NYC Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Being arrested for drug trafficking in NYC can be a scary experience. The possibility of substantial financial penalties and long sentences can keep anyone awake at night. If you’re concerned about your future and family, you don’t have to face this alone.

As a former New York City prosecutor, attorney Mehdi Essmidi knows the drug trafficking laws and prosecutors’ tactics and uses this knowledge to build solid cases. Our firm provides strong, experienced defense for those arrested for drug trafficking in NYC. Our team of drug crime lawyers understands the legal consequences and works hard to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.

Whatever the charge – possession with intent to distribute, conspiracy, or drug trafficking – we can build a defense for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

New York Penal Code and Drug Trafficking

Knowing how drug crime charges work in NYC is crucial in building a defense. A conviction for a drug-related crime in New York can include the potential loss of driving privileges, professional licenses, and a permanent criminal record. The New York Penal Code has several sections that address drug charges, with specific provisions for trafficking.

New York law makes a distinction between major and non-major drug traffickers, with major traffickers facing more severe penalties classified as class A felony. Under NY Penal Law § 220.77, a person is considered a major trafficker if they:

• Are a director of a controlled substance organization
• Sell controlled substances worth $75,000 or more in 6 months
• Possess controlled substances worth $75,000 or more

Degrees of Drug Trafficking Charges

In New York, drug crimes are classified into different degrees based on the type and quantity of drugs, the intent, and the circumstances of the crime. Hiring experienced drug trafficking lawyers can make all the difference for a strong defense strategy.

First Degree Drug Trafficking

First-degree drug trafficking is the most serious charge under New York law. It’s typically large quantities of controlled substances or high-level operations. Under NY Penal Law § 220.43, this is a Class A-I felony and can result in extraordinary fines and life imprisonment.

Second Degree Drug Trafficking

Second-degree charges are less serious but still a class A-II felony. This charge is often for substantial amounts of drugs but not at the level of first-degree trafficking.

Third Degree Drug Trafficking

Third-degree drug trafficking charges are for specified amounts of controlled substances or less complex operations. However, as a class B felony, the consequences can lead to up to 25 years in prison, fines, and asset forfeiture.

Fourth Degree Drug Trafficking

Fourth-degree charges are the least of the trafficking charges, but it’s still a class C felony that may carry penalties of 15 years in prison, fines, and probation.

Drug Related Charges

When you’re facing drug crimes in New York City, it’s essential to know the different offenses that fall under this category. Illegal drugs carry different implications under drug trafficking laws. At The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, we defend clients against a number of drug charges, including:

 Illegal Possession of Drug Manufacturing Equipment (21 U.S. Code § 841)

Under 21 U.S. Code § 841, it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance. This law also addresses the possession of equipment used in the production of these substances.

Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia (NY Penal Law § 220.50)

Criminal use of drug paraphernalia involves possessing or selling items intended for use in manufacturing, packaging, or consuming illegal drugs. This can include scales, bags, or other equipment commonly associated with drug distribution. While typically charged as a class A misdemeanor, it can significantly complicate a drug trafficking case.

Criminal Sale of Controlled Substances (NY Penal Law Article 220.39)

Illicit substances are at the center of charges for selling or attempting to sell controlled substances. The charge depends on the type of drug sold, quantity, location of the sale (e.g., near schools), and age of the buyer (selling to minors carries harsher penalties).

Drug Possession (NY Penal Law § 220.18)

Possession charges can be simple possession (for personal use) or possession with intent to distribute. The charge depends on the type of drug possessed, quantity, prior convictions, and presence of drug paraphernalia.

Conspiracy Charges (NY Penal Law § 105)

A person can be charged with conspiracy if they agree with one or more persons to commit or cause to be committed a crime. In drug cases, this might be planning drug sales or distribution, organizing drug manufacturing, and coordinating drug transportation.

Other Crimes

Other charges are often related to drug trafficking:

• Money laundering (NY Penal Law § 470.00)
• Criminal possession of precursors of controlled substances (NY Penal Law § 220.60)
• Criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance (NY Penal Law § 220.65)

We have defended all drug-related charges at The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi. Schedule a free consultation call to learn more.

Drug Trafficking Defenses

When facing drug trafficking charges in New York City, a strong defense is key. At The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, we have different defenses for different situations. We will evaluate the circumstances of your case and craft a custom defense. Here are some of the possible defenses we may use:

• Search and seizure challenges
• Violation of Constitutional Rights
• Lack of knowledge or intent
• Wrongful accusation

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

When you’re facing drug trafficking charges in New York City, time is of the essence. Hiring a New York drug crime lawyer immediately is essential, as these charges can lead to significant fines and potential prison time. The sooner you contact Mehdi Essmidi, our NYC drug trafficking lawyer, the sooner we can start building your defense for you. Contact us today for your free consultation.