Brooklyn Drug Crime Attorney

Former Kings County Prosecutors Defending Drug Charges in Brooklyn

When you’re facing a drug charge in Brooklyn, who handled those cases on the other side of the courtroom matters. Both founding attorneys at Mottola Uris Law, PLLC prosecuted drug cases as Assistant District Attorneys in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Lawrence Mottola served as an ADA there for over eight years, was promoted to Senior ADA after trying more than 20 felony cases in Kings County Supreme Court, and prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases in total. That direct experience with how Brooklyn prosecutors build drug cases informs every defense strategy we bring to our clients.

We handle drug charges in both New York state and federal court throughout Brooklyn and New York City. From a first-time misdemeanor possession to a federal trafficking indictment, we understand the full range of what our clients are up against and how to respond. We offer free consultations, flexible payment plans, and 24/7 availability.

Contact Mottola Uris Law, PLLC for a free Brooklyn drug crime consultation at (718) 550-3318 or use our online form to get started.

Drug Charges We Handle in Brooklyn

New York Penal Law Article 220 covers a broad range of drug offenses, from simple possession to large-scale trafficking operations. Controlled substances involved in these charges include cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other street drugs, as well as prescription medications obtained without a valid prescription. The DEA classifies these substances into schedules based on abuse potential and medical value, with Schedule I drugs carrying the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use under federal law.

Drug charges we defend include:

• Criminal possession of a controlled substance
• Criminal sale of a controlled substance
• Drug manufacturing
• Drug trafficking
• Drug conspiracy
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Penalties vary significantly based on the specific charge. Minor offenses may carry relatively short jail terms, while the most serious convictions can result in life imprisonment and fines reaching $100,000. Federal drug charges typically carry mandatory minimums under federal sentencing guidelines. Factors that affect severity include the type and quantity of drugs involved, whether firearms were present, your prior criminal record, and whether the alleged offense occurred near a school zone. Federal prosecution most commonly applies to large-scale manufacturing and interstate trafficking operations investigated by the FBI or DEA.

How We Defend Brooklyn Drug Cases

Defending a drug charge in Brooklyn requires legal skill, familiarity with local enforcement procedures, and careful case-building from the start. When you work with our attorneys, we begin with a thorough review of your arrest and the evidence collected by the NYPD or federal agencies.

Investigating the Evidence

Every case comes with its own complexities. Charges may stem from sting operations, undercover activities, or surveillance in neighborhoods such as Bushwick, Flatbush, or Crown Heights. We use every available resource: analyzing police reports, reviewing body camera footage, working with forensic professionals, and interviewing witnesses.

Common Defense Strategies

Defenses may involve contesting illegal searches or seizures under the Fourth Amendment, demonstrating a lack of knowledge, or showing that the drugs didn’t belong to you. We regularly challenge the admissibility of evidence on constitutional grounds, and motions to suppress can be especially powerful when law enforcement overstepped during a search or arrest.

Insider Knowledge of Kings County Prosecution

Our background as former Kings County prosecutors gives us a specific advantage. We know how the Kings County DA’s office evaluates drug cases, what evidence they rely on, and where their cases are most vulnerable to challenge. That’s not a general claim about courtroom experience. It’s direct familiarity with the office that may be prosecuting your case.

Brooklyn Diversion Opportunities

We also explore Brooklyn-specific alternatives when they serve our clients’ interests. The Brooklyn DA’s Alternative Programs Bureau operates programs including the Screening and Treatment and Enhancement Part (STEP) and the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court for eligible defendants. Brooklyn Treatment Court uses a post-plea model in which, upon successful completion, the plea may be vacated and the case dismissed.

Private Defense Attorney vs. Public Defender for Drug Charges

Under the Sixth Amendment, every person charged with a crime has the right to legal representation. If a defendant can’t afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender. Public defenders carry very high caseloads that limit the time and attention available for any individual case. A private Brooklyn drug crime attorney provides more individualized and comprehensive counsel than an overextended public defender can typically offer. We give each client’s case the focused attention it deserves, and we’re available around the clock when you need us.

Cannabis & Marijuana Charges in Brooklyn

New York’s Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act legalized cannabis possession for adults 21 and older up to 3 ounces. Cannabis-related criminal charges haven’t disappeared entirely, though. Possession above the legal threshold can still result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the amount. Sale and distribution outside the licensed market remain criminal offenses and can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies based on quantity and circumstances. Certain conduct also carries potential federal exposure, where state legalization provides no protection.

We represent clients facing marijuana and cannabis charges in Brooklyn at both the misdemeanor and felony level, including cases where state charges intersect with federal prosecution. Even charges that appear minor can carry collateral consequences worth taking seriously. If you’re facing a cannabis-related charge, we can help you understand exactly what’s at stake and what options are available.

Contact a Brooklyn Drug Crime Lawyer at Mottola Uris Law, PLLC

A drug conviction doesn’t just mean a potential sentence. It can affect your ability to find employment, qualify for housing, obtain professional licenses, and access educational opportunities long after the case is resolved. We represent clients who are under investigation as well as those who have already been charged, and the earlier we get involved, the more we may be able to do to protect your rights and shape the direction of your case.

Mottola Uris Law, PLLC brings over 30 years of combined criminal trial experience, with both founding attorneys having served as Brooklyn prosecutors before moving to the defense side. Lawrence Mottola has been recognized as one of the 10 Best criminal defense attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the firm was named a Top 10 Criminal Defense Law Firm by Best of the Best Attorneys in 2022 and 2023. Your initial case evaluation is free.

Contact Mottola Uris Law, PLLC at (718) 550-3318 or fill out our online consultation request form. Your initial case evaluation is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Diversion Programs Available for Drug Offenses in Brooklyn?

Brooklyn offers several diversion programs for nonviolent drug offenses, including Brooklyn Treatment Court and supervised release initiatives. Participation can sometimes help avoid jail or may result in dismissal of charges following successful completion. Eligibility depends on offense severity, your criminal history, and the specific circumstances of your case. Our attorneys are familiar with the process and advocate for our clients’ admission into the most favorable programs whenever appropriate.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Drug Crime in Brooklyn?

Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t answer questions from law enforcement or sign any statements before speaking with an attorney. At Mottola Uris Law, PLLC, we respond quickly after an arrest to protect your rights and begin building your defense. Early legal intervention matters: it can influence bail handling, evidence preservation, and the outcome of your initial court appearances. Reach out to our team as soon as possible.

Can a Drug Conviction Be Sealed or Expunged in New York?

New York law allows sealing of some drug-related convictions. Under the sealing statute, at least 10 years must have passed since your most recent conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later, and you must meet additional eligibility requirements. Not all convictions qualify, and true expungement is extremely rare in New York. Sealing limits access to your record by most employers and landlords, which can make a real difference going forward. We assess your eligibility, advise you on your options under New York law, and guide you through every step of the process.

Reach out to us to schedule your initial consultation and learn about your rights and legal options.