Drug Trafficking Attorney in Westchester County

Serious Charges Demand a Serious Defense—Call (914) 840-5104

If you or someone you care about has been charged with drug trafficking in Westchester County, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Suddenly, your future, reputation, and freedom are at stake, and you need answers you can trust. 

Navigating the criminal justice system alone is not just intimidating—it can have lasting consequences. The sooner you have a drug trafficking attorney in Westchester County guiding you, the better your chances are to protect your rights and start building a strong defense.

At Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, our team understands the gravity and complexity of these cases. We have helped individuals and families across Westchester County face high-stakes drug charges with clarity, determination, and respect. With over 100 years of combined criminal defense experience, our attorneys—including former prosecutors and national legal authors—offer insight and advocacy that is trusted by clients and recognized by peers.

Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel. Contact a top Westchester County drug trafficking lawyer online or call (914) 840-5104 today for a comprehensive legal strategy. We provide a free confidential consultation, backed by 100+ years of combined experience.

Understanding Drug Trafficking Laws in New York

In New York, the term "drug trafficking" broadly encompasses the unlawful manufacture, transport, sale, or large-scale possession with intent to sell controlled substances (heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, etc.). These crimes are primarily defined in Article 220 of the New York Penal Law. The charges are graded almost entirely on the type and quantity of the drug involved, which dictates the felony class.

The most serious charges that constitute "trafficking" include:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class A-I Felony): This typically involves possessing the largest amounts of narcotics, such as eight ounces or more of a preparation containing a narcotic drug.
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class A-I Felony): This involves selling similarly large quantities of narcotics.
• Operating as a Major Trafficker (Class A-I Felony): Reserved for "kingpin" level crimes, this applies to individuals who act as a director or profiteer in a controlled substance organization that possesses or sells narcotics valued at $\$75,000$ or more within a six-month period.

We understand the precise weight thresholds and legislative intent behind these statutes, allowing our firm to identify every possible avenue to reduce or dismiss the drug trafficking charges you face.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Drug Trafficking Convictions in New York

The penalties for drug trafficking in New York are among the most punitive in the nation, reflecting the legacy of the Rockefeller Drug Laws.

Direct Penalties

Convictions for the highest-level drug crimes (Criminal Possession or Sale in the First Degree) are Class A-I and A-II Felonies:

• Class A-I Felony (e.g., First Degree Sale/Possession): Minimum sentence of 8 to 20 years, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
• Class A-II Felony (e.g., Second Degree Sale/Possession): Minimum sentence of 3 to 10 years, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Even lower-level drug trafficking offenses (Class B and C Felonies) carry significant mandatory prison time and massive fines up to $100,000. Our firm strives to achieve outcomes that avoid these devastating prison sentences entirely.

Collateral Consequences

A drug trafficking conviction has permanent consequences that extend far beyond prison:

• Federal Prosecution Risk: Many state cases can be adopted by federal prosecutors, who often impose even harsher mandatory minimum sentences.
• Asset Forfeiture: The state or federal government may seize your assets, cash, cars, or real estate believed to be connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, a conviction for an aggravated felony like drug trafficking guarantees deportation.
• Reputation and Professional Licensing: A felony conviction immediately jeopardizes professional licenses (medical, legal, financial) and destroys career opportunities.

The New York Drug Trafficking Defense Process

Defending a major narcotics case in Westchester County requires legal experience across state and potentially federal jurisdictions. We follow a rigorous, multi-step defense process.

• Challenging Constitutional Violations (Pre-Trial Motions): This is the foundation of our defense. We scrutinize every interaction between law enforcement and you. This includes filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through:
• Illegal Search and Seizure (Fourth Amendment): Did the police have probable cause for the stop? Was the warrant properly executed? Was your vehicle searched illegally?
• Coerced Statements (Fifth/Sixth Amendment): Were your Miranda rights properly read? Was your statement coerced or unlawfully obtained? A successful suppression motion can render the primary evidence against you inadmissible, often leading to dismissal.
• Challenging Informant Credibility: Many drug trafficking cases rely on the testimony of confidential informants or cooperating witnesses. We delve into their history, motivations, and plea agreements to expose weaknesses in their credibility.
• Negotiation for Safety Valve or Drug Court: For eligible defendants, we aggressively negotiate for entrance into specialized treatment courts or seek the application of the "Safety Valve" provisions (in federal cases) to avoid mandatory minimum sentences. As your Westchester County drug trafficking lawyer, we leverage our firm's strong reputation to secure the best possible plea deal.
• Trial Strategy: If a favorable resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our firm's trial strategy is focused on creating reasonable doubt concerning the element of "intent to sell" and the accuracy of the drug weight.

Your Defense Begins with Experience: How Our Team Fights Drug Trafficking Cases

At Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, we stand out thanks to our unique combination of extensive local experience and our deep understanding of New York criminal law as it applies to drug trafficking. Many of our attorneys are former Westchester County prosecutors. This allows us to approach your defense with the perspective of both sides and recognize weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

We are not only known for our case results in criminal defense—we are also nationally recognized as best-selling legal authors and have been honored by Super Lawyers^® and Avvo Clients’ Choice Awards. These recognitions reflect the trust we have earned from clients and peers, and our ongoing commitment to creative, personalized strategies for each client we serve in Westchester County.

Every drug case is different. We take the time to examine every fact, listen to your concerns, and tailor our defense to your situation. Our combined experience becomes your advantage during every stage of your case.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

We know taking the first step to call an attorney can be difficult, especially while under legal pressure. When you reach out to Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, your first conversation will always be confidential and free of charge. We focus first on listening to your story and asking questions that help us quickly understand what matters most to you.

Our consultation process is designed to ease stress and provide clarity:

• You speak directly with an attorney who understands drug trafficking allegations in Westchester County.
• We outline the criminal process so you know what to expect at each stage.
• Your rights, options, and possible next steps are explained in plain language.
• We promise a respectful, judgment-free environment.

Whether your case is just starting or you have already been to court, you deserve clear guidance from your first call. Our goal is to make the legal process as understandable and manageable as we can for you.

Connect With Our Westchester County Drug Trafficking Attorneys Today

The sooner you seek legal help, the more options you may have for defending against drug trafficking charges. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a personal commitment to helping every client navigate the justice system. We want you to make informed decisions and feel respected and supported throughout your case.

Working with Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP means having a team that puts your needs first. From your free consultation to the final resolution of your case, our goal is to protect your rights and offer strategies supported by our award-winning team and local experience.

To discuss your situation or schedule a free, confidential consultation, contact us at (914) 840-5104 today.