Fighting Gun Charges in Drug Prosecutions
If firearms are connected in any way to a felony drug crime, it can add years of prison time. And state and federal prosecutors will reach a long way to make the connection.
I know how to challenge both the gun crime and the underlying drug crime. My name is Michael Spano, a criminal defense lawyer serving clients in Syracuse and Central New York facing state or federal charges.
I have more than 17 years of experience in drug crime cases, including many years as an assistant district attorney in Onondaga County. I am familiar with drug enforcement investigations, and I understand how the D.A. or federal prosecutor thinks. I also have experience with weapon enhancements under federal sentencing guidelines.
Drug Crimes Involving Guns
If you are convicted of the underlying drug charges, a judge can increase your prison sentence if a gun was involved. Even a box of ammunition or a hunting shotgun can be considered a weapon for these purposes.
The prosecution does not have to tie the firearm to a specific drug transaction. If the possession or trafficking charge sticks, they only have to prove that you were carrying a gun or that it was available — in your waistband, beneath the seat of your car, under your mattress inside the house.
My goal is to get gun crimes dismissed and focus on the drug charges. I challenge whether the search and seizure that led to the weapon was valid, and whether the firearm is realistically connected to any illegal drug activity.
I can defend clients on all weapons charges, drug-related or not.
Free Consultation
Contact me at 315-350-3975 or 866-781-9603, or e-mail me. I return all calls promptly, and after hours calls go to my cell phone.
