New York Drug Crime Defense: Protect Your Rights

What to Expect After a Drug Arrest in Brooklyn

Drug crimes in New York include both those involving controlled substances as well as marijuana offenses. Controlled substances include such drugs as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other street drugs as well as prescription drugs obtained illegally. Marijuana has its own set of offenses that are mostly related to its possession or sale. 

Drug crimes can also be charged and prosecuted at the federal level. These crimes mostly involve large-scale drug operations such as manufacturing and interstate drug trafficking. Crimes of this nature are often investigated by such aggressive and thorough agencies as the FBI and the DEA. 

Drug crimes can include:

• Possession
• Sales or distribution
• Manufacture
• Trafficking
• Conspiracy
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Depending on the circumstances, drug crime convictions carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail to life imprisonment and fines of up to $100,000 for the most serious offenses. Drug crime convictions at the federal level are generally subject to mandatory minimums based on federal sentencing guidelines.

The factors that will affect how you are charged and the penalties you will face include whether you are a repeat offender, what type of drugs were involved, the quantity involved, whether guns were part of the crime, and whether the alleged crime occurred near a school zone. 

Contact Mottola Uris Law, PLLC for a Free Brooklyn Drug Crime Consultation at (718) 550-3318 or use our online form to get started.

Defense Strategies & Common Defenses for Drug Charges With Our Brooklyn Drug Crime Attorneys

Successful defense against drug charges in Brooklyn requires a combination of in-depth legal skill, familiarity with local enforcement procedures, and creative case-building. When you work with a Brooklyn drug crime attorney at Mottola Uris Law, PLLC, our approach begins with a careful review of your arrest and the evidence collected by the NYPD or federal agencies. Common defenses may involve contesting illegal searches or seizures, demonstrating a lack of knowledge, or showing that the drugs did not belong to you. We often challenge the admissibility of evidence on constitutional grounds. Motions to suppress can be especially powerful if law enforcement overstepped during a search and arrest. Our drug defense attorneys also explore Brooklyn-specific opportunities, such as alternatives through Brooklyn Treatment Court or other local diversion programs, when these are in your best interest.

Each case in Brooklyn brings its own complexities. Charges may stem from sting operations, undercover activities, or surveillance in neighborhoods such as Bushwick, Flatbush, or Crown Heights. As your Brooklyn drug crime lawyers, we use every available resource: analyzing police reports, reviewing body camera footage, working with reputable forensic professionals, and interviewing witnesses. 

Choose a Private Brooklyn Defense Lawyer Over a Public Defender

Under the Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution, every American has the right to legal representation when charged with a crime. In the absence of an attorney or if the defendant cannot afford one, the court may appoint a public defender to represent them. The cost of private defense representation can be prohibitive for some, so some may see public defenders as a cheaper alternative. Public defenders are not the same as private Brooklyn drug crimes lawyers when it comes to offering what they can.

In the public defender profession, multiple cases must be handled at once by civil servants. Their daily workload leaves them with very little time for any individual case. Public defenders are not likely to provide you with much personalized attention. In spite of this, even the best public defenders have a very busy schedule. Comparatively, private Brooklyn drug crimes attorneys provide their clients with more individualized and comprehensive legal counsel.

Understanding Marijuana Laws & Charges in New York

New York has some of the toughest laws in the country when it comes to marijuana offenses. Even possessing a small amount of cannabis can result in harsh penalties, including jail time. If you are facing marijuana charges in New York, it is important to consult with an experienced drug crime lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand the severity of the charges against you and the possible consequences of a conviction. In some cases, a lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors that could result in a lesser sentence. However, if you go to trial and are convicted, you could be facing very harsh penalties, including prison time.

Possession of less than three ounces of marijuana carries no penalties in the state. However, more than three ounces may lead to a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the amount. Sales and trafficking of marijuana can also be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. 

Put Mottola Uris Law, PLLC On Your Case

Aside from potential criminal penalties, going forward with a drug conviction on your record can be a serious disadvantage. Our firm is here to help you fight back against drug charges at any level. Our team has decades of combined experience handling criminal cases from both sides of the law as prosecutors and defenders. If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been arrested for a drug offense, the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can protect your legal rights and work aggressively on your behalf. 

Work with a Brooklyn drug crime attorney at Mottola Uris Law, PLLC by contacting us at (718) 550-3318 or using our online consultation request form. Your initial case evaluation is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Diversion Programs Available for Drug Offenses in Brooklyn?

Brooklyn offers several diversion programs for nonviolent drug offenses, including the notable Brooklyn Treatment Court and supervised release initiatives. If eligible, participation can sometimes help avoid jail or even result in dismissal of charges following completion. Eligibility depends on offense severity, your criminal history, and specific circumstances related to your case. Our drug defense attorneys are familiar with the process and advocate strongly for our clients' admission into the most favorable programs whenever possible, offering legal support from initial consideration through completion to optimize your outcome.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Drug Crime in Brooklyn?

If you are arrested for a drug crime in Brooklyn, you should remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer any questions from law enforcement or sign any statements until you have secured representation from a qualified Brooklyn drug crime attorney. At Mottola Uris Law, PLLC, our lawyers respond quickly to protect your rights and immediately begin preparing your defense. Early legal intervention is essential, as it can influence the handling of bail, evidence gathering, and your initial court appearances. Reach out to our team as soon as possible after your arrest to put the protection of your freedom and future first.

Can a Drug Conviction Be Sealed or Expunged in New York?

New York law allows for the sealing of some drug-related convictions, provided you meet specific criteria such as completion of your sentence and a clean record for at least ten years. Not all convictions are eligible, and expungement is extremely rare. Sealing your record limits access by most employers and landlords, providing valuable protection for your future. Our Brooklyn drug crime attorneys carefully assess your situation, advise you on eligibility under New York law, and guide you step by step through the process—from gathering court records to filing all necessary petitions—so you can confidently pursue a fresh start in Brooklyn or anywhere in the city.

Reach out to us to schedule your initial consultation and learn about your rights and legal options.