NARCOTICS Category Archives — Page 5 of 7 — New York Criminal Attorney Blog Published by White Plains, New York Criminal Defense Lawyers

CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF MARIHUANA IN THE FIFTH DEGREE – NEW YORK PENAL LAW 220.10

December 19, 2010 | Tilem & Associates

In New York, it is illegal to possess marijuana (spelled marihuana in the New York State Penal Law) in a public place while it is either, burning or open to public view. The charge is Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the Fifth Degree – a Class B misdemeanor. [NY Penal Law 220.10(1)]. Under this particular subdivision, the quantity of marihuana is irrelevant. Therefore, smoking a joint in a public place is enough to elevate what would otherwise be the non-criminal offense of Unlawful Possession of Marihuana [NY Penal Law 221.05] to the criminal offense of Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the Fifth Degree.
One can also be guilty of Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the Fifth Degree if they possess more than twenty-five grams of marihuana. [PL 221.10(2)]. One need not possess twenty-five pure grams of marihuana to violate PL 221.10(2). Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the Fifth Degree under subdivision two of PL 221.10 is an “aggregate weight” offense meaning the prosecution need not prove that one possessed twenty-five pure grams of marihuana. The weight of all compounds and substances mixed with the marihuana is included in the weight determination. See People v. Nelson, 144 A.D.2d 714 (3rd Dept. 1988)(noting that a 1979 amendment to New York’s marihuana possession statutes adopted an aggregate weight standard). Theoretically, one could possess one gram of marihuana mixed with twenty-five grams of oregano and be convicted of CPM in the Fifth Degree [PL 221.10(2)].
For more information about this or any other criminal matter, feel free to contact Tilem & Campbell toll free at 1-877-377-8666.

NEW YORK – UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF MARIHUANA

December 15, 2010 | Tilem & Associates

Having an experienced New York drug attorney is essential to getting the best possible outcome for your drug charge. Experienced criminal defense lawyers that know how to fight drug cases know that there are substantial differences in the way Marijuana cases are treated (spelled Marihuana in the the New York State Penal Law) and the way other drugs are treated. New York State treats marihuana offenses differently that most other drug offenses. Most importantly, marihuana is not a controlled substance under New York law. Therefore, offenses involving marihuana are not subject to New York’s harsh controlled substance laws. In fact, marihuana offenses in New York are codified in their own separate Article in the New York State Penal Law (Article 221) while Controlled Substance offenses are codified in Article 220 of the New York Penal Law.

This does not mean that possession of large quantities, or distribution of marihuana are not serious offenses in New York – they are. However, simple possession of 25 grams or less of marihuana in New York is generally not a criminal offense. [PL 221.05 & 221.10]. That means you or your teenage child can be caught with almost an ounce of marihuana (with an ounce being 28 grams) and most likely will only be charged with the non-criminal violation of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana (UPM). [PL 221.05]. Unlawful Possession of Marijuana is a non-criminal violation punishable as follows:

Generally: A fine of not more than $100.00

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF MARIHUANA IN NEW YORK (UPM): MULTIPLE OFFENSES – NEW YORK PENAL LAW SEC. 221.05

November 20, 2010 | Tilem & Associates

Possession of 25 grams or less of marihuana in New York is generally not a criminal offense. [PL 221.05]. Therefore, simple possession of an unlit “joint” or a “nickel or dime” bag in New York is generally only charged as the violation – Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. One can be charged criminally with Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the Fifth Degree – a Class B Misdemeanor if the marihuana is in a public place and burning or open to public view. [PL 221.10].

Furthermore, prior convictions for UPM do no elevate a new UPM charge to a criminal offense. There are some offenses found in the Penal Law or the Vehicle and Traffic Law which are elevated to a more serious charge if one has a prior conviction for the same offense. For example, if one is arrested for DWI they are generally charged with DWI as an unclassified misdemeanor. However, if they have a prior DWI conviction within the ten years prior to their arrest on the current DWI, the current DWI can be elevated to a Class E felony.

