Drug Crimes Attorney

Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Suffolk County, New York

Being charged with drug crimes in Suffolk County can result in severe criminal penalties including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, mandatory drug treatment programs, permanent criminal records, and consequences that affect every aspect of your life. New York prosecutes a wide range of drug offenses beyond simple possession, including drug sales, distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, and conspiracy charges that carry far harsher penalties. Whether you’re facing charges for selling cocaine, distributing heroin, manufacturing methamphetamine, trafficking fentanyl, or other drug crimes, you need an experienced attorney who understands New York’s complex drug laws and knows how to build an aggressive defense. Attorney Michael Brown is Suffolk County’s most experienced drug crimes defense lawyer, with a proven track record of successfully defending clients against all types of drug charges.

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Understanding New York’s Drug Crime Laws

New York’s drug crime statutes are found primarily in Article 220 (controlled substance offenses) and Article 221 (marijuana offenses) of the New York Penal Law. These laws establish various degrees of offenses based on the type of drug, the quantity involved, the defendant’s intent, and their prior criminal history. Drug crimes range from low-level misdemeanors to the most serious A-I felonies carrying mandatory life sentences.

New York classifies controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and likelihood of causing dependence:

Schedule I: Drugs with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (heroin, LSD, psilocybin, ecstasy)

Schedule II: Drugs with high potential for abuse but some accepted medical use (cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine)

Schedule III: Drugs with moderate potential for abuse (ketamine, anabolic steroids, certain codeine preparations)

Schedule IV: Drugs with lower potential for abuse (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Ambien)

Schedule V: Drugs with the lowest potential for abuse (certain cough preparations with codeine)

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance

Criminal sale charges involve selling, distributing, or possessing drugs with intent to sell. These charges are generally more serious than possession charges and carry mandatory prison sentences in many cases.

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, under New York Penal Law § 220.31, is a Class D felony. A person is guilty when they knowingly and unlawfully sell a controlled substance.

This charge applies to any sale of any amount of a controlled substance, making it one of the most commonly charged drug sale offenses. Even selling a single pill or small amount of drugs constitutes this felony.

Penalties:

Prison Time: Up to 2.5 years for first-time offenders; 1.5 to 4 years for those with prior felony convictions
Fines: Up to $5,000 plus surcharges
Probation: Possible for first-time offenders
Permanent Felony Record: Employment, housing, and civil rights consequences
Driver’s License Suspension: Six months to one year
Immigration Consequences: High likelihood of deportation for non-citizens

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, under New York Penal Law § 220.34, is a Class C felony. A person is guilty when they knowingly and unlawfully sell:

One or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances containing a narcotic drug (including any amount of heroin)
One-eighth ounce (3.5 grams) or more of a narcotic preparation
One-half ounce or more of methamphetamine
360 milligrams or more of methadone
Phencyclidine (PCP) weighing 50 milligrams or more
A stimulant and has previously been convicted of a drug offense
A stimulant to a person under 21 years old

This charge commonly applies to sales of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids.

Penalties:

Prison Time: Up to 5.5 years for first-time offenders; 2 to 7 years for those with prior felonies
Fines: Up to $5,000 plus substantial surcharges
Permanent Serious Felony Record: Devastating long-term consequences
Driver’s License Suspension: Automatic suspension
Immigration Consequences: Very high likelihood of deportation

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, under New York Penal Law § 220.39, is a Class B felony. A person is guilty when they knowingly and unlawfully sell:

A narcotic drug (including heroin or cocaine)
One gram or more of ketamine
A stimulant weighing one gram or more
A hallucinogen weighing 25 milligrams or more
A hallucinogenic substance weighing one gram or more
LSD weighing one milligram or more
Phencyclidine weighing 250 milligrams or more
Methadone weighing 360 milligrams or more

Penalties:

Mandatory Prison Time: Up to 9 years for first-time offenders; 4.5 to 9 years for those with prior felonies
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Limited judicial discretion
Fines: Up to $15,000 plus extensive surcharges
Permanent Serious Felony Record: Class B felony with catastrophic consequences
Driver’s License Suspension: Automatic suspension
Immigration Consequences: Nearly certain deportation for non-citizens

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, under New York Penal Law § 220.41, is a Class A-II felony. A person is guilty when they knowingly and unlawfully sell:

One-half ounce (14 grams) or more of a narcotic drug (heroin, cocaine, etc.)
One-half ounce or more of methamphetamine

