Manhattan Drug Crime Lawyer

Aggressive Federal and State Defense for Drug Crimes in New York City

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a drug offense in Manhattan, you need a defense team that understands the complex intersection of New York State law and federal drug enforcement. At Sosinsky Law, we defend clients against the most serious narcotics charges, including drug conspiracy, trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute. As an experienced Manhattan drug crime lawyer, Fred Sosinsky has handled some of the highest-profile drug prosecutions in the Southern District of New York (SDNY).

Drug charges in Manhattan often carry severe penalties, especially when federal prosecutors get involved. Conspiracy allegations are increasingly used to enhance sentences and tie multiple defendants to a single charge. Whether you are a first-time offender or accused of playing a role in an extensive drug distribution network, our firm is ready to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call (212) 285-2270 for a confidential consultation.

Why You Need an Experienced Manhattan Drug Crime Attorney

Manhattan law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD, DEA, FBI, and SDNY prosecutors, treat drug-related offenses as high-priority cases. Even relatively small quantities can lead to felony charges, and prosecutors frequently charge suspects with conspiracy to distribute, a broad legal theory that can hold you responsible for the actions of others.

Our firm has represented clients in cases involving:

  • Federal drug trafficking investigations

  • DEA and SDNY grand jury subpoenas

  • Narcotics conspiracy charges

  • Wiretap-based prosecutions

  • Prescription drug fraud and diversion

  • Cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine charges

  • Marijuana distribution (especially when transported across state lines)

For more information on state and federal narcotics defense, see our state and federal drug crimes page.

Understanding Conspiracy in Drug Crime Cases

One of the most common tools federal prosecutors use in Manhattan drug cases is the conspiracy charge. This allows prosecutors to charge multiple individuals together under the theory that they knowingly agreed to participate in an unlawful drug distribution plan, even if they never handled the drugs themselves.

You may be charged with conspiracy even if:

  • You were not present during drug transactions

  • You had no direct contact with buyers or suppliers

  • Your role was peripheral, such as driving or handling money

This tactic dramatically increases your legal exposure. We frequently represent clients accused of drug conspiracies in cases involving dozens of co-defendants, including high-profile federal drug busts. Learn more about conspiracy charges in New York.

Common Drug Charges in Manhattan

1. Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance

Possession of narcotics like cocaine, heroin, MDMA, methamphetamine, or prescription medications without authorization can lead to felony charges depending on the amount and your criminal record. Our firm also defends against cocaine possession and heroin-related offenses.

2. Possession with Intent to Distribute

If the amount found suggests distribution rather than personal use, or if packaging materials, cash, or scales are discovered, you could be charged with intent to distribute, even without witnessing a sale.

3. Federal Drug Trafficking

The SDNY aggressively prosecutes interstate and international drug trafficking cases. This includes charges for federal cocaine distribution and federal heroin trafficking.

4. Drug Manufacturing or Cultivation

Allegations of drug manufacturing can arise from labs, grow operations, or kitchens used to prepare drugs for sale. See more on drug manufacturing defenses.

5. Drug Paraphernalia Charges

Even if no drugs are found, possessing pipes, scales, baggies, or syringes can result in separate criminal charges. Learn more about drug paraphernalia defense.

Strategies for Fighting Drug Charges in Manhattan

At Sosinsky Law, we evaluate each case individually and develop a strategic plan tailored to your facts and goals. Common defense approaches include:

Illegal Search and Seizure

We scrutinize how the police obtained the evidence. If they lacked a valid warrant, probable cause, or violated your rights, we will move to suppress the evidence.

Lack of Possession or Knowledge

Just because drugs are found near you does not mean they were yours or that you knew they were present. The prosecution must prove knowledge and control beyond a reasonable doubt.

Challenging the Conspiracy Allegation

In conspiracy cases, we attack the idea that there was a criminal agreement or that you knowingly joined it. Mere association with others involved is not enough.

Suppressing Wiretap Evidence

Federal cases often rely on intercepted calls or messages. We examine whether wiretaps were lawfully authorized and properly executed. Flawed wiretap evidence may be excluded.

