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.

NYC Drug Crime Lawyer

Understanding Drug Charges in New York

New York law recognizes multiple levels of drug offenses, each carrying different penalties and consequences.

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).

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.

Common Homicide Murder Charges 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.

Leopold Gross

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.

As Seen On

Criminal Defense Attorney NYC

WHY CHOOSE GROSS LAW FIRM

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.

NYC DRUG CRIME LAWYER

CONVICTION CONSEQUENCES

Beyond jail time and fines, a drug conviction creates lasting consequences:

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.

Leopold Gross

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

(212) 943-4300

What Our Clients Say…

Kazeem Walker Avatar
Kazeem Walker
10/08/2026
He’s a great lawyer very very outstanding performance in the court room. Always wants to wins his cases and truly loves to help people no get conned by the system
read more
Ami Dabah Avatar
Ami Dabah
10/06/2026
Mr. Gross was great. Was always there through the whole process and always kept up to date with my case. Always available and responsive when ever I had any questions and made me feel like I’m not alone in this.
read more
bernadine han Avatar
bernadine han
9/25/2026
Malka was very patient and super helpful. She was always available and really help to expedite our case. I highly recommend her!
read more
Corey Kaminsky Avatar
Corey Kaminsky
9/23/2026
Malka Gross handled my estate planning, including drafting my will and setting up a trust, and she was wonderful to work with. She explained everything in plain language, answered all my questions patiently, and made what felt like a daunting process feel straightforward and organized. I felt confident everything was done right. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for an estate planning attorney.
read more
Rachel Debora Avatar
Rachel Debora
9/23/2026
Great experience with this law firm! Malka is amazing! She was incredibly helpful, professional, and attentive throughout the entire process. She made everything easy and stress-free, and I truly appreciated her kindness and responsiveness. Highly recommend!
read more
levy lang Avatar
levy lang
9/22/2026
The Gross Firm deserves nothing less than five stars. I have used them for several different litigation matters, and they have always been exceptional. They are knowledgeable, professional, passionate, and truly dedicated to their clients. Attorney Gross puts real heart into every case and fights hard to get the best possible outcome, including getting cases dismissed when needed. You never feel like just another file; they are responsive, caring, and committed from beginning to end. I highly recommend the Gross Firm to anyone who needs strong, experienced, and dependable legal representation.
read more

What to Do If You’re Arrested for Drug Crimes

Top NYC Drug Crimes Lawyer Protect Your Future From Drug-Related Crimes. Call Now.

NYC Drug Crime Lawyer New York City Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island

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.

Your information is protected by attorney-client privilege. All consultations are 100% confidential.