If you were charged with drug trafficking in the state of New York, you may be wondering how serious the accusations against you are. Drug trafficking is penalized harshly and you could be subject to thousands of dollars in fines, incarceration, or both. Here’s what you should know and how to get the legal help you need after being charged with trafficking an illegal substance.
Definition of Drug Trafficking
New York law defines a number of drug offenses, with drug trafficking being among the most severe. The act of manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, distributing, shipping, or otherwise bringing illegal substances into the state, is against the law.
In all cases, the amount of drugs you are in possession of at the time of your arrest plays a significant role in how harshly you are penalized. Your sentence may be reduced if you offer information that leads to the identification and/or arrest of other criminals.
Penalties for Trafficking Cannabis
If you are charged with trafficking marijuana, you face:
- 1 year incarceration – 2 to 25 grams
- 4 years incarceration – 25 grams to 4 ounces
- 7 years incarceration – 4 ounces to 1 pound
Fines range between $5,000 to $25,000.
Penalties for Trafficking Cocaine
If you are charged with cocaine trafficking, you may face:
- $1,000,000 fine + up to 25 years incarceration – less than 500 grams
- $2,000,000 fine + 5 years mandatory minimum incarceration and up to 40 years – more than 500 grams
- $4,000,000 fine + 10 years mandatory minimum incarceration and up to a life sentence – 5 kilograms or more
Penalties for Trafficking Heroin
If you are accused of trafficking heroin, you could face:
- 3 to 10 years incarceration – Half ounce or more
- 8 to 20 years incarceration – 2 ounces or more
Fines for the sale and/or trafficking of heroin range between $1,000,000 and $4,000,000.
How a New York Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
If you were charged with drug trafficking, your future is on the line. You could be sentenced to the rest of your foreseeable adult years behind bars and potentially even life if you are charged with multiple offenses.
Contact a criminal defense attorney today to protect your rights. Call Scott Cerbin Criminal Defense today at 718-596-1829.