Medical Use or Treatment-Based Defenses

We also explore treatment-based resolutions or diversion programs for eligible clients, especially in low-level or possession cases.

For additional reading, visit our federal drug defense page.

What to Expect from Federal Drug Sentencing

Federal drug crimes are governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Depending on the type and quantity of drugs, prior convictions, and whether weapons were involved, you could face:

  • Mandatory minimum sentences (e.g., 5 or 10 years)

  • Enhanced penalties for conspiracy or trafficking

  • Asset forfeiture (cash, vehicles, property)

  • Supervised release or immigration consequences

Sosinsky Law provides expert federal sentencing advocacy to help reduce sentencing exposure, including mitigation reports, treatment documentation, and plea negotiations.

Representation Before the Charges Are Filed

Many of our clients contact us after receiving a:

  • Grand jury subpoena

  • Target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office

  • Knock on the door from federal agents

If you are under investigation, do not wait to be arrested. Our proactive representation during the investigation phase often results in lesser charges, or no charges at all. For more, visit our grand jury investigations page.

Why Choose Sosinsky Law

Fred Sosinsky has over three decades of courtroom experience in Manhattan and across New York City. Known for strategic thinking, deep legal knowledge, and relentless advocacy, Fred is trusted by businesspeople, professionals, and individuals facing the most serious federal and state drug charges.

Clients choose Sosinsky Law for:

  • Experience handling complex conspiracy and trafficking cases

  • Success in challenging illegal searches and seizures

  • Strong relationships with prosecutors and judges in SDNY

  • Personalized service and strategic legal planning

We don’t treat clients as case files. We understand what’s at stake and fight as though our client’s life depends on the outcome, because it often does.

Call Our Manhattan Drug Crime Lawyer Today

Drug cases in Manhattan move quickly, and the consequences can be devastating. Don’t wait to see how the government’s case unfolds. Take control of your defense today.

Call Sosinsky Law at (212) 285-2270 or contact us online for a confidential consultation with a seasoned Manhattan drug crime lawyer. We serve clients throughout New York City in both state and federal court.

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Case Results
A successful contractor was arrested and charged with felony possession of a loaded firearm and Class C felony possession of marijuana based upon the seizure of these items in a search pursuant to warrant. As has been well advertised, in almost all gun cases in NYC, prosecutors will insist on state prison sentences even for those willing to plead guilty. After presentation of mitigating evidence however, Mr. Sosinsky was able to negotiate a sentence of nine months in jail for his client, meaning his client was out in six months.
A young man who had been a heralded star high school hoopster in Brooklyn was indicted as part of a large multidefendant fraudulent check cashing conspiracy. The client unfortunately had previously been involved in a similar prosecution and worse yet had been arrested during the pendency of the federal case for yet again committing a similar offense. Notwithstanding these hurdles, Mr. Sosinsky was able to convince the federal judge to spare his client a prison sentence and allow him to earn his freedom while on probation.
Mr. Sosinsky represented a prominent attorney accused of assaulting and endangering the welfare of his 13 year son. It turned out that the child was being used as a pawn by the client’s ex-wife and that the incident at the heart of the case involved proper disciplining of a difficult and, at times, violent child. Eventually, the charges against the lawyer were dismissed.
Mr. Sosinsky obtained a verdict of not-guilty of murder in the execution style shooting of a young man involved in gang activities in Harlem, New York City. By demonstrating important differences in the description of the shooter from witnesses called by the prosecution, Mr. Sosinsky was able to raise valid doubts about the correctness of the identifications made at trial.
A few years back, Mr. Sosinsky represented a Manhattan man who was arrested after stabbing his wife in the neck numerous times with a knife in their Upper West Side apartment. The client was indicted for attempted murder. However, after having the client examined by a forensic psychiatrist, it became evident that a compelling insanity defense was in order. Eventually, the prosecutors involved were unable to adequately prepare to counter this defense and the case was dismissed.

NYC Criminal Defense

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