Penalties:

Mandatory Prison Time: 3 to 10 years in state prison (indeterminate sentence)
Enhanced Sentences: Up to life imprisonment for prior drug felony convictions
Fines: Up to $50,000 plus substantial surcharges
Permanent Class A-II Felony Record: Devastating lifelong consequences
Driver’s License Suspension: Automatic suspension
Immigration Consequences: Mandatory deportation for non-citizens with no relief available

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, under New York Penal Law § 220.43, is a Class A-I felony—the most serious drug crime in New York. A person is guilty when they knowingly and unlawfully sell:

Two ounces (56 grams) or more of a narcotic drug
Two ounces or more of methamphetamine

Penalties:

Mandatory Prison Time: 8 to 20 years in state prison (indeterminate sentence)
Enhanced Sentences: 15 years to life imprisonment for those with prior drug felony convictions
Massive Fines: Up to $100,000 plus extensive surcharges
Permanent Class A-I Felony Record: The most serious felony classification, permanently destroying opportunities
Driver’s License Suspension: Automatic suspension
Immigration Consequences: Certain deportation with no possibility of waiver

Criminal Possession with Intent to Sell

Prosecutors often charge “possession with intent to sell” when circumstances suggest drug dealing even without witnessing an actual sale. Evidence of intent includes:

Large quantities of drugs
Packaging materials (baggies, scales, cutting agents)
Large amounts of cash
Drug paraphernalia associated with sales
Customer lists or communications
Drugs packaged in sale-ready quantities

Intent to sell charges carry the same penalties as actual sale charges.

Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy Charges

Operating as a Major Trafficker

Operating as a Major Trafficker, under New York Penal Law § 220.77, is a Class A-I felony—one of New York’s most serious crimes, often called the “drug kingpin” statute. A person is guilty when, acting as a director of a controlled substance organization, they:

Sell one or more controlled substances and during any 12-month period receive proceeds exceeding $75,000, or
Possess with intent to sell one or more controlled substances and the aggregate value exceeds $75,000

This charge targets high-level drug dealers and traffickers who direct drug distribution operations.

Penalties:

Mandatory Life Sentence: 15 years to life in prison (indeterminate sentence)
Enhanced Sentences: 20 years to life for prior drug convictions
Massive Fines: Up to $100,000 plus forfeiture of all proceeds and assets
Asset Forfeiture: Seizure of property, vehicles, money, and assets connected to drug trafficking
Permanent Class A-I Felony Record: Life-destroying conviction
Immigration Consequences: Certain deportation

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance to a Child

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in or Near School Grounds, under New York Penal Law § 220.44, is a Class B felony. This charge applies when someone sells drugs:

On or within 1,000 feet of school grounds
On a school bus

The penalty enhancement reflects the state’s concern about protecting children and school environments.

Penalties:

Mandatory Prison Time: 1 to 9 years for first offenders; 4.5 to 9 years with prior convictions
Enhanced Mandatory Minimums: Substantial required prison time
Fines: Up to $15,000

Conspiracy to Commit Drug Crimes

Under New York Penal Law Article 105, conspiracy charges apply when two or more people agree to commit drug crimes and take an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. Conspiracy charges allow prosecutors to target everyone involved in drug operations, not just those caught with drugs or making sales.

Conspiracy charges are classified one degree lower than the target offense but still carry serious penalties:

Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (Class A misdemeanor): Conspiring to commit a Class C felony Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (Class E felony): Conspiring to commit a Class B felony Conspiracy in the Third Degree (Class D felony): Conspiring to commit a Class A felony or certain Class B felonies Conspiracy in the Second Degree (Class B felony): Conspiring to commit a Class A-I or Class A-II felony

Conspiracy prosecutions often rely on wiretaps, surveillance, informant testimony, and financial records.

Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation Offenses

Unlawfully Manufacturing a Controlled Substance

New York Penal Law § 220.73 through § 220.77 criminalize manufacturing controlled substances. Manufacturing includes producing, preparing, propagating, compounding, or processing controlled substances.

Unlawfully Manufacturing a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class D felony): Manufacturing or preparing to manufacture any controlled substance

Unlawfully Manufacturing a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (Class C felony): Manufacturing methamphetamine or other specified substances

Unlawfully Manufacturing a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class A-II felony): Manufacturing methamphetamine under circumstances creating danger to children or causing physical injury or death

Manufacturing charges commonly involve:

Methamphetamine labs
Marijuana grow operations
Pill presses for counterfeit pills
Laboratories producing synthetic drugs

These cases often involve additional charges for endangering children, environmental crimes, and weapons possession.

