Drug Charge Lawyers in Rockland County

Being charged with a drug offense is a frightening and life-altering experience. Whether it’s simple possession or a more serious charge like drug trafficking, the consequences can be severe. A conviction can lead to fines, jail time, a criminal record, and long-term damage to your reputation and opportunities.

If you’re facing drug charges in Rockland County, the most important step you can take is to secure skilled legal representation. At Rockland Schonbrun Law, we specialize in defending individuals against drug-related charges, using our expertise to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Types of Drug Charges in New York

Drug offenses in Rockland County fall into several categories, ranging from minor infractions to serious felonies. Common charges include:

1. Drug Possession

Possessing illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs without authorization can lead to criminal charges. The severity depends on the type and amount of the drug.

2. Possession with Intent to Distribute

If law enforcement believes you intended to sell or distribute drugs—based on the quantity found or other evidence like packaging materials—you could face harsher penalties.

3. Drug Trafficking

Transporting or distributing large quantities of illegal drugs is considered trafficking, which carries severe penalties at both the state and federal levels.

4. Drug Manufacturing

Producing or cultivating drugs, such as growing marijuana or operating a methamphetamine lab, is a serious crime that can lead to significant jail time.

5. Prescription Drug Offenses

Illegal possession, distribution, or sale of prescription medications like oxycodone or Adderall can also result in criminal charges.

Regardless of the specific charge, having an experienced drug charge defense lawyer is critical to protecting your future.

Penalties for Drug Charges in New York

The penalties for drug-related offenses in Rockland County depend on the type of drug, the amount involved, and whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense. Here’s a breakdown of potential consequences:

Misdemeanor Charges:
- Fines up to $1,000.
- Jail time of up to 1 year.

Felony Charges:
- Fines ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.
- Prison sentences from 1 year to life, depending on the severity of the offense.

Additionally, drug convictions can lead to:

Probation or mandatory drug treatment programs.
Suspension of driving privileges.
A permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

Given these serious penalties, it’s crucial to have a skilled attorney on your side who can fight to minimize or dismiss the charges.

Defenses Against Drug Charges

Being charged with a drug crime doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. At Rockland Schonbrun Law, we analyze every detail of your case to build a strong defense. Here are some common defense strategies we might use:

Unlawful Search and Seizure: If law enforcement conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause, the evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
Lack of Possession: Simply being near drugs doesn’t prove possession. We can argue that the drugs didn’t belong to you or that you were unaware of their presence.
Entrapment: If you were pressured or coerced by law enforcement into committing a drug crime, we can use this as a defense.
Insufficient Evidence: Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak or incomplete, we’ll challenge its validity.
Violation of Rights: If your constitutional rights were violated at any point during your arrest or investigation, we can move to have the charges dismissed.

Our goal is to leave no stone unturned in defending your case and protecting your future.

How Rockland Schonbrun Law Can Help You

At Rockland Schonbrun Law, we understand the devastating impact drug charges can have on your life. That’s why we’re committed to providing aggressive and effective legal representation. Here’s how we can help:

Case Analysis: We’ll thoroughly review the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore all possible defenses.
Negotiation: In some cases, we can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure alternative sentencing options, such as drug treatment programs.
Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, our experienced litigators will vigorously defend you in court.
Personalized Strategy: Every case is unique, and we tailor our defense approach to meet the specific circumstances of your situation.

As a local Rockland County law firm, we’re familiar with the area’s courts, judges, and prosecutors. This local expertise gives us a strategic advantage when defending your case.

Why Choose Rockland Schonbrun Law?

When facing drug charges, you need a legal team you can trust. Here’s what sets Rockland Schonbrun Law apart:

Decades of Experience: We have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against a wide range of drug-related charges.
Personalized Attention: We treat every case as if it were our own, providing the care and focus you deserve.
Aggressive Representation: We fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Local Expertise: As a Rockland County-based firm, we know the ins and outs of the local legal system.

Steps to Take After a Drug Charge Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for a drug-related offense, it’s important to act quickly. Follow these steps to protect your rights:

Remain Silent: Don’t admit guilt or provide statements to law enforcement without consulting a lawyer.
Request Legal Representation: Contact Rockland Schonbrun Law as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Document the Incident: Write down everything you remember about the arrest, including any interactions with law enforcement.
Avoid Discussing Your Case: Don’t talk about your charges with friends, family, or on social media.

Fight Back Against Drug Charges with Rockland Schonbrun Law

A drug charge can feel like the end of the road, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With the right legal representation, you can fight back and protect your rights. At Rockland Schonbrun Law, we’re dedicated to helping clients in Rockland County overcome the challenges of drug-related charges and move forward with their lives.

Don’t let a drug charge derail your future. Contact Rockland Schonbrun Law today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the defense you deserve.

FAQs

What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony drug charges? Misdemeanors are less severe and usually involve small amounts of drugs, while felonies involve larger quantities, intent to distribute, or more dangerous substances.
Can drug charges be expunged in New York? New York has limited options for expungement, but some drug-related convictions may be sealed under specific circumstances.
What are alternative sentencing options for drug charges? Alternatives may include probation, community service, or enrollment in a drug treatment program, depending on your case and criminal history.
How long do drug cases take to resolve? The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case, but having an experienced lawyer can help expedite the process and negotiate favorable outcomes.