NYC
Drug Crime Lawyer
Drug Crime Attorney in NYC
Drug crimes are considered very serious offenses in the state of New York, and if you have been charged, it is essential that you secure representation from an NYC drug crime lawyer. A conviction for a drug-related crime could result in loss of driving privileges and professional licenses, lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record, all of which could limit future opportunities to obtain financial aid for college or secure employment.
Our team of experienced lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, brings decades of criminal defense experience to the table that we’re ready to put to work for you. We offer personalized care to each client to develop a legal strategy tailored to their specific case.
Our goal is to have your charges reduced or dropped altogether. If we can’t make that happen, we aim to negotiate a plea deal to secure an alternative to prison time. No matter the circumstances of your case, you can count on our team to help you through it.
New York State Drug Crime Laws
The total arrests for drug crime were up by 11% in 2024 in New York, and in 2023, 8.7% of all drug law violations in the United States were for possession of a controlled substance, while 12.3% were for the sale or manufacture of a drug.
New York is known for having some of the toughest laws against drug crimes in the United States, and drug trafficking is no exception. In the state of New York, drug crime statutes cover a wide range of activities related to the use, cultivation, and manufacture of illicit substances.
Drug trafficking crimes may include several types of drug possession, including the manufacturing, transporting, distributing, or selling of illegal drugs. The following sections of the New York Penal Code are related to drug crimes:
A total of 2,647 criminal cases were reported to the United States Sentencing Commission in New York in 2024. About 27.5 percent of those were related to drug charges.
- Section 220 – Controlled Substances
- Section 220.03-220.25 – Criminal Possession
- Section 220.31-220.44 – Criminal Sales
- Section 220.60 – Criminal Possession of Precursors or Analogues to Controlled Substances
- Section 220.77 – Drug Trafficking
- Section 221.00- 221.55 – Guidelines for Marijuana
A total of 2,647 criminal cases were reported to the United States Sentencing Commission in New York in 2024. About 27.5 percent of those were related to drug charges.
Notable Drug Crime Case Outcome
Multiple Felony Drug Charges Reduced to Non-Criminal Violation
Court: Nassau County Criminal Court
The Situation: The client faced multiple felony charges involving the possession and alleged sale of a controlled substance. A conviction carried potential state prison time, a permanent felony record, and severe long-term personal and professional consequences.
The Defense: Handled by attorney Walter Roesch, the defense team conducted an extensive review of all discovery and aggressively challenged the core strength of the prosecution’s initial evidence. Counsel leveraged these evidentiary weaknesses during extensive negotiations to secure a treatment-based framework instead of a felony track.
Timeline: Resolved in approximately 4–5 months.
The Victory: All felony dockets were completely avoided. The case was fully resolved as a non-criminal disorderly conduct violation with community service, meaning the client escaped jail time and walked away with no criminal conviction.
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance
This is one of the most common drug crime charges in New York. Under New York’s crime laws, possession charges are divided into degrees based on the type and quantity of the substance involved. Controlled substances can include:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription opioids and other regulated drugs
Lower-level possession charges may be classified as misdemeanors, especially when the amount involved is small, and there’s no intent to sell. However, higher-degree possession charges, often based on weight thresholds, are felonies that can carry significant prison sentences.
Our NYC drug crime attorneys can carefully analyze whether the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the substance was lawful, as constitutional violations can result in key evidence being suppressed in your drug crime case.
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance
Another serious category involves the criminal sale of a controlled substance. Under New York’s drug crime laws, a sale doesn’t just mean exchanging drugs for money. It can include giving or transferring drugs to another person, even without payment. This broad definition means individuals can face felony charges even in situations they didn’t consider to be dealing.
Sale charges are also graded by degree, depending on the type and amount of drugs involved. For example, selling small amounts could still result in a felony conviction, while large-scale transactions can expose a person to lengthy state prison sentences.
Possession With Intent to Sell
In some situations, you might be charged with possession with intent to sell as opposed to simple possession. Prosecutors try to prove intent by pointing to factors like packaging materials, scales, large amounts of cash, or text messages. Even if no actual transaction took place, the allegation of intent can elevate the severity of the charges under New York’s drug crime laws.
