The Law Office of Yifei He, PLLC

Drug Charge

The Law Office of Yifei He, PLLC

32 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

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Start Your Consultation Today 917-338-7678

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.

criminal defense lawyer in new york


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:


  • Street Stops & Police Searches – If you were stopped by police in Times Square, the Lower East Side, or any busy Manhattan area, you may have been frisked or searched without cause.
  • Traffic Stops & Car Searches – If police pulled you over and found drugs in your vehicle, they may try to charge everyone inside—even if the drugs weren’t yours.
  • Apartment & Hotel Raids – If drugs are found in a shared space, you could still be charged—even if they belonged to someone else.
  • Undercover Stings – Law enforcement officers sometimes set up drug stings, targeting people who may not have realized they were committing a crime.

  • 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:

  • The Type of Drug – Controlled substances are classified into different schedules, with penalties increasing for substances like heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl compared to marijuana or certain prescription drugs.
  • The Amount in Possession – Small quantities may lead to misdemeanor charges, while larger amounts can result in felony possession or intent to distribute charges.
  • Possession vs. Sale or Trafficking – Simple possession for personal use carries lighter penalties than being caught with evidence of distribution, such as large quantities, packaging materials, or cash.
  • Aggravating Factors – Charges can be enhanced if the offense occurs near a school zone, involves minors, or is connected to gang activity.
  • Prescription Drug Fraud & Possession – Illegally possessing or distributing prescription drugs (such as Oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall) can lead to serious criminal charges.
  • Marijuana-Related Offenses – While marijuana is legal in New York for adults over 21, unlawful distribution or possession above legal limits can still lead to arrests and criminal charges.
  • 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:


  • Stay Silent – Do not admit who the drugs belong to or how they got there. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
  • Do Not Consent to a Search – If the police don’t have a warrant, they need probable cause—don’t give them permission to search.
  • Contact a Lawyer Right Away – The faster you get legal representation, the stronger your defense will be.
  • Avoid Talking to Anyone About Your Case – Don’t discuss the case over the phone or in jail—prosecutors listen to recorded calls and may use your words against you.
  • 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

    For non-citizens, Mr. Yifei He takes a strategic approach to minimize the risk of deportation and protect immigration status, understanding that even a minor conviction can have devastating immigration consequences.

    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.