That’s not the case with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana [PL 221.05]. Nothing elevates UPM to a criminal offense. Even if you have 50 prior convictions for UPM, if you are caught with 25 grams or less of marijuana, you still are only facing the non-criminal violation of Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Prior controlled substance convictions may result in a higher fine but will not operate to elevate the UPM to a criminal offense. I will discuss when a prior controlled substance conviction may result in a higher fine on a current UPM in a future blog.

NEW YORK GRAND JURY SYSTEM, AN INTRODUCTION

July 28, 2009 | Tilem & Associates

As a former Manhattan Prosecutor I have presented hundreds of cases to grand juries in New York. As a partner at a prominent criminal defense firm I have sat with clients inside the grand jury as they were questioned by prosecutors. With recent news reports about the a New York County Grand Jury considering charges against New York Giants stars Plaxico Burress and Antonio Pierce, it is important to understand exactly what a grand jury is and how it operates.

No person may be tried on a felony charge in New York unless a grand jury has considered evidence and voted an indictment or unless the person has waived indictment. The grand jury itself is made up of between 16 and 23 people. They are charged with the duty of hearing and examining evidence involving offenses or misconduct whether or not the misconduct is criminal. In order for a grand jury to vote an indictment 12 of the grand jurors must vote to indict.

The burden to vote for an indictment is low. A grand juror need only find that there is reasonable cause to believe that a person committed an offense. In laymans terms that means that a grand jury need only find sufficient evidence to accuse a person of having committed a felony. This is a very different standard than the proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” needed to convict someone of a crime.

UPDATE – New York Rockefeller Drug Laws

March 30, 2009 | Jasmine Hernandez

Tilem & Campbell just obtained a summary of the new Legislation repealing the Rockefeller Drug laws. If you or a loved one is currently serving a term in prison for a New York Narcotics case or is currently charged with any New York Drug case. Contact one of the experienced criminal attorneys at www.888anycrime.com

NEW YORK SENATE GOVERNOR AND ASSEMBLY REACH DEAL ON REPEALING ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS

March 28, 2009 | Jasmine Hernandez

New York criminal defense lawyers, especially those that handle New York State drug cases, are monitoring an agreement just announced between the New York Senate, Assembly and Governor to repeal the Rockefeller Drug Laws. Details are not fully available but the legislation is expected to substantially reduce and in some cases eliminate mandatory minimums for New York Drug cases, give judges options of treatment instead of sentences of incarceration and give judges the ability to dismiss all charges and seal the arrest records of offenders who complete drug treatment.

While the bill, once passed is likely to have far reaching effects on New York drug cases, the legislation will not have any effect on the draconian, federal mandatory minimums that Tilem & Campbell is currently challenging in Federal Court. The bill will likely provide some relief to the many people serving lengthy state sentences under the old law.

The laws have not been passed yet but with agreement by all the major players, the bills should be passed quickly and will likely take effect soon. Tilem & Campbell will continue to monitor this important legislation and pass on updates as the become available. If you have any questions contact us at 888-ANY-CRIME or visit us on the web at 888anycrime.com

While New York Drug Laws and Many Other State’s Laws Consider Crack Cocaine and Powder Cocaine the Same Drug, Federal Drug Laws Do Not.

March 15, 2009 | Jasmine Hernandez

Currently, Tilem & Campbell has one appeal pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit challenging the constitutionality of the previously discussed 100:1 powder cocaine v. crack cocaine sentencing discrepancy. Tilem & Campbell has another Federal Narcotics case for which it is preparing the appeal now. Among other arguments, we have presented an Equal Protection argument centered on the unequal sentences imposed on crack offenders as compared to powder cocaine offenders.

Every day that a crack offender spends in prison beyond that which a powder cocaine offender would spend for the same quantity of drug is an unconstitutional deprivation of liberty; a fundamental right. Such sentencing discrepancies cannot survive a rational basis analysis let alone a strict scrutiny analysis.

