Drug possession charges are different when it comes to controlled substances and marijuana offenses. In a possession offense, regardless of the type of drug, the prosecutor must prove that there was indeed a drug that the defendant knowingly possessed, unlawfully. In the state of New York, the Penal Code has six different levels of possession charges. For example, there is a first-degree possession of controlled substance offense as well as a first-degree possession of marijuana offense with different penalties. Some minor marijuana possession charges could result in a misdemeanor offense but the majority of drug offenses are charged as felonies. The breakdown of the offenses vary from Class A-1 felonies to Class E felonies and the penalties include:
-
Class A-I Felony
- Prison sentence with a minimum of 15-40 years, up to a life sentence
- A fine of up to $100,000
-
Class A-II Felony
- Prison sentence with a minimum of 3-8 years, up to a life sentence
- A fine of up to $50,000
-
Class B Felony
- Prison sentence between one and 25 years
- A fine of up to $30,000
-
Class C Felony
- Prison sentence between one and 15 years
- A fine of up to $15,000
-
Class D Felony
- Prison sentence between one and seven years
- A fine of up to $15,000
-
Class E Felony
- Prison sentence between one and four years
- A fine of up to $15,000
The details of your specific drug possession offense will determine the penalties at stake. Fight to avoid these consequences by teaming up with a drug possession lawyer in Brooklyn. The legal team at The Law Offices of Michael Mullen has years of experience assisting clients in their criminal cases. Contact our firm today to schedule a free initial consultation and see how we could help defend against your drug possession charges.