Skip to Content
Top
Understanding Alternative Sentencing Options For Certain New York Drug Offenses

Understanding Alternative Sentencing Options for Certain New York Drug Offenses

Amid changing perception of drug crimes by the public and lawmakers, strict punishments remain for the possession of illegal drugs

New York City and its surrounding areas have changed dramatically over the last 20 years. A recent article in The New York Times recounted how New York City was once a place where drugs proliferated and crime was rampant. As The New York Times noted, “Bullets were flying in the cities. Crack wars trapped people in their homes.” In response, federal and state lawmakers passed “tough on crime” sentencing laws, including the enactment of mandatory minimum sentences, which severely punished non-violent drug crimes.

Today, most researchers say the “War on Drugs” has failed. Penalties for drug crimes remain potentially severe, however. Between 1979 and 2009, the number of Americans in state or federal prison multiplied four times over, and remains large to this day. According to the Justice Department, the federal prison population is nine times as large as it was in 1980, although the general population has only grown by one-third. And it is still possible today for someone addicted to prescription pain medication or who recreationally smokes marijuana to suffer serious criminal consequences for their actions, despite the fact that marijuana and prescription pain medication are legal in New York for medicinal purposes.

New York Laws Changing, but Slowly

In 2009, New York reformed many of its drug laws. One change is the option for defendants to choose mandatory treatment for low-level drug offenses, rather than incarceration. However, according to a recent Vera Institute report, there has only been a 35 percent increase in criminal defendants moved into mandatory treatment programs since the change to the law in 2009.

Alternative to Incarceration programs (ATI), offer a variety of pretrial and correction alternative programs throughout the state. For example, New York’s Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC) Program offers drug treatment programs for adult defendants accused of non-violent crimes and who have indicators of substance abuse issues. If completed, these treatment programs can result in a lesser sentence or in the prosecution dropping criminal charges.

An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Understanding the benefits of diversionary programs is a vital part of criminal defense. When facing drug crime charges, a criminal defendant has several options open, including fighting all charges or potentially accepting diversionary sentencing which, if completed, can mitigate some of the harsher consequences of a jail sentence.

However, these decisions are important and a criminal defendant should understand all available options fully before contesting charges or agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for lesser or alternative sentencing.

The attorneys at Lerner & Lerner, P.C., have years of experience representing New Yorkers accused of drug crimes. Lerner & Lerner, P.C. can help criminal defendants protect their constitutional rights and take advantage of available alternative sentencing options if appropriate.

Contact Us for Your Consultation

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

How Are We Different?

Lerner & Lerner, P.C. is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

  • Proven Track Record
    Our attorneys are well-known for helping clients identify realistic legal goals and obtain them. We have successfully handled thousands of cases for our clients and will fight tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected.
  • A Trusted Source
    Kimberly Lerner is widely recognized in the news media as a trusted authority on numerous legal topics. She is a featured legal correspondent on a variety of national news programs.
  • Award-Winning Lawyers
    Both Richard Lerner and Kimberly Lerner hold the AV Preeminent* rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest distinction given to lawyers in this prestigious peer review.
  • Former Prosecutors
    Our experience as Former Prosecutors allows us to understand the prosecution’s position against our criminal defense clients and leverage practical solutions. We are also backed by 70 years of combined legal experience.