or a favorable plea. Common defenses include:

• Lack of Knowledge – The accused didn’t know that they were in possession of the drug or didn’t realize that it was a controlled substance.

• Temporary and Lawful Possession – The accused may have seized the contraband in order to turn it over to the authorities. For instance, a bouncer in a bar seizing cocaine from a patron and holding it until the police arrive.

• Valid Prescription – The defendant had a prescription for the drugs they were charged with.

• Insufficient Quantity – This can be used to reduce charges and sometimes get them dismissed.

• Infancy – A legal term used to describe a defendant under 16 years of age. The state may not prosecute a juvenile in certain instances.

Bronx and NYC Drug Possession Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the Bronx, you need to begin working on your legal defense immediately. The Law Offices of Jason A. Steinberger represents individuals who have been arrested for drug possession in the Bronx. With a reputation for winning cases and aggressively protecting the rights of his clients, attorney Steinberger will examine the case against you and determine the best legal strategy. Call his Bronx office for a free initial consultation