Common Mistakes When Facing Drug Charges
New York Drug Crime Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Defending Against Drug Charges in New York
New York Drug Crime Lawyer Carl Spector spent 6 years serving as a prosecutor in Bronx County prosecuting thousands of narcotics cases of people charged with possession and sale of narcotics around the City of New York. Because of that experience, atorney Carl Spector has gained a vast working knowledge of the penal law, with regard to possession of narcotics and sale of narcotics cases.
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Experienced Legal Representation for all Drug Offenses
The most common drug-related charge In New York City is criminal possession of a controlled substance which Is a Class-A misdemeanor. This charge Is commonly attributed to the possession of small, personal amounts of cocaine or heroin. A Class-A misdemeanor can carry a sentence of a year in jail. If you have been arrested for a drug crime in New York, the police can issue a desk appearance ticket to appear in front of a judge for an arraignment right after being arrested.
If you have been charged with a Class-A misdemeanor, this conviction will remain on your criminal record. New York drug crime lawyer Carl Spector handles all types of drug charges including felony possession and drug distribution charges. We encourage New York residents to call our office to discuss the facts of your case. We offer free confidential consultations and will go over the details of your case, and provide sound legal advice. Attorney Carl Spector handles all cases personally, and will explore the best ways to handle your narcotic or controlled substance offense, and bring back satisfying results.
Common mistakes clients make when facing drug charges
- Making unnecessary admissions to the police.
The first and potentially most damaging mistake people make when faced with drug charges is making unnecessary and incriminating admissions to the police. While it’s always best to be cooperative and respectful, an arrested person is not obligated to say anything at all to the police, and doing so without a lawyer, especially when a drug charge is involved, can be disastrous.
People generally respond in one of two ways to demonstrations of authority: they aggressively reject it, or they accommodate it. While it’s never in your best interests to be aggressive to an officer, neither is it in your best interests to be unguardedly accommodating. Out of a desire to make your situation proceed more smoothly or to avoid making it worse, you might make vague and problematic statements, give away excessive detail, or even admit to something that isn’t true – all the more likely when you’re in an agitated emotional state. An officer might even encourage you to volunteer information by telling you that it will make things “easier” for you. The officer may be trying to trick you, or it might be an innocent request. Think of statements like that, though, as unsolicited legal advice that an officer is totally unqualified to give out.
When you encounter the police, be courteous and calm. Do not, however, volunteer any more information than is necessary. Call a criminal defense attorney with a proven record of handling drug cases at your earliest opportunity.
- Assuming you can “plea bargain” and walk away within minimal consequences after a first-time arrest.
Some people unfamiliar with the courts might place too much faith in the “plea bargain.” Widely misunderstood, the plea-bargain is not simply a chance to ask the judge to “cut you a deal.” Not everyone is entitled to a plea bargain. Depending on the charge, the prosecutor, the judge, the circumstances of your case, and criminal and personal background, your lawyer may be able to arrange for you to plead guilty to reduced charges.
- Failing to exercise proper caution and common sense on social media.
The Internet is not anonymous, and it is not private. It never has been and it probably never will be. You must be careful about what you post online. If you’ve been charged with possession of marijuana, and your Facebook or Instagram pages are loaded with pictures of pot and paraphernalia, 4/20 references, and smoke-ring selfies, the prosecution will find these, and will present them in court as evidence if they deem it necessary.
Perhaps surprisingly, many people also incriminate themselves on forums designed for those seeking legal advice to ask questions of attorneys. These can be a useful resource, but some people share too much, and the sites are not anonymous or secure. They are plastered with disclaimers to that effect. You must not share personal information on these sites. While they are largely benign, if you’re seeking legal advice, you’d be better off calling the office of a trusted criminal attorney in NYC.
New York Drug Crime Lawyer With Over 30 Years of Experience
Attorney Carl Spector has defended thousands of clients against drug charges in New York. He will fight to defend the rights of you or a loved one when charged for a drug crime in New York.
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If you have been arrested in New York for possession of a controlled substance, or sale of narcotics like heroin, cocaine, crack or meth, contact experienced New York drug crime lawyer Carl Spector for personalized representation, and aggressive defense. Let his experience work for you.