Precursor Offenses

New York criminalizes possession of precursor chemicals used to manufacture drugs. Under New York Penal Law § 220.60 through § 220.72:

Criminal Possession of Precursors of Controlled Substances (Class E felony): Possessing certain chemicals with intent to manufacture controlled substances

Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material (Class D or C felony depending on degree): Possessing materials and equipment to manufacture methamphetamine

Common precursors include pseudoephedrine, anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorus, and other chemicals used in drug manufacturing.

Drug-Induced Deaths and Overdoses

Criminally Selling a Controlled Substance Causing Death

Under New York Penal Law § 220.48, Criminally Selling a Controlled Substance Causing Death is a Class A-I felony. A person is guilty when they sell a controlled substance and the use of that substance causes the death of the buyer or user.

This charge reflects New York’s aggressive response to the opioid epidemic and fentanyl-related overdose deaths.

Penalties:

Mandatory Life Sentence: 15 to 25 years in prison
No Probation Available: Mandatory incarceration
Fines: Up to $100,000
Permanent Class A-I Felony Record: The most serious classification

Prosecutors increasingly pursue these charges in overdose death cases, particularly involving fentanyl. Even low-level dealers face life sentences if their product causes death.

Marijuana Offenses Under Current Law

While New York legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, various marijuana-related crimes remain:

Unlawful Sale of Cannabis

Criminal Sale of Cannabis in the Third Degree (Class A misdemeanor): Selling cannabis without a license

Criminal Sale of Cannabis in the Second Degree (Class E felony): Selling more than 100 pounds of cannabis

Criminal Sale of Cannabis in the First Degree (Class D felony): Selling more than 1,000 pounds of cannabis

Unlawful Distribution

Unlawfully dealing cannabis involves selling cannabis without proper licensing. Penalties range from violations to felonies depending on quantities and circumstances.

Sale to Minors

Selling cannabis to individuals under 21 remains criminal and carries enhanced penalties.

Asset Forfeiture

New York’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Law (CPLR Article 13-A) allows seizure of property connected to drug crimes, including:

Vehicles used to transport drugs
Money derived from drug sales
Real property used for drug manufacturing or sales
Weapons and other instrumentalities

Asset forfeiture is a civil proceeding separate from criminal prosecution. Even if criminal charges are dismissed, the government can still forfeit property.

Enhanced Penalties and Aggravating Factors

Drug crime penalties increase based on various aggravating factors:

Prior Drug Convictions

Second and subsequent drug felony convictions trigger enhanced sentencing:

Mandatory minimum sentences increase
Maximum sentences increase
Probation eligibility is eliminated
Judicial discretion is severely limited

Drug-Free School Zones

Sales within 1,000 feet of schools carry mandatory minimum sentences and enhanced charges.

Involving Minors

Using minors to sell drugs or selling to minors results in enhanced charges and mandatory prison time.

Weapons

Possessing firearms during drug crimes results in:

Additional weapons charges
Enhanced drug sentences
Mandatory consecutive sentences in many cases
Federal prosecution possibilities

Large Quantities

As quantities increase, charges escalate from lower to higher degrees, dramatically increasing mandatory minimum sentences.

Federal vs. State Drug Prosecutions

Drug crimes can be prosecuted under federal or state law, or both. Federal prosecution typically occurs when:

Large quantities of drugs are involved
Interstate or international trafficking is involved
Organized crime or gang activity is involved
Federal agencies conducted the investigation
The case involves federal jurisdictions (airports, border crossings, federal property)

Federal drug sentences are often harsher than New York State sentences and are governed by federal sentencing guidelines with mandatory minimums.

Attorney Michael Brown has experience with both state and federal drug prosecutions and understands the strategic considerations in dual-jurisdiction cases.

