Drug Crimes FAQs

Are New York State’s Drug Laws different for different drugs?

New York State has different offense levels for different drugs

​

The Public Health board classifies drugs into different categories, and the law treats them in different ways. For instance, marijuana is treated differently than cocaine. In addition, Attorney’s Offices, for plea bargaining purposes, will treat certain drugs differently.

​

Heroin and cocaine are both controlled substances, so plea- bargaining guidelines for Nassau County and Suffolk County are different between somebody who possesses heroin and somebody who possesses cocaine.

​

Although there is a consistent push to legalize marijuana and marijuana cases are generally treated lightly, employers are less likely to hire somebody with a drug conviction, and it can also affect getting student aid.