Manhattan Drug Offenses Lawyer
In Manhattan, a drug offense charge is prosecuted with the full force of the state. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the NYPD are highly aggressive in pursuing convictions for everything from simple possession to major trafficking. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including mandatory prison sentences, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that impacts your employment, housing, and future.
You need a defense attorney who has been on the inside. At Townsend Law, we provide a strategic, relentless defense for clients facing drug charges in Manhattan. Our founder, Sarena Townsend, is a former prosecutor who knows the prosecution's tactics—because she used to be one of them.
A Former Narcotics Prosecutor on Your Side
Sarena Townsend spent a decade at the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, where she achieved top-count convictions in narcotics cases. She also presented expert testimony on the chemical analysis of narcotics, giving her a deep, scientific understanding of the evidence the state will use against you.
This unparalleled experience is now your single greatest advantage. We know how to dismantle the prosecution's case by asking the critical questions:
· Was the stop and search legal? We meticulously examine police conduct for 4th Amendment violations. If the search was illegal, the evidence can be suppressed.
· Is the evidence reliable? Ms. Townsend's expertise in narcotics analysis allows her to spot weaknesses in lab reports and challenge the "expert" testimony of police officers.
· Was there an informant? Many drug cases are built on confidential informants. We know how to challenge their credibility and the deals they were offered for their testimony.
· Was it "possession"? The DA must prove you knowingly possessed the substance. We are experts at challenging the concepts of "constructive possession" (drugs found in a car or apartment) and "intent to sell."
Defending All Drug Charges in Manhattan
We are not just defense lawyers; we are trial-ready litigators. This reputation for being a "feared adversary in the courtroom" means prosecutors often offer our clients more favorable plea deals, knowing we are fully prepared to go to trial and win.
We defend clients against all New York drug offenses under Penal Law Article 220, including:
· Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (CPCS): From 7th Degree (misdemeanor) to 1st Degree (A-I felony).
· Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (CSCS): Highly serious charges that carry mandatory prison time.
· Possession with Intent to Sell: Often charged based on the quantity of drugs or the presence of scales and baggies.
· Drug Trafficking & Operating as a Major Trafficker
· Prescription Drug Offenses: Including illegal possession or sale of OxyContin, Fentanyl, or Xanax.
Your Advocate in the Manhattan Criminal Courts
Whether you were arrested in the East Village, the Upper West Side, or anywhere in between, your case will be handled in the Manhattan Criminal Court or Supreme Court. As an experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer New York courts know and respect, Sarena Townsend is prepared to fight for you at every stage.
Don't let a drug charge define your life. Your first move is to secure an advocate who already knows the other side's entire game plan.
Contact Townsend Law immediately for a confidential consultation.