Long-Term Consequences of Drug Crime Convictions

Employment Devastation

Drug crime convictions create severe employment barriers:

Most employers automatically disqualify applicants with drug convictions
Professional licenses are revoked or denied (healthcare, law, education, finance)
Security clearances become impossible
Government employment is unavailable
Many industries completely exclude drug offenders

Education Consequences

Drug convictions affect education:

Federal student financial aid is suspended (for convictions while enrolled)
College admissions offices often deny applicants with drug convictions
Current students face expulsion
Professional schools exclude applicants with drug convictions
Scholarships are lost

Housing Difficulties

Drug convictions create housing obstacles:

Private landlords routinely deny applications
Public housing authorities exclude drug offenders
Section 8 and housing assistance becomes unavailable
Many apartment complexes refuse to rent to drug offenders

Driver’s License Suspension

New York mandates automatic driver’s license suspension for all drug convictions:

Six months minimum for most convictions
Up to one year for felony convictions
Loss of driving privileges affects work, school, and daily life

Immigration Catastrophe

For non-citizens, drug crime convictions are immigration nightmares:

Almost all drug convictions constitute “controlled substance offenses” triggering deportation
Aggravated drug felonies result in mandatory deportation with no relief
Legal permanent residents with decades of residence face removal
Pending naturalization applications are denied
Re-entry becomes impossible
Even misdemeanor drug convictions can cause deportation

Family Law Impact

Drug convictions affect families:

Child custody strongly favors parents without drug convictions
Visitation may be supervised or restricted
Child protective services may intervene
Adoption eligibility is eliminated

Loss of Rights

Drug felony convictions result in:

Loss of voting rights while incarcerated (restored after release in New York)
Ineligibility for jury service
Firearm possession prohibition
Restrictions on professional licenses
Public benefits restrictions

Financial Consequences

Beyond fines, drug convictions cause:

Asset forfeiture (cars, homes, money)
Restitution to victims
Loss of income during incarceration
Reduced lifetime earnings due to employment barriers
Ineligibility for certain loans and financial programs

Common Defenses to Drug Crime Charges

As Suffolk County’s most experienced drug crimes defense attorney, Michael Brown employs comprehensive defense strategies:

Illegal Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches. Attorney Brown challenges:

Traffic stops lacking reasonable suspicion or probable cause
Warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons
Searches exceeding consent scope
Improperly obtained search warrants
K-9 searches lacking proper foundation
Pretextual stops used to search for drugs

Successful suppression of evidence often results in dismissal since drugs are typically the primary evidence.

Lack of Possession

Prosecutors must prove you possessed the drugs. Attorney Brown demonstrates:

Drugs belonged to someone else
You had no knowledge drugs were present
Drugs were not in your control
Multiple people had access (constructive possession challenges)
Prosecution cannot prove possession beyond reasonable doubt

Lack of Knowledge

Prosecutors must prove you knew drugs were present. Attorney Brown shows:

You were unaware drugs were in your vehicle, bag, or property
Someone else placed drugs without your knowledge
You had no reason to know drugs were present

Challenging Intent to Sell

For sale and intent-to-sell charges, Attorney Brown challenges prosecution evidence by showing:

Quantities were consistent with personal use
No paraphernalia indicating sales (scales, packaging, large cash amounts)
No evidence of actual sales
Drugs were for personal use only

Entrapment

When charges result from undercover operations, Attorney Brown may argue:

You were entrapped by police or informants
Police induced conduct you wouldn’t otherwise have engaged in
You lacked predisposition to commit drug crimes

Challenging Lab Tests and Drug Identity

Drug charges require proof substances are actually controlled substances. Attorney Brown challenges:

Whether lab tests were properly conducted
Chain of custody for drug evidence
Lab analyst qualifications
Testing method accuracy and reliability
Whether substances meet legal definitions

Challenging Weight Calculations

For weight-based charges, Attorney Brown scrutinizes:

How drugs were weighed (including or excluding packaging)
Whether cutting agents are properly accounted for
Whether weights were accurately measured
Whether weight thresholds are actually met

Informant Credibility

Many drug cases rely on confidential informants. Attorney Brown challenges:

Informant credibility and reliability
Informant motives (often receive money or leniency for cooperation)
Whether informants entrapped defendants
Inconsistencies in informant testimony

Challenging Wiretap Evidence

Drug conspiracy cases often involve wiretaps. Attorney Brown examines:

Whether wiretap warrants were properly obtained
Whether minimization requirements were followed
Whether intercepted communications are properly interpreted
Whether wiretap evidence should be suppressed

Violation of Miranda Rights

If you made incriminating statements, Attorney Brown challenges:

Whether you were properly Mirandized
Whether you knowingly waived your rights
Whether police continued questioning after you invoked rights

Crime Lab Issues

Attorney Brown investigates:

