A drug charge in Middletown, New York, can put your future at risk. You could be facing jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent record that affects your job, housing, and reputation. Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help. Contact us at (845) 566-5345 to schedule a free consultation.
Our Middletown drug crimes lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience. We’ve handled a wide range of drug-related cases in New York courts and know how to build strong defenses that get results.
If you’ve been charged with possession, trafficking, manufacturing, or another offense, we’re ready to fight for you. Get in touch with our Middletown criminal defense attorneys today to learn more.
Why You Should Hire Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys if You’ve Been Charged With a Drug Crime in Middletown, NY
Not all defense firms are the same. Your choice of attorney can make a real difference in how your case turns out. With Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining an experienced team that understands what’s at stake.
We’re deeply familiar with the way prosecutors build drug cases in Orange County. Our Middletown drug crimes attorneys handled everything from minor drug possession charges to complex felony cases involving controlled substances, trafficking, and conspiracy. That experience gives us the insight to build defenses that work.
Our Middletown criminal defense lawyers are known for their thorough preparation and courtroom skills. We don’t just push clients into plea deals. We look at every angle, examine every piece of evidence, and push back hard on weak or unlawful charges. Our goal is to help you avoid the harsh consequences that come with a conviction.
When you work with us, you can expect a relentless effort to defend your rights throughout every stage of your case, including trial if necessary. We understand how stressful a criminal case can be, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Contact our drug crimes lawyers in Middletown, NY, today for a free consultation.
Drug Charges We Handle in Middletown, NY
New York law covers a wide range of drug-related offenses, and many of them carry strict penalties. If you’ve been accused of violating state or federal drug laws, you need an attorney who can quickly identify the issues in your case and respond with an effective strategy.
At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, we represent clients facing charges such as:
- Drug possession (marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, etc.)
- Possession with intent to sell
- Drug trafficking or distribution
- Drug manufacturing or cultivation
- Prescription drug fraud
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Conspiracy to commit a drug offense
Some of these charges are misdemeanors, while others are felonies. However, they all can affect your life in serious ways, which is especially true if you already have a criminal record. Our legal team can help you understand the specific charge you’re facing and what defense options might be available to you.
Overview of New York Drug Laws
New York divides controlled substances into different schedules based on how dangerous they are and how likely they are to be abused. The most serious drugs, like heroin and fentanyl, are classified under Schedule I, while medications like certain sedatives and stimulants fall under lower schedules.
Possession of even small amounts of Schedule I or II substances can result in felony charges. Sentences may vary depending on the amount involved, the substance itself, and whether the person has any prior convictions.
For example:
- Criminal possession in the seventh degree is a misdemeanor charge and applies to smaller amounts of illegal drugs.
- Criminal possession in the third, second, or first degree can be a felony, depending on the quantity.
- Selling drugs, even in small amounts, is usually a felony charge.
- Possession of prescription medication without a valid prescription can also lead to criminal charges.
Each of these crimes carries its own set of possible penalties, ranging from fines and probation to years in prison.
Penalties for a Drug Crime Conviction in Middletown
Drug crime sentences in New York can be harsh, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. Even a first-time offender may face jail time if the charges are serious enough.
Some possible penalties include:
- Up to one year in jail for a Class A misdemeanor
- Multiple years in state prison for Class D, C, B, or A felonies
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Probation, mandatory drug treatment, or supervised release
In addition to criminal penalties, there are collateral consequences. A drug conviction can make it harder to get a job, rent an apartment, apply for student loans, or keep a professional license. For non-citizens, it could also lead to immigration problems, including deportation.
Early legal help is key in these cases, even if you’re innocent. If we represent you, our goal will be to reduce or eliminate those penalties by building the strongest defense possible for your case.
What Should I Do After a Drug Arrest in Middletown?
If you’ve been arrested, it’s critical to exercise your rights. Anything you say can be used against you in court, even something you think is harmless.
Here’s what you should do immediately:
- Stay calm and polite during the arrest
- Do not answer any questions about your case without a lawyer present
- Don’t consent to any searches unless your attorney advises it
- Contact a Middletown drug crimes lawyer as soon as possible
The sooner you get legal help, the better. We may be able to intervene early, challenge the legality of the search, or find weaknesses in the case that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
Potential Defenses to Drug Charges in Middletown, New York
Just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. Many defenses may apply in a New York drug case, depending on the facts. Our attorneys will carefully review the charges, the evidence, and how the police conducted their investigation.
Some of the most effective legal defenses include:
- Unlawful search or seizure: If the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search, the evidence they found could be thrown out.
- Lack of possession: Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly possessed the drug. If someone else had control over the substance, or you didn’t know it was there, the case may fall apart.
- Entrapment: If you were tricked or pressured by law enforcement into committing a drug offense you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, this defense may apply.
- Crime lab errors: The substance in question must be tested and confirmed. If testing was flawed or the chain of custody was broken, the case may be challenged.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, we’ll aggressively argue for a dismissal or acquittal.
Each defense strategy is unique to the facts of the case. Our team will explore every possible option to protect your rights and your future.
Drug Diversion and Treatment Programs in Orange County
In some cases, people facing non-violent drug charges may be eligible for alternative programs rather than going through the traditional criminal process. New York has various drug courts and diversion programs that focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment.
These programs are often available to first-time offenders or those with clear signs of substance abuse. Successful completion of a program can result in reduced charges, probation instead of jail, or possibly a dismissal of the case altogether.
Participation typically involves regular court check-ins, drug treatment, and compliance with rules set by the program. While these programs are not right for everyone, they can be a valuable option for those looking to avoid a criminal record and focus on recovery.
We can help determine if you’re eligible and walk you through the application process.
Contact Our Trusted Middletown Drug Crimes Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Drug charges can lead to serious consequences in Middletown, NY, but you still have time to fight back. Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys has more than 50 years of combined experience standing up for clients in Middletown and throughout Orange County.
Whether you’re facing misdemeanor possession or a major felony offense, we’ll treat your case with urgency, focus, and respect. We’ll work hard to get your charges reduced or dropped and won’t stop until we’ve done everything we can to defend you.
Call us today to set up a free consultation with an experienced Middletown drug crimes attorney.