Caught With A Controlled Substance In New York? Here Is What You Need To Know.

Caught with a Controlled Substance in New York? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve been caught with a controlled substance in New York, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure about what happens next. Drug possession charges can carry serious penalties — even for first-time offenders — and how your case is handled depends on several key factors, including the type of substance, the amount, and your prior record.

At Vasiliou Law, we’ve helped countless clients fight drug possession charges in Queens and across NYC, and we know how confusing the process can be. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been arrested with a controlled substance in New York.

First, let’s talk about what qualifies as a “controlled substance.” Under New York law, controlled substances include drugs like cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy (MDMA), and prescription medications such as oxycodone or Xanax — when they’re not legally prescribed. Marijuana used to fall under this category, but possession of small amounts for personal use has been decriminalized in the state. However, all other controlled substances are still prosecuted aggressively.

When you’re caught with drugs in New York, your charges will depend largely on the amount you had and whether there’s any evidence that you intended to sell or distribute. Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (CPCS) can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. For example, being caught with a small bag of cocaine for personal use may result in a misdemeanor charge, while possession of larger amounts — or drugs packaged in a way that suggests sale — can lead to felony charges and years in prison.

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is, “Will I go to jail?” The answer depends on the specifics of your case. If this is your first offense, and you were caught with a small amount of drugs, you may qualify for an alternative to incarceration, such as drug treatment court, a conditional dismissal, or even a complete dismissal if your constitutional rights were violated (for example, through an illegal search). At Vasiliou Law, we review every detail of your arrest to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Another major factor is whether the police conducted a legal search and seizure. In many drug possession cases, law enforcement may have overstepped — searching your car, home, or pockets without a proper warrant or probable cause. If your rights were violated, any evidence they collected (like the drugs themselves) could be thrown out in court. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced drug possession lawyer in Queens on your side.

It’s also important to know that having a drug conviction on your record can affect much more than just your immediate future. A conviction can impact your ability to get a job, qualify for housing, apply for loans, or maintain your immigration status. Even a seemingly minor charge can have long-term consequences — unless you take action early.

If you’ve been charged with possession of a controlled substance in New York, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you contact a qualified attorney, the better your chances of reducing the charges — or beating them altogether.

At Vasiliou Law, we bring over 40 years of combined experience to every case, fighting to protect our clients’ freedom, rights, and futures. We’re located in Astoria, Queens, and proudly serve clients across Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and throughout New York City.

Call us today at (347) 967-6141 or visit www.svlawpartners.com to schedule your confidential consultation. We’re here to help you fight the charges and move forward with your life.

This article originally appeared on Vasiliou Law’s blog.