A knowledgeable NYC drug crime attorney can challenge whether the evidence truly supports an inference of intent, as assumptions based on circumstantial evidence can be flawed or exaggerated in a drug crime case.
Drug Trafficking and Major Felonies
High-level drug offenses, often referred to as trafficking, involve substantial quantities of controlled substances. These cases are aggressively prosecuted, and they often involve coordinated investigations by local and federal law enforcement. Under strict drug crime laws, trafficking convictions can result in lengthy incarceration, steep fines, and long periods of post-release supervision.
Our seasoned NYC drug crime attorneys can examine whether law enforcement obtained the proper warrants and complied with procedural safeguards. In a complicated drug crime case, even a small procedural error can have a significant impact.
Prescription Drug Offenses and Marijuana-Related Charges
Drug charges aren’t limited to street narcotics. New York crime laws also address the unlawful possession or distribution of prescription medications, such as:
- Oxycodone
- Adderall
- Xanax
- Hydromorphone
- Codeine
- Tramadol
Forging prescriptions, doctor shopping, or possessing large quantities of prescription drugs can lead to felony prosecution.
While New York has reformed certain marijuana statutes, unlawful possession or sale outside of the approved legal framework can still result in criminal charges.
Understanding the nuances of evolving drug crime laws is critical, and our knowledgeable NYC drug crime attorneys can explain how recent legislative changes may affect your case.
Charged as Felonies or Misdemeanors
Drug trafficking crimes, like all other types of possession, are charged as felonies and misdemeanors, which may result in hefty consequences. Charges may range anywhere from class E to Class A felonies, and can lead to life in prison and major fines.
The class by which a person is charged can depend on the type of drugs, with more dangerous drugs receiving steeper penalties, and whether or not the defendant intended to sell to minors. There were 25,728 suspected opioid overdose cases recorded in New York in 2023. While the state saw a 32 percent decrease in fatal overdoses in 2024, drug crimes are still a prevalent issue throughout the state.
First-time Offenders
First-time offenders who are considered non-major drug traffickers may only be punished by 1-2 years in prison, while major drug traffickers could face 15 years to life behind bars. The minimum fine is $5,000, while the maximum could be double the defendant’s profit from the commission of the intended drug sale, or $100,000.
Those convicted of a drug trafficking felony may also suffer additional consequences after their sentence is through. A class A felony drug trafficking crime will require a 7-year period of post-release supervision after prison. A convicted felon will also have to deal with the inconvenience of a criminal record, which can make it far more difficult to retain employment and will likely influence housing opportunities.
Drug Crime Cases in New York
New York is known for having some of the toughest laws against drug crimes in the United States, and drug trafficking is no exception. Drug trafficking crimes may include several types of drug possession, including the manufacturing, transporting, distributing, or selling of illegal drugs.
It does not matter if you have been charged with simple possession of a controlled substance or the distribution, trafficking, or manufacture of one. In any of these cases, a conviction could lead to unfavorable outcomes. To successfully defend a drug charge, it’s beneficial to work with a New York criminal defense attorney who is experienced in handling drug cases.
To be charged with any type of drug possession, a person must have knowingly and illegally been in possession of a controlled substance. While drug crimes can be charged at the state level, they are often escalated to the federal level.
Federal Agencies
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) oversee these investigations, both of which have greater access to resources and broader influence. It’s wise to work with a federal drug crime attorney who has experience working on drug crime cases at every level, so you are adequately prepared to defend yourself against your charges.
Aggravating factors that can escalate a drug crime case to the federal level include:
- Connection to other federal crimes
- Drug conspiracy
- Handling large quantities of drugs
- Importing and Interstate trafficking
- Organized crime deals
- Use of firearms or other weapons
Whether you’re being charged at the state or federal level, it’s important to understand your charges and legal options. Our NYC drug crime lawyers can evaluate your case and help you decide how to move forward with contesting your charges.
