Drug Possession Laws in Syracuse

The statutes in New York Penal Law concerning illegal drugs can be complex. They consider not just the fact that you were allegedly in possession of illegal drugs, but also the type of drug, its quantity, and what you were allegedly doing or planning to do with those drugs. All of this combines to make most drug charges felony offenses for which a conviction could forever change your life.

Possession of Illegal Drugs Under New York Penal Law

New York Penal Law Article 220 outlines the laws that Syracuse courts use to punish the possession of illegal drugs. With the exception of small amounts of marijuana in a private setting, it is illegal for any person to have even a trace amount of an illegal drug in their possession in the State of New York. These allegations vary in severity depending on several factors.

The most important issue affecting the severity of a drug charge in Syracuse is the quantity of the drug found in the defendant’s possession. At the most basic level, the possession of any illegal drug is a class A misdemeanor according to NYPL §220.03.

However, drug possession charges quickly become more serious as the quantity of drugs increases. Having as little as a quarter-ounce of some drugs is sufficient for possession charges to become a class D felony. The most severe drug charge—Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, codified under NYPL §220.21—is a class A-1 felony that may apply to your case even if you did not intend to sell the drugs.

Different Drugs Carry Different Penalties

However, the severity of drug possession charges also changes depending on the type of drugs allegedly possessed. In other words, the severity of a charge is a combination of the type and amount of drugs possessed.

As such, the penalties for a conviction range in severity from misdemeanors to the most severe penalties available under New York Penal Law. Convictions for misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail but rarely rise to this level of punishment. By contrast, most drug charges are felonies for which you could face a minimum of one year in prison all the way up to a life sentence.

The harshest penalties apply to the possession of narcotic drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and methadone. Every case is unique, and a drug possession lawyer in Syracuse could help you better understand New York’s drug possession laws and how they apply to your case.

How a Syracuse Drug Possession Attorney Could Help

Cases involving drug possession are among the most common seen in criminal courts throughout the Syracuse area. Despite this, these cases can vary in severity from misdemeanors to serious felonies. No matter the exact circumstances, a Syracuse drug possession lawyer could fight for your rights in court.

At Tully Rinckey PLLC, our legal team works to analyze every aspect of the prosecutor’s case on behalf of our clients, from the drug lab results to witness statements to the execution of search warrants. By reviewing your case like this, our attorneys may be able to develop a defense designed to give you the best chance of success. You can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone at 8885294543, or by e-mail at info@tullylegal.com.

You can also use our secure Live Chat feature to connect with us regarding your matter. Your message will be delivered to a secured firm account with a member from our team ready to assist you.

Book Your Consultation Now!

Ready to book your consultation? Click here to pay our consultation fee and book your meeting with an attorney today!

Book Your Consultation

What Our Clients Are Saying:

Featured Attorney

WHY CHOOSE US TO REPRESENT YOU

When you choose Tully Rinckey PLLC, you aren’t just assigned an attorney. Your legal matter will be cared for by our entire legal team and support staff. With offices throughout the United States, we make sure you receive legal counsel and representation you can trust.

Ethics and Professional Responsibility


At Tully Rinckey, we work relentlessly to ensure our ethical standards and level of professionalism surpass what is expected of us by our clients and the court. Our high ethical principles call us to treat clients with respect, offer affordability to members of the communities we serve, and provide composed and dignified representation.

Our Experience


Our highly knowledgeable law team comes to the table with attorneys who have 20 to 30 years of experience representing hundreds of clients. With hundreds of years of combined experience in appellate, international and U.S. business and corporate commercial law, litigation, criminal law, immigration, bankruptcy, employment law, estate planning, our team has what it takes to ensure your success.

Our Process


Our client-centered process is all about communication. During consultations, we teach clients about legal challenges they face and explain options available from their current position. Our attorneys explain how we resolve legal issues for the best possible outcome. We define what the expectations are, create manageable deadlines, and discover evidence to support claims.

Our Personal Process

Contact us


Contact us to discuss your needs with a client representative and schedule a consultation with an attorney.

PREPARE FOR CONSULTATION


Your time with your attorney is important. Please use this guide to get the most out of your initial consultation.

Meet your attorney


We discuss your specific legal goals and gain important information from you to help us understand your unique situation.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Get Started