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DRUG
OFFENSES
What is Drug Offences?
Understanding Drug Offences Law in New York
New York State enforces strict regulations on drug-related crimes, historically known for having some of the toughest drug laws in the country. Offenses can range from misdemeanors to severe felonies, with penalties often including significant fines, lengthy prison sentences, and lasting legal consequences.
Common charges include:
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Drug possession
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Sale or distribution of controlled substances
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Drug trafficking
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Conspiracy related to narcotics
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Possession of drug paraphernalia
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Additional offenses involving substances deemed a danger to public safety
Penalties vary depending on several factors, including the type and quantity of the drug, the defendant’s intent, and other circumstances, such as:
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If firearms were involved
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The location of the offense (e.g., near a school)
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Prior criminal history
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If minors were involved in drug distribution or affected by the crime
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If the offense resulted in injury or death
The most severe offenses, such as large-scale drug trafficking, are classified as Class A-1 felonies and carry the harshest penalties.
Recent changes to New York’s drug laws, such as the legalization of marijuana for adult recreational use under certain conditions, have created opportunities for reform. However, strict penalties still apply for dangerous substances like heroin, crack, or cocaine, even in small quantities.
Megan Gallagher provides strategic legal defense to help clients navigate these challenging cases, often working to reduce charges or secure dismissals when possible. If you’re facing drug charges in New York, contact Megan Gallagher for a consultation and dedicated legal support.
Megan Gallagher's role in Drug Offences
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Megan Gallagher’s role in handling drug offenses is to provide comprehensive legal representation and ensure the rights of her clients are protected throughout the legal process. With her extensive experience in criminal defense, Megan Gallagher assists clients accused of drug-related crimes such as possession, distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing of controlled substances. She meticulously examines the evidence, challenges unlawful searches or seizures, and identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Megan Gallagher works to negotiate favorable outcomes, such as reduced charges or alternative sentencing programs, while also advocating for clients in court if necessary. Her goal is not only to provide a robust legal defense but also to guide clients through a challenging period with compassion and professionalism, ensuring they have the best chance for a positive resolution and a fresh start.
Why Megan Gallagher?
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Megan Gallagher is a skilled and dedicated criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of successfully defending clients in drug-related cases. She brings a meticulous, results-driven approach, carefully analyzing every detail of the case to build a strong defense. Megan Gallagher is well-versed in challenging unlawful searches, evidence handling, and procedural violations, ensuring her clients’ constitutional rights are upheld.
Her compassionate and client-focused approach means she not only provides exceptional legal representation but also supports clients through what can be a daunting process. Megan Gallagher’s ability to negotiate reduced charges, explore alternative sentencing options, and fiercely advocate in court makes her the trusted choice for anyone facing drug offense charges.
Megan Gallagher's experience in Criminal Defense
Extensive Legal Experience
Megan Gallagher has significant experience defending clients accused of drug-related charges, including possession, distribution, and other drug offenses. She has successfully represented individuals in cases involving controlled substances and focuses on protecting her clients' rights. Megan Gallagher is skilled at identifying errors in evidence handling, addressing procedural violations, and negotiating favorable outcomes, such as reduced charges or alternative resolutions.
With her thorough understanding of drug laws and a compassionate approach, Megan Gallagher ensures her clients receive fair treatment throughout the legal process. Her dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes has made her a trusted advocate in drug offense cases.
When facing drug offenses, the legal and personal challenges can be overwhelming. A skilled criminal defense lawyer ensures the accused’s rights are protected, providing strategic support to navigate the complexities of drug-related charges and work toward the best resolution.
What Does a Drug Offences Lawyer Do?
Defending against drug offense charges requires a skilled attorney with expertise, precision, and dedication to handle these complex cases. Megan Gallagher offers strategic, results-driven representation, focusing on protecting clients’ rights, challenging evidence, and securing the best possible outcomes in court or through negotiation.
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Advocates for the client in all legal proceedings, including arraignments, bail hearings, and trials, ensuring their case is presented effectively and their rights are upheld.
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Guides the client through the legal process, including understanding the charges, potential penalties, and available defense strategies.
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Analyzes evidence, such as search warrants, seized items, and witness statements, to identify flaws or violations in the prosecution’s case.
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Drafts and files legal motions, including motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully, to protect the client’s constitutional rights.
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Gathers and organizes case-related evidence, including police reports, laboratory tests, and surveillance, to build a strong defense.
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Negotiates with prosecutors to secure plea deals or reduced charges, minimizing potential penalties or avoiding trial where possible.
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Represents the client in court, presenting compelling arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and challenging the validity of the evidence presented.
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Works closely with experts, such as forensic analysts, to counter prosecution claims and provide additional support for the defense.
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Explains the client’s rights under drug laws and provides step-by-step guidance to make informed decisions throughout the legal process.
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Monitors developments in the case and enforces procedural protections, ensuring compliance with legal standards and addressing any violations.
Types of Charges & Penalties That Require a Drug Offences Lawyer
Possession of controlled substances is a serious offense under New York law. The severity of the charge depends on the type and amount of drug found in the defendant’s possession. Criminal possession of a controlled substance (CPCS) can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony:
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Misdemeanor Possession: Typically involves small amounts of controlled substances for personal use. For example, possession of a small amount of marijuana may result in misdemeanor charges, although recent reforms have decriminalized minor marijuana possession.
