People in New York can often make the mistake of using illegal drugs as a form of recreation. This can lead to a variety of serious drug charges for the accused. However, just because someone has been accused of drug use, does not mean the individual will face drug charges. Instead, police must gather specific evidence of drug possession and prosecutors must be able to use this evidence to prove all the elements of this crime.
Requirements for drug possession charges in New York
Drug trafficking in New City can lead to serious penalties
Residents of New City may have heard of various types of drug offenses, and in particular, 'drug trafficking.' However, it is important to understand what this crime entails, as it is much more serious than mere drug possession.
New York man faces drug charges after car chase with police
Being pulled over by the police can be a frightening experience, particularly if you feel you have done nothing wrong. However, as a recent story shows, attempting to flee in such situations can land you in even more trouble.
Don't underestimate the seriousness of drug possession charges
Drug possession charges are not always straightforward, and in fact can often be quite complex. For example, there are situations in which a New City resident could be wrongfully charged with drug possession even if he or she was not the possessor of the drugs found.
Help is available for those facing drug charges in New York
As this blog discussed last week, the state of New York has established a drug court program that may help individuals accused of drug crimes receive lesser sentences or have the charges against them dismissed if they meet the program's requirements. For many in New York, drug courts may be a preferable alternative to harsh jail sentences.
What types of drug courts are there in New York?
Residents of New City who find themselves facing drug charges may not know that there may be an alternative to traditional courts in such situations -- drug courts. In a drug court, an individual may receive a reduced sentence in exchange for voluntarily going through a court-supervised drug treatment program. New York State is a leader in the drug court movement, with 141 drug courts currently operating in the state as of January 2016.
Accusations of drug crimes in New York warrant a solid defense
As discussed last week, New York's drug courts may be an option for some of those accused of drug crimes. Yet, whether a case is going through one of the state's drug courts or through a traditional court, one thing is for certain: the accused deserves the highest level of defense possible in facing the allegations, to protect their rights and freedoms.
Drug courts in New York see successful resolutions
When it comes to drug charges and addiction, the cycle of abuse may best be broken not by punitive measures, but by rehabilitative measures. In general, the way drug courts work is that in exchange for a reduction in the individual's sentence, individuals accused of drug crimes can voluntarily undergo treatment approved by the court. The individual, his or her attorney, the court and the district attorney create a contract.
Alleged New York heroin rings raided
After a criminal investigation, such as an investigation into alleged drug crimes, police in New City may be quick to attempt a search and seizure. However, the police must follow certain procedures before they can search homes or other premises or seize evidence. If the police overstep their authority, they may violate the defendant's constitutional right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.
What does the criminal sale of marijuana in New York involve?
While the use of marijuana in New York is not uncommon, it is in most circumstances illegal and will be prosecuted. Last week's blog post discussed the criminal possession of marijuana and its penalties. However, possession is not the only drug offense involving marijuana in New York. The sale of marijuana is also illegal in the state, the penalties of which can range from class B misdemeanors to class C felonies.
