New York City Internet Drug Trafficking Lawyer

The investigation of the sale of mass quantities of drugs remains a central goal of New York’s law enforcement. While traditionally, drug trafficking took place on streets, waterways, and even in the air, modern technology has allowed these activities to move to the Internet.

However, this does not mean that the sale of online is legal. Indeed, people selling drugs through the Internet may face criminal allegations of drug trafficking as well as charges involving the illegal use of a computer.

Both of these allegations are felony-level crimes, which means a conviction can result in serious jail time. A New York internet drug trafficking lawyer could work to defend you in court against all forms of drug trafficking, including those that involve the use of the internet. Work with a capable drug trafficking lawyer that could advocate for you.

How Does New York Define Drug Trafficking?

New York Penal Law §220.77 states that it is a Class A-1 felony for any person to be a “major drug trafficker”. This can mean one of three things:

• That a person acted as the director of a drug organization and that organization sells any controlled substance and the value of those sales equals $75,000 or more over a period of one year or less
• That a person acted as a profiteer or seller of a drug and that the proceeds of the sale exceeded $75,000 over a period of six months or less
• That a person acted as a profiteer and possessed drugs with a value of $75,000 or more with the intent to sell them

Class A-1 felonies are the most serious crimes possible under New York laws. A conviction can be punished by a jail term of eight to 20 years in prison, according to New York Penal Law §70.71(b)(i). A New York internet drug trafficking lawyer could attempt to mitigate the penalties that a person may face.

When is the Use of a Computer Illegal?

In addition to any charges directly related to drug trafficking, a person accused of internet drug trafficking may also face charges related to the illegal use of a computer. According to New York Penal Law §156.10, it is illegal to use any computer without a person’s permission, for the purpose of committing a felony. Known as computer trespass, a conviction on such a charge is a class E felony.

Many internet service providers, or ISPs, stipulate that their network cannot be used for any illegal activity. Therefore, if a person uses their internet service to traffic drugs, they are using a computer system against the wishes of the owner. This meets the definition of computer trespass.

Seeking Help from a New York Internet Drug Trafficking Attorney

Drug trafficking, whether it takes place on a street corner or on the internet, is a major felony under New York law and carries harsh penalties. In addition to charges stemming from the sale of the drugs, the use of a computer to do so can also be charged as a related but separate crime.

Even if the police are investigating you for the sale of drugs online, you still have constitutional rights, including the right to be free from illegal searches and seizures and to be free from arrest without probable cause. A New York internet drug trafficking lawyer could work on your behalf to protect these rights and provide a cogent and powerful defense at trial. Call today to schedule an initial appointment.