Drug Charge
Manhattan Drug Crime Attorney
Understand Your Rights & Legal Options in NYC
If you’ve been arrested for a drug-related offense in Manhattan, you may be feeling uncertain about what comes next. New York takes drug crimes seriously, and depending on the charges, you could be facing fines, probation, a criminal record, or even prison time. For non-U.S. citizens, a drug conviction can also lead to deportation or loss of immigration status.
At The Law Office of Yifei He, PLLC, we understand that not every drug arrest means someone is guilty—many cases in Manhattan involve illegal searches, wrongful arrests, and misunderstandings. We'll fight for your future, protect your rights, and build the strongest defense.

Facing a drug charge in Manhattan does not mean your future is over—your rights and legal options remain intact. A charge is not the same as a conviction, and there are multiple legal avenues to explore, from challenging the evidence to pursuing reduced penalties or alternative programs. New York law takes various factors into account, such as possession versus distribution and eligibility for rehabilitation-focused resolutions. A skilled defense attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case, safeguard your rights, and develop a strategy to pursue the best possible resolution. Acting quickly and making informed decisions can have a lasting impact on your future.
We Aggressivley Defend Drug Charges
Call our Manhattan Criminal Defense Lawyer at
1-917-338-7678 For a FREE Consultation.
How Most Drug Arrests Happen in Manhattan
Drug arrests happen every day, often under these circumstances:
If you were arrested for a drug-related charge, your attorney can challenge the evidence,
question the legality of the search,
and fight for reduced or dismissed charges.
What You Should Know About Drug Laws in New York
Given the history of our city, New York has some of the toughest drug laws in the country, shaped by decades of law enforcement crackdowns, public health crises, and evolving policies on controlled substances. Prosecutors and judges take drug offenses seriously, particularly in Manhattan, where cases often involve large-scale trafficking operations, prescription drug fraud, and illicit sales in nightlife-heavy areas.
However, not every drug charge carries the same penalty—the consequences depend on several key factors:
What to Do If You’re Arrested for Drugs in NYC
If you are arrested for a drug-related offense, here’s what you must do immediately:
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do to Help Drug Charges?
If you’re facing drug charges, you need an aggressive legal strategy. Here are some of the ways we can defend you:
If you've been charged there is a lot at stake. A drug crime lawyer's main objective is to defened you and protect your future, but what how do we do it? By challenging unlawful searches and seizures—if law enforcement conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause, Yifei He will work to have the evidence suppressed and the case dismissed. We also scrutinize the prosecution’s case for weaknesses, from unreliable witnesses to insufficient evidence, and use every available legal strategy to argue for a dismissal or reduced charges.
Alternative Sentencing Options
In many cases, alternative sentencing options can help our clients avoid jail time as well, are you a first time offender, was offense non-violent? This could be an option for you. We do this by negotiating for drug treatment programs, probation, or plea agreements that provide a path forward.
Non-U.S. Citizens
He carefully evaluates every aspect of your case, looking for opportunities to reduce charges, negotiate plea deals that avoid immigration penalties, or seek alternative resolutions that help protect your ability to remain in the U.S. What if your case goes to trial? He will aggressively challenge the prosecution’s evidence, ensuring that any weaknesses, inconsistencies, or violations of your rights are exposed. By cross-examining witnesses, scrutinizing police procedures, and leveraging legal defenses tailored to your specific situation, he will fight relentlessly to secure the best possible outcome and safeguard your future. If you're concerned about your status, we encourage you to visit our crimmigration page where you can learn more.
Drug Charges? Call Now for a Free Consultation.
A drug charge doesn’t have to ruin your life, but you need an experienced attorney who knows how to fight back. Whether you were falsely accused, the victim of an illegal search, or caught up in the wrong situation, I will build the strongest possible defense to protect your future.
Speak with our defense attorney for FREE
917-338-7678 to schedule an
appointment.
Or, if you prefer, we can be
reached online via our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Defending Drug Crimes
Penalties depend on the type of drug and the amount. A small amount of marijuana may not result in serious charges, but possession of cocaine, heroin, or other narcotics could lead to jail time, probation, or fines.
Yes! If your rights were violated, the evidence is weak, or you were wrongfully charged, an attorney can fight to get your case dismissed.
Even if the drugs weren’t yours, you could still be charged with possession if they were found near you or in your home or car. A lawyer can argue for case dismissal by proving lack of ownership.
Is it possible. Drug convictions can lead to deportation, visa denial, or loss of green card eligibility. If you are a non-citizen, it is critical to fight the charges with an experienced defense lawyer. Learn more about immigration criminal defense here.
It depends on the charge. Some first-time offenders qualify for alternative sentencing, like rehabilitation programs or probation, instead of jail. A lawyer can fight for these options to keep your record clean.