NYC Drug Conspiracy Attorney
Drug Conspiracy Attorney In New York City
Many people are surprised to learn that they can be charged with a drug conspiracy even if they have never handled drugs or money. This is because conspiracy charges are extremely complex, and the level of involvement required to be charged in a criminal conspiracy can be shockingly minimal. For example, if two people agree to commit an illegal act and take some minor step towards that end, one of them can be charged with drug conspiracy and face many years in state prison. If one of the conspirators takes a significant active role in carrying out the plan, they can be found guilty and sent to prison.
Drug conspiracy charges are incredibly serious, complex, and difficult to defend effectively. If you have been charged with a similar drug crime, reach out to our NYC drug conspiracy attorney today. A qualified drug lawyer can build a solid defense for you, and ensure that the many rights implicated by conspiracy prosecutions are protected along the way. Contact Sosinsky Law today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
New York Drug Conspiracy Laws
Although federal law ordinarily only penalizes those who completed a crime, it permits charges against anyone who conspires to commit one. That includes people involved in conversations or phone calls related to the prospective criminal act. In drug trafficking conspiracy cases, not only may defendants face punishment that would result from completing the crime–such as jail time and fines–but also further penalties for being part of a larger conspiracy. This expanded accountability applies to actions taken by other members of the conspiracy, including sales revenue from drugs sold by all conspirators combined. For example, if one person in a drug conspiracy sells only a few grams of cocaine, they could still be facing over 30 years in federal prison because the charges for everyone else’s drugs in the conspiracy would also apply to them.
Drug Conspiracy Charges: The Six Degrees
New York drug conspiracy law is classified into six degrees, misdemeanor or felony, based on the definitions of what constitutes a drug conspiracy. The degree of conspiracy that you are charged with depends heavily on how defense strategy. With a strong defense, the charges are likely to be less, however, with a poor defense, you may find yourself facing more and harsher penalties. That’s why it’s so important to contact an experienced NYC drug conspiracy attorney when facing these types of charges.
Conspiracy in the First-Degree
If an adult over 18 years of age agrees with one or more people under 16 to commit the act, and they have the required intent, this classifies as a Class A-I felony. The possible punishments include life in jail or 20-25 years in prison, as well as fines.
Conspiracy in the Second-Degree
If two or more people plan to commit a Class A felony and successfully carry out the act, they have committed a Class B felony. This is punishable by one to 25 years in prison, fines, probation, and other conditions based on the severity of the offense.
Conspiracy in the Third-Degree
If an act Class B or C felony is committed by someone over 18 years old in conspiracy with one or more people under 16 years old, it is a Class D felony. This crime is punishable by up to seven years in prison and may include fines, probation, etc., based on the level of violence present in the original offense.
Conspiracy in the Fourth-Degree
If a Class B or C felony is committed by two or more people acting in concert with the required intent, it is also considered a felony if someone over 18 years of age conspires with one or more people under 16 years of age to commit the act with the requisite intent.
If two or more people conspire to launder money with the requisite intent, they will be charged with a Class E felony. This crime is punishable by up to four years in prison and may include fines, probation, and more depending on the offense’s level of violence.
Conspiracy in the Fifth-Degree
A felony is committed when two or more people plan to engage in an act with the required intent. Additionally, a Class A misdemeanor crime is carried out if one person over 18 years old conspires with one or more people under 16 years old to do an act with the necessary intent. This type of misdemeanor offense is punishable by imprisonment for one year and might also include penalties like fines, probation, etc.
Conspiracy in the Sixth-Degree
If two or more people agree to commit a crime with the necessary intent, they can be charged with conspiracy. Conspiracy is a Class B misdemeanor that is punishable by up to six months in prison and may include fines, probation, and more.
Conspiracy charges are complex and always require intent. Regardless of the type of conspiracy charge, someone is facing, it is important to contact an experienced New York drug lawyer to represent a person’s best interests.
Defenses To Drug Conspiracy Charges in NYC
If the prosecution wants to successfully charge a defendant with drug conspiracy in New York, they need to not only show that other drug charges (like sales) are present, but also that there was an existing conspiracy. To do this, they must provide evidence of the following:
- Two or more people came to an understanding that they would work together in order to sell drugs illegally.
- The defendant agreed and took part in the agreement.
- The defendant completed an act to help the conspiracy’s success, which does not necessarily need to be an illegal or narcotics-related act.
The prosecutor needs to find evidence that the intentions of the members involved were to explicitly sell or distribute drugs in order for each person to be held accountable under New York law. Although, all people part of the conspiracy can still be liable for other members’ actions.
It’s crucial to be aware that although an alleged co-conspirator may not have committed the crime, they can still be charged by the prosecution. This means that a defendant could incur the same penalties as those who actually did commit the crime. The reason for this is that drug conspiracy laws in New York do not need an overt act in order to find someone guilty. Consequently, anyone charged with a drug conspiracy needs a New York City drug conspiracy lawyer who is knowledgeable and experienced in these areas.
Contact Our NYC Drug Conspiracy Attorney Today
If you have been charged with drug conspiracy in New York, it’s essential to reach out to a knowledgeable NYC drug conspiracy attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. An experienced lawyer will work tirelessly to defend your rights and ensure that you receive a fair trial. If you are facing drug conspiracy charges in New York, contact Sosinsky Law today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help defend you.
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