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Felony Possession: Involves larger quantities or more dangerous drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. A felony possession conviction can lead to significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
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Selling or distributing controlled substances is treated more harshly than possession. Even offering to sell drugs without completing a transaction can result in serious charges. The sale of a controlled substance is usually a felony, with penalties increasing based on the quantity of drugs involved, whether the transaction occurred near a school or park, and whether the sale involved a minor.
New York has strict laws against drug trafficking, which involves the manufacture, distribution, or transportation of large quantities of controlled substances. Trafficking charges often lead to federal involvement due to the large-scale nature of the offense. Penalties for drug trafficking are severe, often resulting in decades-long prison sentences and substantial fines.
The misuse of prescription medications, such as opioids, Xanax, or Adderall, has risen dramatically in New York in recent years. Prescription drug fraud involves obtaining these drugs illegally through means like forging prescriptions, doctor shopping, or unlawfully distributing medications. These offenses are prosecuted vigorously, with charges often resulting in felony convictions.
Manufacturing drugs, such as methamphetamine, or cultivating marijuana without proper legal authority is a felony in New York. Convictions for drug manufacturing can carry heavy prison sentences, especially if large-scale operations are involved.
The penalties for drug-related crimes in New York vary based on several factors, including the type and quantity of the drug, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and whether the offense involved minors or took place near schools. In general:
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Misdemeanor Drug Offenses: These may result in up to one year in jail, probation, community service, and fines.
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Felony Drug Offenses: Depending on the severity, felony drug charges can lead to multiple years in prison, probation, and fines ranging into the tens of thousands of dollars.
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Drug Trafficking and Sale: These offenses carry much harsher penalties, with sentences ranging from several years to life in prison, especially if federal charges are involved.
In addition to legal penalties, a drug conviction can have long-lasting consequences on employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
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A drug offenses lawyer specializes in defending clients against charges related to controlled substances, ensuring their rights are protected and the best possible outcomes are achieved. The following types of charges often require the expertise of a drug offenses lawyer:
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“I have known Megan Gallagher for over 10 years through our professional relationship as attorneys at the Attorney General’s Office. In my 30 year legal career, I have not met a more dedicated and caring attorney who fights as hard for her clients or has as much success. Megan is someone you want on your side when facing legal challenges - she will explain things clearly, put you at ease and advocate fiercely for you!”
-Lara
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“I am a current client of Ms. Gallagher and she’s been wonderful throughout my legal issues. She listens, communicates very well with you, she cares about her clients and gives 100% of herself to the job which is YOU. I truly truly appreciate all the work she’s done for me. I’ll call ms. Gallagher esq. for legal services for a lifetime let’s hope I don’t need to lol. I recommend her services/office services. So if you’re having legal troubles give Ms. Gallagher a call."
-Miss Cocoa
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“I have known Megan Gallagher for over 10 + years. Besides being very professional & good at what she does. She is a kind & compassionate person. She would be the ideal defense attorney for a client to fight for them especially since she’s been a prosecutor for many years & knows how the prosecution thinks, which is a winning formula for a defense attorney.”
-Arleen Linquiti
Testimonials
“I have known Megan Gallagher for >10 years through our professional relationship as attorneys at the Attorney General’s Office. In my 30 year legal career, I have not met a more dedicated and caring attorney who fights as hard for her clients or has as much success. Megan is someone you want on your side when facing legal challenges – she will explain things clearly, put you at ease and advocate fiercely for you!”
-Jason Bassett
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“Megan Gallagher is one of the finest attorneys I know and I would refer her to anyone needing legal representation without reservation.”
– Rose LaRocca
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“The best defense attorneys are former prosecutors. They know their way around the courtroom. Megan Gallagher is that attorney. She has decades of experience handling every type of offense from simple traffic violations to the most complex felonies. She genuinely cares about her clients and will fight to achieve the best outcome. As a former prosecutor and defense attorney myself I unequivocally endorse and recommend Megan!”
-Heather Mahn
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“My lawyer’s name is Megan. She is absolutely a professional and experienced lawyer who cares your case literally as much as you do. She is no doubt highly above average among all lawyers. She helped me a lot in my case and the case is going to be soon dismissed. Definitely recommend having her as your attorney!”
– Carla Best
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“Megan Gallagher is a phenomenal attorney who you want on your side! She is brilliant, experienced, and tenacious – and goes above and beyond to advocate for her clients and get justice. If you want a lawyer who is going to fight hard and get the best possible result, Megan is the one for you!”
– Peter Zadek
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The information provided on this site is not legal advice and is not intended to be. You should consult an attorney regarding your specific situation. Contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship, so please refrain from sending confidential information until such a relationship is formed. Please note that the outcomes of legal cases depend on their unique facts and circumstances, and The Law Office of Jason Bassett, P.C. cannot guarantee specific results in any legal matter. Any testimonials or case results featured here are based on actual cases and reflect the outcomes of those particular cases, without guaranteeing, warranting, or predicting results for other legal matters. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.