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Defending Clients Facing Drug Charges

Drug crimes can be quite serious. Though some simple possession charges, namely marijuana, can be a simple ticket, others can be devastating. If you are caught with an amount that constitutes sales or intent to sell, you could face even harsher penalties. It is important to fight these charges. A criminal record is permanent and will affect your ability to make a living, get housing and more. It is important to consult with an attorney if you have been arrested for a drug crime. Raji S. Zeidan is an experienced Poughkeepsie criminal defense lawyer. With over a decade of experience, attorney Zeidan has successfully fought countless drug charges for Hudson Valley individuals. If you need our help, please contact us for a consultation.

Drug Crimes And The Controlled Substance Act Of 1970

Many drug laws stem from their schedule on the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. The federal scheduling of drugs plays a large part in how people are charged and prosecuted. One very notable exception is marijuana. New York deviated from marijuana’s place in the act, adopting its own set of consequences. To understand how the act works, it is important to know what it means to be on each schedule. Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous illegal substances, have no medical benefits and come with a high rate of abuse. Schedule II are considered less dangerous, have a limited medical use and come with a high risk of abuse. Schedule III drugs are considered even less dangerous, come with medical benefits and less potential for abuse.

  • Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy, peyote
  • Schedule II: Cocaine, methamphetamine, OxyContin, methadone, Vicodin, Dilaudid, Adderall/ Ritalin
  • Schedule III: Codeine, anabolic steroids, testosterone ketamine

Schedule IV and V drugs are saved for drugs that are regularly used for medical purposes and have a low potential for abuse. These include drugs like Darvocet, Xanax, Valium, Ambien.

Drug Charge Penalties

A simple marijuana possession charge is a ticket that comes with fines. If you are charged with possession that constitutes sales or intent to sell, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Most other drugs have penalties that reflect their seriousness on the Controlled Substance Act. Simple possession of schedule I and II drugs are misdemeanors and felonies. The consequences grow with the amount.

Contact An Experienced Poughkeepsie Criminal Attorney

At The Law Office of Raji S. Zeidan, PC, we fight tirelessly for clients facing criminal drug charges and tickets. If you have been arrested, it is important to consult with an attorney who can effectively explore all legal means to defend you. Our firm has the experience and tenacity you deserve. To schedule an appointment, call 845-233-6704 contact The Law Office of Raji S. Zeidan, PC.