Drug Possession Defense Attorney in New York City

Manhattan Lawyer Helping Clients Defend Against Charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance

If you have been arrested and charged with drug possession in New York City, you are not alone. In an average month, the NYPD makes more than 11,000 drug-related arrests—a number that does not include arrests made by other police departments in suburban areas. With so many arrests being made over illegal drugs, it is easy to assume that drug charges are not a big deal. Such an assumption is incorrect.

At The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC, we understand that the consequences associated with a conviction on drug charges are most certainly "a big deal." Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing a long-term prison sentence and hefty fines, not to mention the devastating effect on your personal and professional life. When you are facing drug possession charges, you need a lawyer who recognizes what is at stake and who knows how to get results. You need Attorney Gregory J. Watford.

Trusted Legal Defense for Drug Possession Charges in Brooklyn and The Bronx

Over the last few years, there have been several changes to New York law that have reduced low-level possession of marijuana from a criminal offense to a non-criminal violation. While marijuana possession is not legal in New York, possession of up to two ounces is punishable by a fine of up to $200. New York State also maintains a medical marijuana program for those with qualifying medical conditions. If you are not a registered participant with the medical cannabis program, possession of more than two ounces of marijuana could leave you facing criminal charges.

At The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC, we understand the seriousness of charges related to the possession of controlled substances. With our background and legal knowledge, we are equipped to help you build a solid defense against charges that you possessed:

• More than two ounces of marijuana;
• Cocaine or crack cocaine;
• Heroin;
• Fentanyl
• Methamphetamines;
• MDMA, Molly, or Ecstasy;
• Prescription drugs; or
• Any other drug.

Drug possession charges in New York can vary dramatically based on the type and amount of the drug in question. Possession of a small amount of most controlled substances is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, but probation and diversion programs may be available. Possession of larger amounts or possession with intent to sell may be prosecuted as a felony, with long prison sentences possible.

Experience Matters in NYC Drug Cases

Attorney Gregory J. Watford is an accomplished criminal defense lawyer with more than 25 years of legal experience. He also spent more than a decade working in law enforcement. As both a former criminal investigator and a former prosecutor, Mr. Watford understands the criminal justice process from start to finish—from the crime scene to the courtroom. With his background and experience, he is familiar with the tactics that the police and prosecutors will often use in drug possession cases, and he knows how to counter them.

At our firm, we are especially aware of how the Fourth Amendment factors into most drug possession investigations. In most cases, the state's main evidence in a drug possession case are the drugs found during a police search. For a police search to be legal under the Fourth Amendment, a warrant may be required, and such a warrant must be based on valid probable cause. Warrantless searches are legal in some situations, but probable cause is still required.

If the search was not legal, any evidence that was found—including the drugs—could be set aside by the court. With no evidence, prosecutors may have little choice but to dismiss your charges. We will carefully investigate the circumstances that led to your arrest and the actions of the police to identify any potential violations of your rights.

Call 646-580-6675 Today

For more information about drug possession offenses in New York City, contact our office. Call 646-580-6675 for a confidential consultation and case review at The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC today. Our firm serves clients in Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Mineola, New City, White Plains, Mt. Vernon, New York County, Bronx County, Kings County, Queens County, Nassau County, Rockland County, Westchester County, and the surrounding areas.