Facing serious drug charges? We challenge the evidence, fight for dismissals, and pursue alternatives to fight for your future.
A drug crime lawyer in Queen defends people accused of drug offenses like possession, possession with intent to distribution, major narcotics trafficking or manslaughter charges stemming from an overdose death. These serious charges can lead to jail time, forfeiture, fines, and a criminal record that affects jobs, housing, and even immigration status. A good lawyer protects your rights and fights for a better outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, lighter charges, or reduced penalties.
Queens is one of the busiest places for drug-related arrests in New York. Police here use tools like surveillance and wiretaps, making investigations more complex. If you’re charged, things can spiral quickly. That’s why acting fast with a solid legal defense is critical. Queens County also has jurisdiction over narcotics coming into or coming out of both JFK and LaGuardia Airports. Although these cases are typically handled on the federal level by the Eastern District of New York, smaller quantities of drugs or drugs that do not appear on the federal schedule of controlled substances are prosecuted on a state level by Queens County.
At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we’re based in Queens and understand how local courts and prosecutors operate. We move quickly from the moment you contact us, reviewing evidence, challenging weak points, and building a defense that protects your future. Your freedom matters, and we fight hard to defend it.
The Importance of Hiring a Queens Drug Crime Lawyer
Facing a drug charge in New York is tough. Even if it’s your first offense, you could end up with a criminal record that affects your entire future. It might make it harder to get a job, rent an apartment, stay in the United States or even keep custody of your kids. At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we’re here to help you deal with these challenges and protect your future.
What makes us different is how fast and focused we are. The prosecution is already working on their case. We move quickly to protect your rights and build a strong defense. That includes looking at how the evidence was collected, spotting any mistakes, and exploring options like plea deals that may work in your favor.
With an experienced drug crime lawyer on your side, you get clear advantages:
- A deep understanding of New York drug laws: We stay informed about changes in both state and federal statutes.
- Experience in evidence challenges and suppression motions: We examine each step of the investigative process to expose constitutional or procedural violations.
- Skilled negotiation: Our experience in Queens courts often allows us to reduce charges or secure alternative sentencing, such as treatment programs.
- Trial readiness: When necessary, we are fully prepared to represent you before a judge and jury to fight for your best possible outcome.
- Knowledge of diversion options: In certain situations, treatment-based alternatives are available and may help you avoid a lasting criminal record.
We also pay special attention to federal sentencing guidelines and disparities. For instance, methamphetamine cases often carry steep sentences and are considered Class E felonies.
What to Look for in a Drug Crime Lawyer in Queens
Choosing an experienced drug crime attorney is critical in defending against drug charges. You cannot afford to gamble on inexperience when looking at potential prison time. Here are key traits to look for:
- Local experience and knowledge: An attorney who knows the Queens court system and its judges and prosecutors can develop strategies that align with real-world expectations. At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we understand what can influence plea offers and trial outcomes.
- Proven Track Record: You want a team to point to favorable outcomes in similar cases. We have a proven track record of helping numerous clients across New York courts, including many cases in Queens County.
- Strategic defense approach: Drug offense defenses often hinge on constitutional rights and thoroughly exploring the evidence’s chain of custody. We look for law enforcement and prosecution missteps that may weaken their case.
- Responsive communication: You deserve a team that updates you regularly, answers your questions, and keeps you informed. We answer our phones 24/7 (yes, really), have staff in office 6 days a week and regularly communicate with our clients through a Client portal to streamline communications.
- Resources and support: We frequently hire investigators, mitigation specialists, and expert witnesses for our Clients’ cases to develop the best possible defense or mitigation report and obtain the best plea.
At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we combine these qualities to provide a strategic defense. Because Queens law enforcement aggressively pursues drug crimes, you need equally effective counsel to stand up for you.
Common Defenses Against Drug Charges
Every drug case is unique, and the defenses available depend on the specifics of your situation. We examine your case from all angles to identify the strategies most likely to result in reduced charges, dismissals, or acquittals. Common defenses we rely on include:
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches. If the police conducted a search without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence they obtained may be inadmissible in court. We analyze each step of the procedure, including traffic stops, pat-downs, and apartment searches.
Lack of Knowledge or Intent
In many drug cases, prosecutors must prove you knew drugs were present and intended to possess or distribute them. We may argue that you were unaware of the drugs, particularly in shared living spaces or common vehicles, or that there was no intent to sell. It should be noted that in New York there is a constructive possession presumption that applies to controlled substances (does not include marihuana). That is, drugs located in the car are presumed to belong to all occupants, even the passengers.
Chain of Custody Issues
The prosecution must account for how evidence is handled. If the chain of custody is broken, tampered with, or improperly documented, we push to preclude that evidence. It should be noted, however, that generally chain of custody issues go to the weight of the evidence, rather than admissibility.
