Lawyers Defending Against Drug Possession Charges
At Pappalardo & Pappalardo, LLP, our drug charge lawyers have more than 50 years of experience in NYC defending people against accusations of possessing controlled substances such as:
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Ketamine
- Drug analogs
- Prescription drugs
The Question of Illegal Search and Seizure
Were you or were you not in possession of illegal narcotics? Many people believe that is the key question in drug possession cases; however, these cases are not quite so simple. There are numerous issues that need to be addressed. You need to have an experienced attorney on your side to make certain that you do not fall prey to constitutional violations and procedural errors on the part of law enforcement.
One question that many drug possession cases hinge on is the question of whether the search was legal or not. There are specific rules that law enforcement must follow, and the rules vary slightly depending on whether the arrest was made as the result of a traffic stop, at your home, or in some other setting. Was there probable cause? Was there a warrant? Did police confine themselves to the scope of the warrant, or did they exceed its reach?
Our experience means we know the questions to ask to determine whether law enforcement broke the rules. If we discover that the search and seizure were illegal, we may be able to move for evidence to be thrown out or for the entire case to be dismissed. This careful approach to drug possession cases has led to an impressive record of success.
Possession of Prescription Drugs
Do not make the mistake of thinking that prescription drug crimes are less serious than other drug crimes. Law enforcement and prosecutors push hard for convictions in prescription drug cases, and you need an experienced lawyer on your side to protect your rights and make certain you are treated fairly.
The reality is that many of the people who get caught up in prescription drug possession cases are people who suffered serious injuries and became addicted to prescription painkillers in the process. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals may also fall prey to addiction. These are people who need help; they need treatment and not punishment.
While the state of New York does allow for rehabilitation and treatment as alternatives in these cases, you should not assume that a prosecutor would automatically offer you that option. You need an advocate on your side to make certain that no alternative sentencing programs are overlooked in your case. We can help.
We defend against charges involving prescription drugs such as:
- OxyContin
- Oxycodone
- Vicodin
- Methadone
- Adderall