Lab certification and accreditation
Contamination or mishandling of samples
Testing procedure errors
Fraudulent lab practices

Negotiating Reduced Charges and Alternative Programs

Even in difficult cases, Attorney Brown’s experience often results in:

Reduction from higher to lower degree charges
Reduction from sale charges to possession charges
Drug treatment court as alternative to prosecution
Adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD)
Conditional discharge without jail time
Probation instead of prison

Drug Treatment Courts

Attorney Brown helps eligible clients access drug treatment court programs offering:

Treatment-focused approach instead of incarceration
Intensive supervision and support
Dismissal or reduced charges upon successful completion
Opportunity to address addiction issues

Five Reasons Attorney Michael Brown Is Your Best Choice for Drug Crimes Defense

Unparalleled Experience in Complex Drug Prosecutions: As Suffolk County’s most experienced drug crimes defense attorney, Michael Brown has successfully defended hundreds of clients against drug charges ranging from simple possession to major drug trafficking, conspiracy, and drug kingpin charges involving multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. His extensive experience with complex drug cases involving wiretaps, confidential informants, multi-defendant conspiracies, and federal-state jurisdictional issues provides clients with sophisticated defense strategies that less experienced attorneys cannot match.
Expertise in Search and Seizure Law: Drug cases almost always involve Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues. Attorney Brown is recognized as a leading expert in constitutional search and seizure law and has successfully suppressed drug evidence in countless cases by proving illegal vehicle stops, unconstitutional searches, improper search warrants, illegal K-9 searches, coerced consent, and constitutional violations. His exceptional suppression motion practice has resulted in dismissals of cases involving large quantities of drugs that seemed unwinnable to other attorneys.
Scientific and Technical Expertise: Drug cases involve complex technical and scientific issues including field testing, laboratory analysis, chain of custody, weight calculations, drug purity analysis, and drug identification. Attorney Brown has extensive knowledge of drug testing procedures, lab protocols, and forensic science. He knows how to challenge lab results, cross-examine forensic chemists, identify testing errors, and expose weaknesses in scientific evidence. This technical expertise is invaluable for challenging the prosecution’s scientific case.
Strategic Negotiation in High-Stakes Cases: Drug crimes often carry mandatory minimum sentences that eliminate judicial discretion, making negotiation skills critical. Attorney Brown’s decades of experience, reputation, and relationships with Suffolk County prosecutors and judges enable him to negotiate favorable plea agreements, charge reductions that eliminate mandatory minimums, and access to alternative sentencing programs. His ability to reduce A-I felony charges to lower degrees, negotiate sale charges down to possession, and secure drug treatment court placements has saved clients from decades of mandatory prison time.
Understanding of Asset Forfeiture and Financial Consequences: Drug prosecutions often involve asset forfeiture proceedings targeting vehicles, homes, cash, and property allegedly connected to drug crimes. Attorney Brown has extensive experience fighting asset forfeiture, protecting clients’ property rights, and challenging government seizures. He understands the civil forfeiture process, knows how to contest seizure warrants, and fights to protect clients’ assets from government confiscation. His comprehensive approach addresses both criminal charges and related civil proceedings.

The Critical Importance of Immediate Representation

Drug crime cases require immediate legal intervention. Contact Attorney Michael Brown right away because:

Evidence Preservation: Physical evidence, surveillance footage, informant communications, and critical information can disappear quickly. Attorney Brown acts immediately to preserve all evidence, especially evidence of constitutional violations.

Suppression Opportunities: Fourth Amendment challenges must be pursued promptly. Attorney Brown immediately investigates arrest circumstances, searches, and drug discovery to identify constitutional violations resulting in evidence suppression and case dismissal.

Preventing Damaging Statements: People arrested for drug crimes often try to explain themselves, cooperate with police, or minimize their involvement, making statements that become devastating evidence. Attorney Brown ensures you exercise your right to remain silent.

Cooperation Decisions: Federal and state prosecutors often seek cooperation from defendants in drug cases. These decisions have enormous consequences and must be made strategically. Attorney Brown advises whether cooperation is beneficial and negotiates cooperation agreements protecting your interests.

Asset Protection: Government agencies move quickly to seize assets in drug cases. Early legal intervention can protect your property, vehicles, homes, and money from forfeiture.

Bail Issues: Drug crime charges, especially trafficking charges, often involve high bail or no bail. Attorney Brown advocates for reasonable bail conditions.

