Were you searched during a traffic stop?
Was the stop legal?
Was the search legal?
Were there other people present, and who witnessed these events?
Buffalo Drug Crime Lawyers
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys Providing Defense Against Drug Charges in New York
New York County prosecutors take drug crimes very seriously, and if you’ve been caught in possession of narcotics or trafficking in them (such as marijuana, cocaine or prescription drugs), you’re looking at an extremely risky legal situation that could cost you a lot of money – and can definitely land you in jail.
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Were you or a loved one hurt due to the negligence of someone else? Our experienced Buffalo lawyers have been dedicated to serving the Western New York community we know and love. Allow us to help you the same way we’ve been helping our community for decades. We’re here for you.
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If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Buffalo, don’t wait to speak with our experienced drug crime attorneys to safeguard your rights.
At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, we are some of Buffalo’s most experienced criminal defense attorneys – we are former prosecutors with decades of experience, and hundreds of criminal cases under our belts. You’re not likely to find a stronger team to put in your corner when it comes to fighting the charges against you. Give our Buffalo drug crime lawyers a call – it’s free.
Drug Crimes & Charges We Can Assist With:
- 221.05 – Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
- 221.10 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Fifth Degree -Penalty for Criminal Possession of Marijuana 5th Degree
- 221.15 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree
- 221.20 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Third Degree
- 221.25 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Second Degree
- 221.30 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the First Degree
- 221.35 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fifth Degree–Penalty for the Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the 5th Degree
- 221.40 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree
- 221.45 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Third Degree
- 221.50 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Second Degree
- 221.55 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the First Degree
- 22.03 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree
–Penalty for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree - 220.06 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree–Penalty for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree
- 220.09 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree
- 220.6 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
- 220.18 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
- 220.21 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
- 220.25 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; Presumption
- 220.28 – Use of a Child to Commit a Controlled Substance Offense
- 220.31 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree
- 220.34 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree
- 220.39 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
- 220.41 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
- 220.43 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
- 220.44 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance In or Near School Grounds
- 220.45 – Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument
- 220.46 – Criminal Injection of a Narcotic Drug
- 220.48 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance to a Child
- 220.50 – Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree –Penalty for Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree
- 220.55 – Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the First Degree
- 220.60 – Criminal Possession of Precursors of Controlled Substances
- 220.65 – Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance
- 220.77 – Operating as a Major Trafficker
- 220.78 – Witness or Victim of Drug or Alcohol Overdose
Our Buffalo Drug Crime Lawyers Are Former Prosecutors
We know that what matters in any criminal case is evidence, and because we’ve built these cases as prosecutors, we know how to attack the evidence that the prosecution will bring. We start at the beginning and we work forward from there. For instance:
What testing methods were employed?
Is all equipment properly calibrated and maintained?
Are personnel at testing facilities properly certified and trained?
Did police follow correct procedures during the arrest?
Did police follow correct procedures during the interrogation?
Did police read you your Miranda warnings?
And that’s just the start. Our Lawyers will examine the evidence, interview witnesses, and build the case you need to fight back.
Experienced Buffalo Drug Crime Lawyers Providing Strong Defense Against Drug Charges
At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, we know that drug cases, especially when young people are involved, often call for more than a strong legal defense. We have families too, and when a family member is struggling, we want to help. If you or your loved one can benefit from substance abuse treatment or other forms of counseling, we can help you find programs that meet your needs. In many cases, participation in voluntary treatment can also help the court view your case more favorably.
For many of our clients, fighting these charges in court is simply the right thing to do. For others, working with the court to develop alternative approaches that help our client remain in the community, on the job, and with their family is the best option. We are your defense consultants, and we work to achieve the outcome that fits your needs, whether that means a courtroom fight or a negotiated resolution. You can trust our Buffalo drug crime lawyers to put your needs first.
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in New York, call our Buffalo drug crime lawyers for dedicated representation. Let our experience work for you.
Drug Crimes & Charges We Can Assist With:
- 221.05 – Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
- 221.10 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Fifth Degree -Penalty for Criminal Possession of Marijuana 5th Degree
- 221.15 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree
- 221.20 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Third Degree
- 221.25 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Second Degree
- 221.30 – Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the First Degree
- 221.35 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fifth Degree–Penalty for the Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the 5th Degree
- 221.40 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree
- 221.45 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Third Degree
- 221.50 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Second Degree
- 221.55 – Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the First Degree
- 22.03 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree
–Penalty for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree - 220.06 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree–Penalty for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree
- 220.09 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree
- 220.6 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
- 220.18 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
- 220.21 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
- 220.25 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; Presumption
- 220.28 – Use of a Child to Commit a Controlled Substance Offense
- 220.31 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree
- 220.34 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree
- 220.39 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
- 220.41 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
- 220.43 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
- 220.44 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance In or Near School Grounds
- 220.45 – Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument
- 220.46 – Criminal Injection of a Narcotic Drug
- 220.48 – Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance to a Child
- 220.50 – Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree –Penalty for Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree
- 220.55 – Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the First Degree
- 220.60 – Criminal Possession of Precursors of Controlled Substances
- 220.65 – Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance
- 220.77 – Operating as a Major Trafficker
- 220.78 – Witness or Victim of Drug or Alcohol Overdose
What is the difference between drug possession and possession with intent to sell?
The difference lies in the evidence. Simple possession (CPCS 7th) is possessing any amount of a controlled substance for personal use. Possession with intent to sell is a more serious felony charge. Intent can be inferred from the quantity of the drugs, the way they are packaged (e.g., in individual bags), the presence of scales, large amounts of cash, or police observation of transactions.
What is 'constructive possession'?
‘Constructive possession’ is a legal theory used when drugs are not found on your person. The prosecution must prove that you exercised ‘dominion and control’ over the area where the drugs were found. This is common in car and apartment cases, and it is a highly defensible element of a drug charge.
What is the Automobile Presumption in New York?
New York law includes a legal presumption that if illegal drugs are found in a car, every person in that car is presumed to be in knowing possession of them. This makes it easier for prosecutors to charge every passenger, but it is a rebuttable presumption that a skilled defense attorney can challenge.
What should I do if the police want to search my car or home?
You should never consent to a search of your property. Politely but firmly state, ‘Officer, I do not consent to a search.’ The police generally need a search warrant or probable cause plus an exception to the warrant rule to legally search your property. Consenting to a search waives your Fourth Amendment rights and makes it much harder for your attorney to defend you.
What happens if I'm arrested for a drug crime?
You should immediately invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not answer any questions from the police without your lawyer present. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is the most important step you can take to protect your rights.
What is a motion to suppress evidence?
A motion to suppress is one of the most powerful tools in drug crime defense. Your attorney files this motion to ask the judge to exclude evidence that was obtained through an illegal search or seizure in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. If the motion is granted and the drug evidence is suppressed, the prosecution’s case is often dismissed.
Can I go to Drug Court instead of jail?
Yes, for many non-violent drug offenders, Drug Court or other judicial diversion programs are an option. These programs focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration. Upon successful completion of the program, the original criminal charges may be reduced or even dismissed. An attorney can advocate for your admission into one of these programs.
Client Reviews
“Friedman & Ranzenhofer provided prompt, courteous and professional assistance regarding a current legal issue. We have used the services of this firm repeatedly because of their consistent high quality service levels.”
– Ed Berowski
If you have questions about a legal issue, contact our experienced Buffalo attorneys today for dedicated representation.