Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance ranges from seventh-degree (a Class A misdemeanor for small amounts) to first-degree (a Class A-I felony for large quantities).
NYC Drug Crime Lawyer
Charged with a Drug Crime? Fight Back Now
Immediate, practical defense from an attorney who knows how prosecutors build cases. We push early, challenge weak evidence, and prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.
- Former NYC Public Defender
- All five boroughs
- Available 24/7
Leopold GrossDrug Crimes defense · Former NYC Public Defender
The charges
Understanding Drug Charges in New York
New York law recognizes multiple levels of drug offenses, each carrying different penalties and consequences.
Seventh-degree possession
Seventh-degree possession can result in up to one year in jail, while first-degree possession carries up to 25 years to life in prison. Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance involves selling, distributing, or possessing with intent to sell. These charges range from fifth-degree (a Class D felony) to first-degree (a Class A-I felony). This includes selling to undercover officers, distributing to minors, or operating drug trafficking networks. Fifth-degree charges carry up to seven years in prison; first-degree charges can result in life imprisonment.
Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy charges
Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy charges involve large-scale operations, interstate transport, or participation in organized drug distribution. Federal prosecutors frequently handle these cases, which carry mandatory minimum sentences that eliminate judicial discretion.
Marijuana-related offenses
Marijuana-related offenses in New York have changed significantly, but possession of large quantities, unlicensed sale, and distribution to minors remain criminal offenses with serious consequences.
The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. The Gross Law Firm challenges the evidence at every stage, examining search procedures, lab reports, witness statements, and police conduct to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies
Common Drug Crime Defense Strategies
Murder prosecutions must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt. Gross Law Firm examines every angle to find weaknesses and build your defense.
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unlawful police searches. If officers violated your constitutional rights, Gross Law Firm files motions to suppress evidence, often resulting in case dismissal.
Chain of Custody Issues
Drug evidence must be properly collected, stored, documented, and tested. Gross Law Firm scrutinizes lab procedures and evidence handling to identify contamination or mishandling.
Lack of Possession
Prosecutors must prove you knowingly and intentionally possessed the drugs. If drugs were found in a shared vehicle, apartment, or public space, Gross Law Firm challenges constructive possession claims.
Entrapment
If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn't otherwise have committed, Gross Law Firm raises entrapment as a defense.
Lack of Knowledge
You cannot be convicted for possessing drugs you didn't know existed. Gross Law Firm presents evidence demonstrating you were unaware of the drugs' presence.
Procedural Violations
Search warrants require probable cause and proper execution. Gross Law Firm challenges warrants obtained through false information or improper procedures.
Your attorney
Aggressive Defense When You’re Accused of Drug Crimes
Former NYC Public Defender with a decade of courtroom experience defending drug charges across all five boroughs, I know how the system works from the inside out. I’ve tried cases in arraignment parts, trial parts, and felony courts throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, giving me a deep familiarity with local prosecutors, common charging strategies, and the procedural levers that can make or break a case. That practical courtroom experience means I don’t treat every matter the same — I tailor the defense to the facts, the forum, and the people involved.
My approach is both strategic and hands-on: I comb through police reports, challenge unlawful stops and searches, push for evidence suppression when appropriate, and work with investigators and forensic experts to test the prosecution’s case. I negotiate aggressively when a fair resolution is possible, but I prepare every file as if it’s going to trial so the other side knows we’ll fight in court when necessary. That preparation — motions, witness interviews, and thoughtful mitigation — is what achieves the best outcomes for clients facing serious drug allegations.
When your reputation and freedom are at stake you need more than promises — you need a lawyer who will fight relentlessly, communicate clearly, and protect your rights at every stage. I prioritize direct access and honest guidance so you understand the risks, options, and likely paths forward. If you’re facing charges, you deserve an attorney who will advocate fiercely on your behalf and pursue every available avenue to defend your future.
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Why Gross Law Firm
Why Choose Gross Law Firm
Former Public Defender
Attorneys at Gross Law Firm spent years as New York City Public Defenders, gaining firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors approach drug cases. As experienced NYC criminal lawyers, we understand their strategies and know when to take your case to trial.
A Decade of Courtroom Experience
With ten years of experience defending drug charges in New York, Gross Law Firm has the courtroom experience to handle your case with confidence.
