Drug Charges
Imagine this: one moment, everything in your life is moving forward, and the next, you find yourself in the middle of a legal battle you never anticipated. Drug charges can come out of nowhere, impacting individuals from all walks of life—professionals, students, parents, and young adults. No one plans for this, but the consequences can be devastating. A conviction could disrupt your career, damage your reputation, and impose legal penalties that haunt you for years.
At Hacker Murphy, we understand the weight of what you’re facing. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through this challenging time with dedication, compassion, and expertise. You don’t have to navigate the complexities of New York’s drug laws alone. Together, we’ll fight for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Your Life
A drug conviction isn’t just about fines or jail time—it can affect almost every aspect of your future. Beyond the immediate legal consequences, the lasting impact of a conviction can create barriers to opportunities you may take for granted, including:
- Professional Consequences: A conviction may disqualify you from obtaining professional licenses or lead to the loss of existing credentials, ending careers in healthcare, education, or finance.
- Employment Challenges: Many employers conduct background checks, and a drug conviction can severely limit job prospects, particularly in competitive industries.
- Educational and Financial Setbacks: Federal student loans, grants, and housing assistance may no longer be accessible after a conviction. For students, this could mean delays or derailed educational goals.
- Loss of Personal Rights: Felony convictions often result in losing the right to vote if you are incarcerated as well as the right to serve on a jury, or own firearms.
- Damage to Reputation: Beyond tangible losses, a conviction can permanently affect how you are perceived in your community and among peers.
Even a minor conviction can trigger these consequences. That’s why it’s critical to build a strong defense and fight to protect your future.
Misdemeanor Drug Charges Defense
Facing Misdemeanor Drug Possession Charges?
New York takes an aggressive stance on drug possession, including misdemeanor drug charges. But do not let a misdemeanor charge fool you into thinking it is not a serious matter.
While misdemeanor convictions may not lead to as much jail time as felonies, the consequences can be just as destructive. A misdemeanor drug conviction can affect every aspect of your life, including:
- Professional life: Licensure and career advancement
- Educational opportunities: Access to loans and grants
- Family dynamics: Impacts on family court proceedings
- Social standing: Reputation in your community
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree
NY Penal Law 220.03
A person is guilty of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree when they knowingly and unlawfully possess a controlled substance. Criminal possession in the seventh degree is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.
Conviction of a Class A Misdemeanor could result in severe penalties, including jail time. The criminal defense attorneys at Hacker Murphy are ready to defend your misdemeanor drug case and ensure that you have the best chance at minimizing penalties and avoiding long-term impacts.
Factors influencing misdemeanor drug convictions include:
- Law enforcement tactics: Scrutinizing the justification for the charges
- Previous charges: Any criminal history may escalate sentencing
- Defense strategy: Challenging the validity of search and seizure, and negotiating dismissals
At Hacker Murphy, we are dedicated to preventing a criminal record whenever possible and minimizing the impact of charges on your life.
General Overview of Drug Charges and Defenses
New York takes drug charges seriously, applying a wide range of penalties depending on the type and quantity of controlled substances involved. Charges may include possession, sale, trafficking, or driving while impaired by drugs. Penalties escalate with the severity of the offense, ranging from probation for minor infractions to decades in prison for major felonies.
At Hacker Murphy, we don’t just defend against charges—we build comprehensive strategies that challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case. Whether it’s getting charges dismissed, securing reduced sentences, or pursuing alternative resolutions like Drug Court, our priority is protecting your freedom and reputation.
Why Hacker Murphy Stands Out
At Hacker Murphy, we take every case personally. We understand how drug charges affect not just our clients but also their families. Our approach is built on:
- Compassion: We listen to your story and treat you with respect and understanding.
- Aggression: In court, we fight relentlessly to challenge the prosecution and secure the best possible outcome.
- Expertise: Decades of experience handling drug cases give us the edge in navigating even the most complex legal scenarios.
Time is of the essence in drug charges cases. Call Hacker Murphy at (518) 284-3183 or visit one of our offices in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or Saratoga Springs. Let us fight for your future.