Suffolk County Drug Crime Lawyer
Experienced Suffolk County drug crime attorneys preserving the rights and freedom of the accused for over 25 years. If you’ve been accused of a drug crime in New York, schedule a free confidential consultation today.
Every day throughout Suffolk County, individuals are arrested for drug crimes. Some may be charged with selling cocaine in East Hampton or transporting drugs in their car on Sunrise Highway. Others may be reported for manufacturing methamphetamine in their Manorville home.
Regardless of the charges you face, the Suffolk County drug crime lawyers at Matera Law can assist you with building a solid defense.
Drug-related crimes can be prosecuted in both the state and federal courts. Relevant factors to the prosecution of a drug crime include intent to sell, selling the drug directly, possession of the drug, and creating or manufacturing drugs. Each of these charges can result in a variety of penalties, including fines or jail time.
Convictions for a drug crime can result in a court-ordered drug abuse treatment program, incarceration, fines, or community service.
Every year, there are more than 2,000 people charged with drug crimes in Suffolk County. Given the number of charges presented each year in Suffolk County, there are a large number of people who need to have proper legal representation in court. At Matera Law, our Suffolk County drug crime lawyers have over 25 years of experience in representing individuals who have been charged with drug-related crimes.
Types of Drug Crimes in New York
When you’re faced with charges for drug-related crimes, you could be looking at serious fines, penalties, or incarceration.
There are six types of drug charges that can be brought against an individual. These include the following:
- Criminal marijuana possession
- Criminal sale of a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Drug trafficking and distribution
- Unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine
- Possession with intent to distribute
If you have been charged with any of the above, it’s important to have an experienced Suffolk County drug crime lawyer examine the facts of your case to help you build an appropriate defense.
Drug convictions can stay on your record permanently and have the potential to affect you far into the future. Convictions can prevent you from obtaining employment, receiving federal benefits, and even voting. Defending yourself as thoroughly as possible is in your best interests.
Criminal Marijuana Possession
According to current New York state law, it is legal for anyone over the age of 21 to possess, purchase, or transport up to 3 ounces of cannabis or up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis.
It is also legal for a person over age 21 to give or transfer up to 3 ounces of cannabis or up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis to another person aged 21 or older, as long as no payment is given.
Smoking cannabis is also allowed in all public places in which smoking tobacco is allowed. Private places may set their own rules for smoking, use, or transfer of cannabis on their own grounds.
Up to three mature cannabis plants and three immature cannabis plants may be grown in a private home.
While the law was changed in 2021 to allow the possession and use of cannabis in reasonable amounts, criminal charges may still be filed against those who hold amounts of cannabis in their possession greater than those prescribed by law.
Examples of allowable criminal charges include:
- Possession of cannabis greater than 16 ounces — Class A misdemeanor
- Holding cannabis greater than 5 pounds — Class E felony
- Possession of cannabis greater than 10 pounds — Class D felony
- Sale of cannabis greater than 16 ounces — Class E felony
- Selling cannabis greater than 5 pounds — Class D felony
- Sale of cannabis greater than 10 pounds — Class C felony
This is not an exhaustive list of potential charges related to criminal marijuana possession. A Suffolk County drug crime lawyer at Matera Law can review your case and help you build a solid argument against any marijuana charges you might face.
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance
In the state of New York, a criminal charge for the sale of a controlled substance can be brought against someone who knowingly and unlawfully sells a controlled substance.
The amount and type of the substance sold do not matter, as long as it can be proven that it is a substance found on any of the 5 schedules of controlled substances. The minimum penalty for this crime is a Class D felony with a 2.5-year prison sentence.
Additional charges can be brought for the sale of a controlled substance. Charges vary based on where the drugs were sold, the type of drug sold, and the amount of the drug sold. It is also possible to be charged with a Class A felony for the sale of drugs.
A partial list of drugs classified by schedule is given below:
Schedule I
- Heroin
- MDMA
- PCP
- Psilocybin
Schedule II
- Cocaine
- OxyContin
- LSD
- Ritalin
- Methamphetamine
- Anabolic steroids
- Raw opium
Schedule III
- Ketamine
- Concentrated cannabis
Schedule IV
- Xanax
- Ativan
- Halcion
- Ambien
Schedule V
- Antidepressants
- Cough syrup
A skilled Suffolk County drug crime lawyer at Matera Law can assist you in defending your case if you are charged with the criminal sale of a controlled substance within Suffolk County.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of a controlled substance is punishable as a felony charge. Classification of the felony charge depends on the amount of the drug held, where it was held, and what type of drug it was, classified in accordance with the schedule of controlled substances.
Smaller amounts of drugs held that correspond with the lowest classification of a controlled substance will generally lead to the lowest severity of criminal charges, while higher volumes often correspond with more severe criminal charges.
If you are charged with possession of a controlled substance, protect your rights by hiring an experienced Suffolk County drug crime lawyer from The Matera Law Firm.
Drug Trafficking and Distribution
Drug trafficking and distribution are some of the most serious drug crimes that an individual can be charged with.
For this charge to apply, an individual must be suspected of acting as the director of an organization that sold at least $75,000 worth of drugs in a year or possessed drugs with the intent to sell at least $75,000 worth within six months.
Crimes of drug trafficking can result in a Class A-1 felony, 15 to 25 years of incarceration, and a fine of up to $100,000.
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, contact an experienced Suffolk County drug crime lawyer at Matera Law. We can help you fight to secure a fair outcome in your case.
Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine
Both state and federal charges can be brought against an individual who manufactures methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug. Convictions for the manufacture of methamphetamine can result in Class D, C or B felonies, depending on the equipment, ingredients, and methamphetamine found.
Having 50 grams of pure methamphetamine or more than 500 grams of a meth mixture can result in a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, according to federal law.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
If you are found with an unusual amount of drugs, police may charge you with possession with intent to distribute. This charge can be applied when there is some indication that you had a plan to sell the drugs. Examples can include having the drugs separated into baggies or having a large amount of cash on hand.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Suffolk County Drug Crime Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with a drug offense, contact a Suffolk County drug crime lawyer at Matera Law Firm. We have over 25 years of experience in representing individuals who are fighting drug charges. Reach out today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
-
Featured Review
Michael is absolutely amazing as is his staff! He is not only a spectacular attorney, but he is a wonderful human being. His professionalism transcends words and he makes you feel cared for and is wonderful at putting your psyche at ease. Moreover, his connections and abilities in the courtroom is where Michael Matera truly shines through. In nearly 40 years of life, I have never needed an attorney and when I recently found myself in need of one, he came highly recommended from multiple sources. I would and I intend on, referring Michael to anyone in need of an attorney who has your best interest at heart and will fight for you for every inch. I also wanted to state that Mr. Matera is available and accommodating anytime I need to speak with him. I hope this review helps anyone and everyone who is in need of someone to stand up and fight for you when you make a mistake and need someone in your corner. Thank you again, Michael, you really are a top notch lawyer and person. – Christian Z.
English 
Spanish