Mar 21, 2024

NYC Crack Cocaine Possession & Trafficking Lawyers

If you’ve been arrested in New York City for crack cocaine possession or even trafficking, you need to know the exact charges you’ll be facing. Here’s how the law works and how it could affect you.

Crack Cocaine Possession in NYC: Know the Law

Article 220 of the New York penal code sets out the law regarding the possession of controlled substances, such as crack cocaine. Here are the possible charges:

Misdemeanor Possession Charges

• Possession of crack cocaine in the seventh degree: If you are arrested for possessing less than 500mg of crack cocaine, you will face charges of criminal possession in the seventh degree. This is a class A misdemeanor, and you could face up to a year in jail if convicted.

Felony Possession Charges Under New York Law

• Possession of crack cocaine in the fifth degree: Being arrested and charged with possessing 500mg or more of crack cocaine is a class D felony. This could carry a sentence of one to two-and-a-half years in prison, or even up to four years if you have previous convictions. • Possession of crack cocaine in the fourth degree: If you are arrested for possessing 1/8 of an ounce or more of crack cocaine, you could face up to five-and-a-half years in prison, or even up to nine years if you have previous convictions. This is a class C felony.

Major Felony Charges for Larger Amounts

• Possession of crack cocaine in the third degree: If you are arrested for possessing 1/2 of an ounce or more of crack cocaine, this is a class B felony. You could face up to nine years in prison if this is your first offense. For a second offense, you could face up to 12 years in prison. If this is your third offense, you could face up to 15 years in prison.

Class A Felony Possession Charges

• Possession of crack cocaine in the second degree: Possessing four ounces or more of crack cocaine is a class A-II felony. If convicted, you could face up to ten years in prison. If this is your second offense, you could face a prison term of up to 14 years. • Possession of crack cocaine in the first degree: If you are arrested for possessing eight ounces or more of crack cocaine, you will be charged with a class A-I felony. This can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years. For a second offense, you could face up to 24 years in prison, and for a third offense, you could face up to 30 years in prison.

Financial Penalties

With all these charges, you may also face significant fines, which will increase based on the class of felony with which you have been charged.

Charges for Selling or Trafficking Crack Cocaine in New York State

Selling a controlled substance, such as crack cocaine, is a felony under Article 220 (sections 31 to 44). Depending on the amount sold, as well as where it is sold, you could face fines and significant jail time.

Major Trafficker Charges

Trafficking crack cocaine is also a crime under Article 220 (section 77) of the code. A person who makes a profit of at least $75,000 from the sale of controlled substances during a period of 12 months or less will be charged with operating as a major trafficker. This is a class A-1 felony, and could carry a sentence of up to life in prison and fines of up to $100,000.

Do You Need a Crack Cocaine Possession and Trafficking Lawyer in NYC?

The Serious Nature of Drug Charges

Drug possession and trafficking charges are a serious matter; if you are charged with crack cocaine possession or even trafficking, you could face time in jail or prison, and be stuck with a criminal record. This could severely limit your career opportunities and affect some of your civil rights.

Immediate Legal Representation is Critical

It’s vital that you look for a lawyer to provide you with assistance as soon as possible after your arrest. They will learn everything they can about the circumstances of your case, defend you in court, and be your ally during the trial process.

Potential Benefits of Legal Representation

Having a good lawyer on your side could help you:

• Reduce your sentence or any associated fines
• Depending on any past criminal history (and the discretion of the courts), your lawyer may be able to help you work through the drug treatment courts to reduce your sentence

NYC Crack Cocaine Possession & Trafficking Lawyers