Most state laws define possession, or constructive possession, as willfully being in control of an illegal substance. Controlled substance laws regulate the buying, distributing and selling of drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, and certain prescription drugs. Anyone...
Drug Charges
New York drug trafficking penalties
Being charged with drug manufacturing or distribution is a very serious criminal matter in the state of New York. Prosecutors and judges alike want to clean up the streets in New York City especially, and those out in the upper region of the state are likewise as...
Sentences for felony drug charges
The prosecution of drug-related offenses is a common occurrence in New York criminal courts. Possession of small amounts of illegal drugs and other low-level drug offenses often results in fines, probation, and minimal incarceration periods in local jails. But felony...
College life for NY students: responding when legal challenges arise
If you’re a New York parent of a son or daughter headed off to university or already immersed in the collegiate experience, you might as well admit it. You’re duly proud of your offspring’s growth and continued maturation away from home, but you still can’t stop...
In New York, prescription drug fraud can lead to jail time
Opioid addiction is a powerful disease that causes sufferers to do desperate things. Once an addict's doctor stops refilling their prescription, they have to find a way to keep feeding their illness. Often, their only option is to commit prescription drug fraud....
New York’s opioid addiction crisis affects most, in one way or another
While the COVID-19 pandemic is consuming most of the headlines right now, there is another health crisis affecting New Yorkers here in Syracuse and across the state: opioid addiction. These powerful painkillers can be highly addictive. Millions of Americans became...
Could participating in drug court keep you out of prison?
As someone currently facing a drug-related criminal charge in New York, you may have very real fears about the penalties you could potentially face if convicted. In addition to fines and possible substance abuse treatment requirements, among other possible penalties,...
New York considering legalization of recreational marijuana
Across the country, marijuana laws are in a state of flux. In eight states and the District of Columbia, marijuana for recreational use is now legal. In addition, 30 states and the District of Columbia allow some form of medical marijuana. New York is not one of the...
Seeking clemency for nonviolent offenses: How does the process work?
In early August, a man serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense committed in the Syracuse area got an amazing phone call. It was his lawyer calling with the news that after nearly 21 years of being locked up, the man would be getting out. President Obama...