The above-discussed “100-to-1 ratio yields sentences for crack offenses three to six times longer than those for powder offenses involving equal amounts of drugs.” Kimbrough v. U.S. 128 S.Ct. 558 (2007). As a result of this disparity, “a major supplier of powder cocaine may receive a shorter sentence than a low-level dealer who buys powder from the supplier but then converts it to crack.” Id.

NEW YORK’S ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS MAY SOON END

March 9, 2009 | Jasmine Hernandez

New York criminal defense firm Tilem & Campbell is pleased to report that after years of fierce opposition to New York’s draconian “Rockefeller” drug laws, and after some amendments, passed in 2004, did away with some of the harshest sentences, it now appears that much of the remnants of the Rockefeller Drug laws are going to be repealed. Last week by a more that 2-1 margin, the New York State Assembly passed a bill which would repeal additional provisions of the Rockefeller Drug Laws and which would give Judge’s greater discretion in sentencing drug-offenders to non-jail, treatment programs. These provisions can have a substantial effect on New York Drug cases.

Governor Patterson has already signaled his approval of amending the Rockefeller Drug Laws and with democrats in control of the New York State Senate, it seems that some significant change in New York State Drug laws is all but certain.

As an experienced criminal defense lawyer I have handled numerous drug cases. In addition, as a former prosecutor I have handled hundreds if not thousands of drug cases. In my vast experience, rarely do I see major traffickers getting arrested and often see low level dealers or users get sentenced to many years in prison. What I find surprising is that often then prosecutor, and judge agree that the sentence is to severe but under the law, often the judges and prosecutors are powerless to reduce the sentence.

Crack Cocaine Mandatory Minimums: Congress, President Elect Obama, Vice President Elect Biden, Incoming Secretary of State Clinton, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. John Conyers, Jr Have Either Sponsored or Cosponsored Bills Abolishing

March 4, 2009 | Tilem & Associates

As experienced New York and Federal criminal defense lawyers, we keep track of changes and proposed changes in the law that may effect our clients. When appropriate, and as part of the effort of our effort, though this blog to educate the public, our clients and our friends, we post proposed changes in the law here, in our blog.

Congress is taking notice to the injustice associated with the previously discussed 100:1 ratio crack cocaine vs powder cocaine sentencing disparity. At least 6 Bills in 2007 and 1 in 2008 were proposed by both Democrats and Republicans that would in some way reduce or eliminate the 100:1 cocaine/cocaine base ratio. These proposed Bills include:

H.R. 5035, the Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2008: Eliminates mandatory minimums for cocaine offenses. On January 17, Rep. Robert “Bobby” C. Scott (D-Va.), who is Chairman of the House Committed on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security and also serves on the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, introduced H.R. 5035, The Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2008. The bill would, among other things, eliminate the distinction between powder cocaine and cocaine base (crack) and eliminate all mandatory cocaine sentences. This bill is the first bill introduced in the House in the 110th Congress that would eliminate mandatory minimums for crack and powder cocaine sentences.

The Crack Cocaine v. Powder Cocaine Sentencing Disparity – Powder Cocaine and Cocaine Base (“Crack”) are the Same Drug

February 20, 2009 | Tilem & Associates

As I have been discussing in previous blogs, the rationale behind the 100:1 powder cocaine to crack cocaine sentencing disparity has been proven to be unfounded and false. Yet another argument the New York criminal defense firm Tilem & Campbell is raising in one of our appellate challenges to the constitutionality of the sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine is that crack cocaine and powder cocaine are the same drug.

As observed by the United States Supreme Court, crack and powder cocaine are two forms of the same drug and they share the same active ingredient – cocaine hydrochloride. Kimbrough v. U.S. 128 S.Ct. 558, 566 (2007). Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that the physiological and psychotropic effects of crack and powder cocaine are the same, and the drugs are now widely acknowledged as pharmacologically identical.

For example, a 1996 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found analogous effects on the body for both crack and powder cocaine.