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Possession of Cocaine

At the height of America’s so-called “War on Drugs” in the late 1980s and early 1990s, cocaine was widely acknowledged as one of the most dangerous controlled substances available. Despite its common use in early medications and tonics, it became largely used as a recreational drug.

Cocaine most often comes in either powder form or the free base form more commonly known as “crack.” Either form of cocaine can result in severe criminal penalties that can include lengthy prison sentences.

Lawyer for Cocaine Possession Arrests in Nassau County, NY

If you have been arrested on Long Island for allegedly possessing cocaine, you should avoid saying anything to authorities until you have legal representation. Law Office of Stephanie Selloni can fight to protect your rights and possibly get the criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

Nassau County criminal defense attorney Stephanie Selloni represents clients in Mineola, Freeport, North Hempstead, Glen Cove, Garden City, and many nearby areas on Long Island. You can have her provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case when you call (516) 972-1212 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

New York Possession of Cocaine Information Center

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Cocaine Possession Charges on Long Island

The classification of the criminal offense that an alleged offender will be charged with depends on the amount of cocaine that was allegedly possessed. The different controlled substance offenses established under Article 220 of New York Penal Law include:

  • Less Than 500 Milligrams — Class A misdemeanor of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (New York Penal Law § 220.03);
  • 500 Milligrams or More — Class D felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (New York Penal Law § 220.06);
  • One-Eighth of an Ounce or More — Class C felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree (New York Penal Law § 220.09);
  • One-Half of an Ounce or More — Class B felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (New York Penal Law § 220.16);
  • 4 Ounces or More — Class A-II felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree (New York Penal Law § 220.18); and
  • 8 Ounces or More — Class A-I felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (New York Penal Law § 220.21).

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Penalties for Possession of Cocaine in Nassau County

With cocaine possession charges, the possible penalties of a conviction are impacted not only by the amount that was allegedly possessed but also the alleged offender’s prior criminal record. If a person has been previously convicted of cocaine possession in New York, the possible punishments will become more severe.

Based on the classification of the crime, an alleged offender could receive any of the following sentences:

  • Class A Misdemeanor — Up to one year in jail;
  • Class D Felony —Two to seven years in prison for a first offense and five to seven years in prison for subsequent offenses;
  • Class C Felony — Three-and-a-half to 15 years in prison for a first offense and seven to 15 years in prison for subsequent offenses;
  • Class B Felony — Five to 25 years in prison for a first offense and 10 to 25 years in prison for subsequent offenses;
  • Class A-II Felony — Up to life in prison and fine of up to $50,000;
  • Class A-I Felony — Up to life in prison and fine of up to $100,000.

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New York Resources for Cocaine Possession Offenses

Cocaine Anonymous New York — Cocaine Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of “men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction.” The only requirement for membership in the organization is “a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.” On this website, you can find the times and locations of meetings on Long Island, more information about the organization, and links to other Cocaine Anonymous groups in New York.

Cocaine | New York Drug Threat Assessment | United States Department of Justice — The National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) was a component of the Department of Justice that released the National Drug Threat Assessment, which detailed drug trafficking and abuse trends in the United States. This NDIC report from November 2002 details some of the trends relating to cocaine in New York. You can learn more about the abuse, availability, and distribution of cocaine on this website.

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Law Office of Stephanie Selloni | Nassau County Possession of Cocaine Lawyer

Were you arrested in Nassau County for allegedly possessing cocaine? It will be in your best interest to contact Law Office of Stephanie Selloni as soon as possible for help achieving the most favorable outcome to your case that results in the fewest possible penalties.

Stephanie Selloni is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Nassau County who represents clients all over Long Island, including Massapequa Park, Lynbrook, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Long Beach, and several surrounding communities. Call (516) 972-1212 or complete an online contact form to take advantage a free consultation that will let our lawyer review your case and answer all of your legal questions.

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