Entrapment
Entrapment rarely applies, but it can be a valid defense if law enforcement compelled or coerced you into committing crimes you would not have otherwise committed. We investigate police tactics to uncover any potential misconduct. Entrapment may be a good defense in cases where someone is charged with “steering” or introducing the dealer to the undercover at the request of the undercover.
Medical Necessity or Prescription
You may challenge the criminal allegations if you had a legitimate medical reason for possessing certain controlled substances or have a valid prescription. For the types of cases, the prosecution generally asks for a HIPAA waiver to contact the pharmacy or the prescribing doctor to confirm medical need.
Challenging Laboratory Analysis
Prosecutors must prove the substance in your possession or distribution was indeed illegal either under state law or federal law. While rarely a defense, we still examine test results for inaccuracies or procedural flaws that can introduce reasonable doubt as to the type of substance at issue and also as to the weight of the substance.
Mistaken Identity or Wrongful Accusation
If undercover operations or informants are involved, we review witness statements, search warrant affidavits and identification procedures to confirm whether the right person has been charged.
We understand how NYPD or law enforcement tactics in New York City have evolved from street-level sweeps to multi-agency undercover operations. Our background as former prosecutors and familiarity with local prosecutions helps us anticipate the other side’s moves. Our attention to detail helps us craft targeted defenses and reduce the risk of wrongful conviction.
The Legal Process for Drug Charges in Queens
Being arrested for a drug-related offense is disorienting. However, understanding how the criminal justice system works in Queens can help you navigate each step more effectively:
Arrest and Booking
After an arrest, you will be taken to a local station, where law enforcement collects your personal information and fingerprints. The police might question you about the alleged offense. It will benefit you to invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
Arraignment
Within 24 hours of your arrest, you will be brought before a judge. While 24 hours is the Golden rule for New York Courts, sometimes arraignment happens much later than that if there are a lot of arrests in the system, if the client requests medical attention or if the Queens County complaint room is delayed in writing up the charging instrument (the complaint). The charges against you are formally presented; you typically plead “not guilty,” and the judge decides whether to set bail. This is a pivotal phase where we fight for a reasonable bail or your release on your own recognizance, allowing you to remain involved in preparing your defense.
Pre-Trial Process
During the pre-trial phase, we engage in discovery to obtain all evidence the prosecution holds. We review this discovery with you to provide a case assessment. We file motions to suppress illegal evidence or potentially dismiss the charges altogether. We also frequently file motions to challenge the prosecutor’s Certificate of Compliance due to missing discovery in order to get the matter dismissed pursuant to New York speedy trial time. Sometimes, we may negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charges or secures alternative sentencing like rehabilitation programs.
Trial
Should your case go to trial, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to the finder of fact. Some cases are tried before a jury, while others are tried before a judge (defense waives a jury, or the charges are below a Class “A” misdemeanor – in which case the Defense is not entitled to a jury). We prepare thoroughly to challenge the prosecutor’s narrative, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence that supports your innocence or mitigates the charges. In some circumstances, a strong defense can result in an acquittal, dismissal, or significantly reduced sentencing range.
This entire process can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Our job as The Fast Law Firm, P.C., is to keep you informed, safeguard your rights, and fight effectively at every turn. You may want to read our testimonials to see what our clients say about our trial work.
Consequences of Drug Charges in New York
New York’s drug laws are strict. According to the New York State Criminal Justice Processing report, the penalties can vary substantially based on the type of charge and the quantity of drugs involved. A simple misdemeanor possession might lead to up to a year in jail and fines, while felony distribution or trafficking can carry multi-year prison sentences. Moreover, federal drug charges often come with harsh mandatory minimum sentences when large quantities or organized networks are involved.
Long-term implications of a conviction may include:
- Permanent Criminal Record: This can impact your employability, ability to secure housing and even your basic rights in society.
- Professional and Financial Effects: Heavy fines can drain your resources, and a lost license can derail your career.
- Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation, denial of future re-entry to the United States or have issues becoming a naturalized citizen.
- Family Implications: A prison term or difficult legal battles can strain relationships, disrupt family life and potentially result in the loss of child-custody/visitation.
Our mission is to protect you from these outcomes. We scrutinize every detail, from the circumstances leading to your arrest to how the prosecution handles evidence. We look for ways to weaken their case so you can move forward with your life.
Your Future Matters: Choose a Dedicated Advocate
Being charged with a drug crime in Queens can feel overwhelming. At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we act fast to review the charges, check the evidence, and build a defense that protects your future.
Every case matters to us. Whether you’re facing simple possession, serious trafficking charges, or manslaughter charges for an overdose death, we move quickly to find weak spots in the prosecution’s case. We keep up with changes in drug laws and use that knowledge to your advantage.
No two cases are the same. That’s why we tailor our approach to fit your situation. Let us look at your case, explain your options, and get to work. Contact The Fast Law Firm, P.C. today for a private consultation. Don’t let drug charges define your future; let us help you fight back.