Local NYC Drug Crime Attorneys Near You
Facing drug charges can be a daunting prospect, regardless of your level of experience dealing with the law. It’s wise to consult with an NYC drug crime attorney as soon as possible to help you understand the nature of your charges and develop a legal strategy for a solid defense.
The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, has decades of experience defending clients against drug crimes at the state and federal levels. Our objective is to achieve success with your case, so you can move forward with your life.
Time Is of the Essence. Get Your Consultation Now.
If any of the above offenses relate to your case, call our New York drug crime attorney at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC. Our lawyer is available to answer your questions and concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer to Help With Your Case in New York
If you are facing drug charges, don’t wait to seek legal help. Both state and federal prosecutors have access to legal tools and resources that can make it challenging to defend yourself. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, our attorneys have a keen understanding of criminal law and can help your case. Our goal is to have your drug charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
Moreover, we can negotiate plea deals to hopefully secure lighter penalties if we can’t get the case dismissed altogether. Whether you are a first-time offender facing a class E felony charge or a repeat major drug trafficker, we can see that your legal rights are protected. Contact the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, today to defend your future.
We Represent Clients Across NYC
- Brooklyn Drug Crime Defense
- Queens Drug Crime Defense
- Staten Island Drug Crime Defense
- Manhattan Drug Crime Defense
- Bronx Drug Crime Defense
NYC Drug Crime Resources
- New York Penal Code § 220.77: Operating as a Major Trafficker
- New York Penal Code § 220.55: Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia (1st Degree)
- New York Penal Code § 220.50: Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia (2nd Degree)
- New York Penal Code § 220.46: Criminal Injection of a Narcotic Drug
- New York Penal Code § 130.90: Facilitating a Sexual Offense with a Controlled Substance
Robert Tsigler, Esq. has handled thousands of cases as a New York criminal defense lawyer and knows how to create the strongest opportunity to secure the results your case deserves. If you have any questions about a pending drug charge, call the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC at 718-878-3781.
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If you were wrongly accused of committing a crime in the state of New York, then you want to get a lawyer that is going to fight for your rights. You want a lawyer that will hear you out, and get you the outcome that you deserve.
Robert Tsigler offers a risk free consultation to all potential clients. The fees that are charged are highly reasonable as well, and they also offer payment plans. During the initial consultation, this firm answer any and every question that clients may have. Robert Tsigler and his team discuss all of the aspects of the case and the possible repercussions. The Tsigler team helps clients to learn how to fight against their accusations, and they investigate all of the possible ways to get the case dismissed. At the firm of Robert Tsigler, they realize that time is of the essence, so they have 24/7 availability. The Robert Tsigler team makes sure to return all of their emails and calls within hours, and they have results that are completely and totally unbeatable.
Robert Tsigler is an individual who has lived in New York for all of his life. He works in courts in New Jersey, New York and an all throughout the United States. Robert Tsigler works with civil and criminal law, and he has been able to help in the prosecution of hundreds of different cases. Robert Tsigler graduated from the University of New York with a bachelors in Arts of Criminal Justice and Psychology. Tsigler also received his Jurist Doctorate from The New York Law School. Robert Tsigler has received the following awards and honors: The National Trial Lawyers Association, The National Academy of Conference Attorneys: Top 10 under 40, Super lawyers 2017, and The American Institute of Legal Counsel: 10 Best Attorneys of 2017. Robert Tsigler is a person who has been able to gain the respect and trust of thousands of individuals. He is a well known name because of all of the time and effort that he has put into each and every one of his cases. Robert Tsigler does not stop until he is able to get his clients what they deserve; that is the reason why he is an award-winning lawyer.
The Drug Criminal Law firm of Robert Tsigler, PLLC is Ready to Fight for You!
Getting representation as soon as possible following any Drug Crime-related charge is the best way to promote a positive result from a subsequent trial. These charges are considered very serious and can result in expensive fines, the loss of driving privileges or professional licenses, and even incarceration. Only an experienced New York Drug Crime lawyer can successfully defend your case.
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