New York maintains strict penalties for drug possession. While some such offenses are misdemeanors, the state often classifies drug crimes as felonies.
If you face a court date in New York for drug charges, learn more about the potential consequences of a conviction.
Class A felony convictions
Possession of significant amounts of certain controlled substances can result in a Class A-II felony in New York. This possession crime carries up to $50,000 in fines and between three and 10 years in prison. Minimum thresholds for this charge include:
- 2,880 mg of methadone
- 25 g of any hallucinogen
- 25 mg of LSD
- 10 g of any stimulant drug
- 2 oz of materials used to make methamphetamine
- 4 oz of any narcotic drug
In addition, conviction for possession of 8 oz of any narcotic or 5,760 oz of methadone results in fines of up to $100,000. The prison sentence for this charge is eight to 20 years.
Class B felony convictions
New York imposes Class B felony charges for possession of at least:
- 1,250 mg PCP
- 1/2 oz of any narcotic drug (any amount with evidence of intent to sell)
- 5 g of any hallucinogen (25 mg with intent to sell)
- 5 mg of LSD (1 mg with intent to sell)
- 5 g of any stimulant drug (1 g with intent to sell)
- Any amount of a stimulant or hallucinogen with a prior conviction and intent to sell
Penalties for a Class B felony conviction include up to $30,000 in fines and between one and nine years in prison.
Class C felony convictions
An offender can receive a Class C felony for possession of these minimum controlled substance amounts:
- 200 g GHB
- 4,000 mg ketamine
- 250 mg PCP (50 mg with evidence of intent to sell along with at least one prior conviction)
- 360 mg methadone
- 2 lbs of depressant drugs
- 10 oz of a dangerous depressant drug
- 1 g of a hallucinogen
- 1 mg LSD
- 1 g of a stimulant drug
- 2 oz of a narcotic
- 1/2 oz methamphetamine
Penalties for a Class C conviction include up to $15,000 in fines and between 18 months and five years in prison. Some offenders may qualify for an alternative sentence, such as probation.
