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New York Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer

New York Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance defense can affect your freedom, record, employment, professional licensing, education, immigration status, family situation, and reputation. Lebedin Kofman LLP represents clients in New York City, Long Island, and state and federal courts when drug possession allegations involving searches, vehicles, apartments, packages, prescriptions, constructive possession, and lab testing are at stake.

These cases should be reviewed early. The first decisions after an arrest or investigation can affect release conditions, orders of protection, search and statement issues, preservation of video or phone evidence, witness strategy, and the possibility of dismissal, reduction, or a favorable resolution.

What Prosecutors May Need to Prove

• possession or constructive possession of a controlled substance
• knowledge and intent where required
• search legality, lab testing, chain of custody, weight, packaging, and statements

Defense Issues to Review

• illegal search or seizure
• lack of possession, knowledge, or connection to the location
• challenging lab results, packaging assumptions, statements, and weight calculations

How Lebedin Kofman LLP Approaches These Cases

The defense starts by reviewing the accusatory instrument, police paperwork, body-camera or surveillance footage, 911 calls, witness statements, digital evidence, search issues, statement issues, and any collateral consequences. In the right case, counsel may intervene early, present mitigating or exculpatory information, seek dismissal or reduction, challenge illegally obtained evidence, negotiate a favorable outcome, or prepare the matter for hearings or trial.

Because many criminal cases also affect work, school, licenses, immigration, family court, or public records, strategy should account for both the courtroom outcome and the long-term consequences.

Related Defense Resources

• Drug Crimes
• Federal Drug Trafficking
• Criminal Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in New York?

Do not discuss the facts with police, complainants, witnesses, employers, schools, or online contacts before speaking with counsel. Early defense work can affect release, orders of protection, evidence preservation, negotiations, and whether the case can be reduced or dismissed.

Can a criminal possession of a controlled substance case be dismissed or reduced?

It depends on the facts, evidence, charging instrument, witness issues, search or statement issues, and the client’s record and goals. A defense attorney can evaluate legal sufficiency, suppression issues, proof problems, mitigation, and resolution options.

Why contact Lebedin Kofman LLP early?

Early involvement allows the defense to review the allegations, preserve helpful evidence, identify weaknesses, address collateral consequences, and position the case for dismissal, reduction, trial, or a strategic resolution.