NYC Federal
Drug Crime
Lawyer
New York Federal Drug Charges Attorney
Facing drug charges is intimidating, especially if you face a conviction for federal drug crimes. Federal laws concerning drugs are different from state laws, featuring more complicated processes and the potential for harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. If you are suspected of committing a federal drug crime, you need an experienced NYC federal drug crime lawyer with the knowledge and skills to settle this complex case.
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About the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC - Your Trusted Criminal Defense Attorneys
When you are facing federal drug charges, you need a tough, experienced defense attorney who knows what to do when the stakes are high. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we have the knowledge and tenacity you want in your corner. With a dedicated staff of over 35 people, we pride ourselves on the ability to provide our clients with 24-hour access to legal advice and assistance.
Our federal criminal defense firm has been featured in several national publications, including HuffPost, USA Today, and Bloomberg, and our attorneys have earned places on prestigious lists such as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list and Super Lawyers. * No matter how insurmountable the challenge you are facing seems to be, we are not afraid to help you face it head-on.
What Constitutes a Drug According to the Federal Government?
Drug abuse is a serious societal problem in the United States. As of 2023, 47.7 million Americans were admittedly using illegal drugs on an active basis. For the purposes of criminal charges, a drug is a controlled substance. Controlled substances are defined by the federal government, and they are categorized into schedules according to their potential to be abused.
Schedule I controlled substances are those with no recognized medical use and the highest potential for abuse, such as heroin or LSD. These are the most dangerous substances. Schedules II through V are considered to have limited recognized medical use, including cocaine, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and benzodiazepines.
Types of Federal Drug Crimes
Each state has its own laws concerning drugs and drug use, but there are federal laws that apply across the board. The most common federal drug crimes are listed below.
Possession
When you illegally hold a controlled substance on your person or within your property, this is considered possession. Possession can also be accompanied by other drug charges based on the amount of the drug in question. If you are in possession of an amount of a drug deemed to be in excess of what is expected for personal use, law enforcement officers can charge you with possession with intent to distribute
Distribution
Distribution of drugs, or drug dealing, is the exchange, sale, trade, or transport of illegal drugs from one party to another. Compared to possession, distribution charges involve a larger quantity of drugs, usually an ounce or more. If cash is found by law enforcement officers along with the drugs, this indicates that an exchange was made or that one person was in the process of purchasing the drugs from another.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is defined as growing or otherwise producing controlled substances that have been deemed illegal by the federal government. This includes possessing the facilities and equipment designed to grow or produce drugs, as well as transporting any chemicals involved in the growing or production of drugs.
Trafficking
The manufacture, transportation, and distribution of an illegal drug are considered drug trafficking. The illegal drug industry operates due to the efforts of drug traffickers across the country, so law enforcement officers view trafficking as an exceptionally severe crime. Suspected traffickers are pursued aggressively and typically receive maximum sentences for their participation in the illegal drug trade.
Possible Penalties for Federal Drug Charges
Since there is a wide range of federal drug charges, from simple possession to large-scale manufacturing and distribution, the possible penalties for these charges cover a wide range. Simple possession may be charged as a misdemeanor, resulting in a possible short jail sentence, or maybe even just a fine and community service. More serious charges, like trafficking, may result in felony charges that carry possible sentences of decades in prison.
Hire a Federal Drug Crime Lawyer
If you are facing federal drug charges or if you think you are under investigation for activities that could result in such charges, you should hire a federal drug crime lawyer as soon as you possibly can. Your attorney can help you from the very beginning of your case by being present in any police interviews, beginning the process of building your defense, and watching for any mishandling of evidence or violations of your rights during the investigation.
FAQs About NYC Federal Drug Crime Laws
Is Marijuana Illegal at the Federal Level?
No, marijuana is not legal at the federal level, even though recreational and medicinal marijuana use has been legalized in several states throughout the country. As of this writing, marijuana is still listed as a Schedule I controlled substance, and possession of marijuana is considered a federal drug crime. You should engage an experienced lawyer for further clarification.
Where Are Federal Drug Crime Cases Handled in New York City?
Federal drug crime cases are the jurisdiction of the United States District Court. In New York City, there are two branches. These are the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, located at 500 Pearl Street in New York, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which is located at 225 Cadman Plaza East and 271 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn.
How Much Does a Federal Drug Crime Lawyer Cost?
If you need to hire a federal drug crime lawyer, the cost to do so depends heavily on several factors, including the complexity of your case, your prospective lawyer’s individual hourly rates, and the amount of time the lawyer spends working for you. Most attorneys ask for an up-front fee called a retainer to begin working on a case.
Are All Federal Drug Crimes Felonies?
No, not all federal drug crimes are charged as felonies, although most are. In most cases, simple possession of a controlled substance in an amount that is generally assumed to be for personal use can be charged as a misdemeanor if the accused individual has no prior drug convictions. Quantity thresholds are defined in the United States Code.
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Rob is a great criminal defense attorney whom I would recommend for his expertise and communication-style.
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Robert knew exactly what he was doing and he got the CHARGES DISMISSED!!! Couldn't ask for a better attorney. I definitely recommend him.
—Mike
The best criminal defense lawyer. Takes his client’s calls at any time of the day or night. He was always there for me and my family. Saved my life.
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I retained Robert Tsigler to help me with a criminal case. He exceeded all my expectations and was able to get a great resolution for me... He was highly respected by the district attorney.
—David
I hired Robert to defend me in a case where the cops arrested me for something I didn't do. I was really worried and angry that I was arrested for something that wasn't my fault. Robert told me to relax and that he would handle everything. He kept his word and got all the charges dropped!
—Joe
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Tsigler Law Can Handle Your Federal Drug Charges
Federal drug charges are serious, and they require serious legal representation. The expert team of criminal defense attorneys from Tsigler Law will answer any of your questions, discuss your options and potential repercussions, and thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (718) 878-3781 or contacting us online.
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