Criminal Defense Lawyers

NYC Intent to Distribute Lawyers

Drug crimes are some of the most commonly committed and most heavily prosecuted crimes in the state of New York. Drug use poses a serious risk to public health and can lead to other crimes. Of the forty drug-related crimes outlined in New York’s penal code, drug distribution is one of the most serious. When you distribute drugs unlawfully, you are considered to be a drug dealer.

Sometimes, you’ll be found with a small amount of illegal drugs on your person. Law enforcement might charge you with drug possession, but they will not level a charge of selling against you because it seems likely that the drugs were for your own personal use. But if you’re found to possess a large number of drugs, law enforcement might suspect that you intend to distribute these drugs. In these cases, you will be charged with “possession with the intent to distribute” rather than just a possession charge. There will also be a drug selling charge leveled on top of that.

There are other circumstances in which intent to distribute charges and drug selling charges might be leveled simultaneously against a defendant. One of these is when a defendant is caught in the ct of selling drugs. The double charge matters because each of these charges is a felony on its own. If you’re convicted of the offense, your record will then have two felony drug convictions on it.

You need to talk to a New York lawyer as soon as you’re accused of the intent to distribute. Spodek Law Group has more than forty years of experience with navigating the criminal justice system, providing the best defenses, and helping you understand your options.

About an Intent to Sell Charge

Intent to sell has a specific definition in New York’s laws and penal codes. This charge will be leveled against you when you possess a controlled substance illegally and you intend to sell it. The actual sale does not need to take place for the charge to apply.

Intent to sell is usually determined by law enforcement officials when you have a significant amount of the drug, or when you’re caught actually selling the drug to another person. With certain drugs, the severity of the charge is based around the amount of the drug that you actually have. In other circumstances, the charge will vary based on the amount that you either sold or intended to sold.

The amounts defined in New York law are as follows:

• Any amounts of controlled substances
• Any amounts of narcotic drugs
• Any amounts of a hallucinogenic substance, hallucinogen, or stimulant, provided that you’ve previously been convicted of a crime related to controlled substances
• One gram or higher of a stimulant
• Twenty-five or more milligrams of hallucinogens
• One or more grams of hallucinogenic substances
• 1/8 ounce or at least one preparation or substance that contains methamphetamine

Two possession with intent crimes have been outlined: fifth degree intent to sell and third degree intent to sell. The fifth degree intent to sell is considered a class D felony, which means it carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. Third degree intent to sell is considered a class B felony, which carries maximum penalties of twenty-five years in prison.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

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2024-03-12

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2024-02-28

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divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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You might also be charged with intent to sell if law enforcement officials find both drugs and drug paraphernalia during their search. Drug paraphernalia is any paraphernalia that is used in the packaging and distribution of drugs. It’s considered a sign that selling is the defendant’s intention.