Top Roosevelt, NY Drug Crime Lawyers Near You

What are some examples of drug-related crimes?

Drug crimes involve any actions related to the use of local, state, or federally banned narcotics like heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Some common drug crimes include selling, distributing, consuming, or possessing these substances. The illegal use of prescription drugs like oxycodone and Vicodin also falls under this category. For example, if you police find you with oxycodone, but you do not have a prescription for it, you are likely to be arrested.

How are drug abuse and drug crimes linked?

While many city governments and law enforcement agencies are placing less emphasis on arresting people possessing small amounts of drugs, if you are caught buying drugs and police are targeting a dealer, you could also face arrest. However, many courts are also offering alternative sentencing options for people struggling with addiction who want to get clean.

What makes a drug crime a federal crime?

Nearly any drug offense could see you end up in the federal system because these substances are all banned under federal law. If federal officers, such as those with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are conducting operations in your area, an arrest by one of those officers would likely lead to federal charges. Using illegal drugs on federal property, such as national parks, can also lead to drug charges. While federal officials often target distributors and traffickers more than people possessing a small amount of drugs, the potential does still exist.

Best Time to Seek Legal Help

No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.

Tips on Approaching an Initial Attorney Consultation

• Use the consultation as a means of gaining a better understanding of your legal situation.
• Ask the attorney how many cases similar to yours he/she has handled. An attorney’s experience and knowledge can speak to their expertise (or lack of) in addressing your situation.
• Your attorney should be able to articulate roughly how long a case like yours will take to resolve and what sort of procedures to expect.
• Determine how comfortable you are working with the lawyer and/or law firm.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.