New York Heroin Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated March 26, 2018
Heroin has been brought back on the radar of law enforcement due, in part, to some of the higher profile heroin deaths in recent years. Heroin and other narcotics remain illegal under both federal and state law and New York's laws pertaining to the possession, sale and trafficking of heroin are quite harsh. That being said, New York does provide treatment options for those suffering from heroin addiction.
Overview Of New York Heroin Laws
For more information on New York's laws relating to heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, see the chart below.
| Code Section |
|
| Possession | Knowingly possessing any amount is a Class A misdemeanor. Possession can become a felony as follows:
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| Sale | Knowingly selling any amount is a Class D felony, but this can increase as follows:
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| Trafficking | A conviction of being a major trafficker is considered a Class A-I felony. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
New York Heroin Laws: Additional Resources
For additional information and resources related to New York drug laws, see the links below:
- New York Drug Distribution, Trafficking and Manufacturing Laws
- New York Drug Possession Laws
- New York Criminal Laws
- New York Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
- Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation
Facing Heroin Charges? Contact a Local Attorney Today
If you're facing criminal charges in New York related to the possession, use, or sale of heroin, you can face a wide range of criminal charges each subject to its own set of penalties. What's important to remember is that the prosecutor has the burden to prove, beyond any reasonable doubt, all elements of the charges against you. An experienced New York criminal defense attorney understands these elements and this extremely high burden and can be your strongest advocate at trial.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.