Honest Communication, Always
Gross Law Firm keeps you informed every step of the way. We send updates promptly, explain developments clearly, and never sugarcoat your situation.
Direct Access to Us
When you call Gross Law Firm, you reach a real attorney, not an answering service. Your case is too important to be shuffled around.
Available When You Need Them
Drug crime arrests don't follow business hours. Gross Law Firm is available 24/7 because we understand that an arrest at 2 AM still needs immediate attention.
Client-Focused Defense Strategy
Every drug crime case is different. Gross Law Firm takes time to understand your specific situation, your goals, and your concerns, then builds a defense strategy tailored to you.
Time matters
Accused of Drug Crimes in New York City?
A drug charge in New York City can upend your life overnight. Your job could be at risk. Professional licenses might be threatened. Your reputation is on the line. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a conviction could lead to deportation. Gross Law Firm understands the stakes.
As former New York City Public Defenders, our attorneys spent years defending people accused of drug crimes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island courtrooms. We know how prosecutors build drug cases, and more importantly, we know how to dismantle them. If you’ve been arrested for drug possession, distribution, or trafficking, or believe you’re under investigation, time matters.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. The prosecution starts building its case immediately. You need an experienced NYC drug crime lawyer who will fight for you from day one.
Beyond the sentence
Conviction Consequences
A conviction follows you long after a case ends. These are the stakes we fight to protect.
Employment
A drug conviction can disqualify you from job opportunities in healthcare, education, transportation, finance, and government sectors.
Professional Licenses
A drug conviction can result in license suspension or revocation for medical, legal, pharmaceutical, and financial professionals.
Immigration Status
Non-citizens face deportation and inadmissibility for future visa applications or citizenship.
Education
Federal law prohibits student financial aid eligibility for individuals with drug convictions.
Housing
Landlords frequently reject rental applications from individuals with drug convictions, and public housing eligibility can be terminated.
Gun Rights
A felony drug conviction can result in loss of your right to possess firearms.
Reputation
A drug conviction becomes part of the public record, affecting your standing in your community.
The Gross Law Firm fights to protect not just your freedom, but your future. He works toward case dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal to minimize the long-term impact on your life.
Client reviews
What Our Clients Say
“If you need a criminal defense attorney who delivers results, Leopold Gross is the attorney to call. He handled my case with professionalism, persistence, and clear communication from start to finish. Thanks to his hard work, my case was dismissed, and I walked away with no criminal record. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome and highly recommend him to anyone who needs a dedicated defense attorney who will not back off.”
“I had a criminal case in Queens that lasted about five months and was ultimately fully dismissed. Throughout the entire process, Leopold Gross was professional, thorough, and extremely attentive to every detail. He handled everything in a calm and focused manner, always making sure I understood each step along the way. In court, it was clear that he has strong experience and familiarity with the system — including the judges and staff — which gave me a lot of confidence. Most importantly, he approached my case with seriousness and dedication, and the final result speaks for itself. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable criminal defense attorney.”
“During one of the most difficult times for my life, we needed a criminal defense attorney who would truly fight. That’s exactly what we got when we retained Leopold Gross. While my family members suggested accepting a plea deal, Leo refused to take the easy route and stood by my side and fought hard for what was right, to clean my name. He was focused, relentless, and fully prepared, and the outcome proved his commitment to justice when he got the charges dropped. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a powerful advocate in their corner.”
Reviews are from Google. They are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case.Read all 39 reviews
If you're arrested
What to Do If You’re Arrested for Drug Crimes
Remain Silent
Do not speak to police without an attorney.
Request an Attorney
Clearly state you want to speak with a lawyer.
Do Not Resist Arrest
Physical resistance creates additional charges.
Document Everything
Write down what happened, who was present, and any witnesses.
Preserve Evidence
Save text messages, emails, photos, or videos related to the incident.
Contact Gross Immediately
The sooner we get involved, the more we can protect your rights.
Top NYC Drug Crimes Lawyer
Protect Your Future from Drug-Related Crimes. Call Now.
A drug charge is serious, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Gross Law Firm has spent a decade defending New Yorkers accused of drug-related crimes, whether an unlawful possession charge or other drug offense. We’re ready to fight for you.
The consultation is free. The conversation is confidential. Your next step matters.
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
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