Queens Cocaine Possession Lawyers

You never thought it would happen to you. Getting arrested for cocaine possession in Queens. The fear, the uncertainty, the dread of what lies ahead. Will you go to jail? Lose your job? Have a permanent criminal record? These are the thoughts racing through your mind as you sit in the cold, stark holding cell. But you don’t have to face this terrifying situation alone. Not when the skilled Queens cocaine possession lawyers at Federal Lawyers are ready to fiercely protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

Understanding Cocaine Possession Charges in Queens

In Queens and throughout New York, cocaine is classified as a highly addictive Schedule II controlled substance. This means possession of any amount is considered a serious crime. The severity of the charges depends on factors like:

• The quantity of cocaine in your possession
• Whether you intended to sell or distribute the cocaine
• If you have any prior drug convictions

For example, possession of even a small amount of cocaine (less than 500 milligrams) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail. But if you’re caught with 500mg or more, it escalates to a Class D felony with a max sentence of 7 years in prison.

And it only gets worse from there. 1/2 ounce or more is a Class B felony with up to 25 years behind bars. 4 ounces or more? Now you’re looking at a Class A-II felony and a potential life sentence.

Scary stuff, right? But here’s the good news. Our battle-tested Queens cocaine possession attorneys know exactly how to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and position you for the most favorable outcome possible. We’ll leave no stones unturned in our mission to protect your rights, reputation and freedom.

Challenging the Evidence in Cocaine Possession Cases

Many cocaine possession cases hinge on the admissibility of key evidence, the actual cocaine seized by police. But what if that evidence was obtained illegally through an unlawful search and seizure that violated your 4th Amendment rights? Then it may get suppressed, significantly weakening the prosecution’s case.

DEFENSE TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Todd Spodek

Lead Attorney & Founder

Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.

NY Bar Admitted Multi-State Licensed Federal Courts

Meet the Full Team

At Federal Lawyers, we meticulously scrutinize every aspect of the arrest and investigation, searching for any police misconduct or procedural missteps we can use to your advantage. Our Queens cocaine lawyers have a track record of getting damaging evidence thrown out, positioning clients for dismissals, reduced charges, or acquittals at trial.

Legal Scenario: What Would You Do?

Scenario

You were pulled over in Jamaica, Queens for a broken taillight, and during the stop the officer spotted a small bag of cocaine on your passenger seat. You were immediately arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and now you're facing the possibility of a permanent drug conviction on your record.

What are the possible penalties I'm facing for cocaine possession in Queens, and is there any way to avoid a criminal record?

Attorney's Answer

In New York, cocaine possession charges range from a Class A misdemeanor under Penal Law § 220.03 for small amounts to felony charges under § 220.06 or higher depending on the weight, carrying penalties from one year in jail up to several years in state prison. However, there are strong defense strategies we can pursue — we may be able to challenge the traffic stop itself or the officer's plain-view observation as a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search. New York also offers judicial diversion programs under CPL § 216.05 for eligible drug offenses, which could result in treatment instead of incarceration and ultimately a dismissal of charges. Every detail of your arrest matters, and an experienced Queens defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case that could lead to reduced charges or a complete dismissal.

This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

Other common evidentiary issues we look for:

• Breaks in the chain of custody of the cocaine evidence
• Failure to properly field test the substance
• Lab discrepancies in the chemical analysis
• Mishandling of evidence by police