Federal vs. State Considerations: When cases involve potential federal prosecution, early strategic decisions about which jurisdiction offers better outcomes are critical.

Understanding Federal Drug Prosecutions

Many serious drug cases are prosecuted federally. Federal prosecution occurs when:

Large quantities are involved (typically kilograms of cocaine/heroin, pounds of methamphetamine)
Interstate or international trafficking is involved
Organized drug trafficking organizations are targeted
Federal agencies (DEA, FBI, ATF) conducted investigations
Cases involve federal jurisdictions

Federal drug sentences under 21 U.S.C. § 841 and related statutes often exceed New York State sentences:

10 years to life mandatory minimum for 1 kilogram+ of heroin or 5 kilograms+ of cocaine
5 to 40 years mandatory minimum for 100 grams+ of heroin or 500 grams+ of cocaine
Federal sentencing guidelines calculate sentences based on drug quantities using Drug Quantity Tables
Federal “safety valve” provisions may reduce mandatory minimums for qualifying defendants

Attorney Michael Brown has experience with federal drug prosecutions and coordinates with federal defense counsel when cases involve federal charges.

What to Do If You’re Charged with Drug Crimes

If you’ve been arrested for drug crimes or are under investigation:

Immediately Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Do not answer questions about drugs, where they came from, who they belong to, who you know, or any other details. State: “I want to speak with my attorney and I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

Do Not Consent to Any Searches: You have a constitutional right to refuse consent. Do not give police permission to search your person, vehicle, phone, home, or anything else. Say: “I do not consent to any searches.”

Request an Attorney Immediately: Clearly invoke your right to counsel: “I want an attorney.” Police must stop questioning you once you invoke this right.

Do Not Cooperate Without Legal Advice: Police and prosecutors may offer leniency for cooperation, information, or testimony against others. Never agree to cooperate without first consulting an experienced attorney. Cooperation decisions have enormous consequences and must be made strategically.

Do Not Try to Explain or Minimize: Don’t tell police the drugs aren’t yours, you were holding them for someone, you didn’t know what they were, or you only use drugs personally. These statements will be used against you.

Preserve Evidence: If you have evidence supporting your defense (receipts, communications, etc.), preserve it and provide it only to your attorney.

Do Not Discuss Your Case: Don’t talk about your case with anyone except your attorney—not cellmates, family, or friends. These conversations can be recorded or repeated to prosecutors.

Document Everything: Write down everything you remember about how police found drugs, what was said, who was present, and all arrest details.

Contact Attorney Michael Brown Immediately: Drug crime cases move quickly and carry severe mandatory minimum sentences. Every hour without representation can harm your case. Attorney Brown needs to begin immediately preserving evidence, identifying constitutional violations, protecting your assets, and developing your defense strategy.

Your Freedom and Future Depend on Your Defense

Drug crime charges in New York carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal justice system, including mandatory minimum prison sentences that eliminate judicial discretion. But a charge is not a conviction. With experienced, aggressive legal representation, many defendants achieve outcomes that protect their freedom—whether through suppression of illegally obtained evidence, dismissal of charges, acquittal at trial, reduction to lesser charges without mandatory minimums, enrollment in drug treatment programs, or favorable plea agreements that avoid lengthy incarceration.

Drug crime cases are highly defensible with the right attorney. Constitutional protections guard against illegal searches. Technical requirements for proving possession, intent, knowledge, and quantities create opportunities for defense. Scientific evidence can be challenged. Informant testimony can be impeached. Every drug case deserves a vigorous, sophisticated defense.

You need Suffolk County’s most experienced drug crimes defense lawyer—someone who has successfully defended hundreds of serious drug cases, who is an expert in Fourth Amendment law, who understands the science and technical aspects of drug prosecutions, who knows how to negotiate in high-stakes cases with mandatory minimums, and who will fight tirelessly to protect your freedom, your assets, your immigration status, and your future.

Contact Attorney Michael Brown today for a confidential consultation about your drug crime case. Time is absolutely critical. Mandatory minimum sentences, asset forfeiture, and immigration consequences make drug charges uniquely serious. Don’t let drug crime charges destroy your life and take away decades of your freedom. Early action and experienced representation can make all the difference between mandatory life sentences and freedom. Let Suffolk County’s most experienced drug crimes defense attorney put his expertise, his experience, and his unwavering commitment to work protecting you and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.