Rochester & Albany Drug Defense Lawyer

Experienced legal support in Rochester and surrounding counties for drug possession and trafficking

New York drug laws are extremely complex, with charges and penalties affected by many variables, including the following:

• The law treats offenses pertaining to marijuana differently than those for narcotics, hallucinogens or stimulants.
• Possession results in less severe consequences than trafficking, but quantity makes a difference.
• Involving children in any way — including by selling drugs in or near a school — adds to the severity of charges.

If you face drug charges in Monroe or surrounding counties, you need to recognize the importance of immediately retaining lawyer James L. Riotto. His unique background includes experience in law enforcement and criminal prosecution, providing him with the insight needed to develop effective defense for your specific circumstances.

A thorough investigation makes a difference to your defense

Even when the evidence seems stacked against you, many supposed facts can prove untrue upon thorough investigation. For example, police may find you sitting on a park bench with a bag of marijuana behind your feet. They may charge you with possession, while you may have been unaware of the presence of the bag.

In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove cases beyond a reasonable doubt. As an experienced marijuana lawyer with law enforcement experience, James Riotto begins your defense by listening to your side of the story. He then examines all evidence. If the prosecution has only circumstantial evidence, Mr. Riotto can refute that evidence in court.

Not all convicted offenders serve prison sentences

Before significant changes were made to New York drug laws in 2009, many individuals convicted of relatively minor drug possession offenses faced harsh prison sentences. But the new laws provide a greater degree of judicial discretion, which can help keep qualified offenders who are convicted out of prison, often with a probationary period involving monitoring and treatment through the Drug Treatment Court program. Rochester parole and probation attorney James Riotto recognizes the importance of this program for the future of a first-time offender.

Protecting a minor’s future

Without skilled legal support, one poor choice related to drugs can have a profound effect on a child’s future. In cases such as minors in possession, attorney James Riotto focuses on developing a strong defense that provides a fresh start for youthful offenders.

Seek immediate support from an experienced Rochester drug crime attorney

Drug crimes lawyer James Riotto provides the same skilled level of legal support across a full range of drug charges — from low-quantity marijuana possession to trafficking of dangerous drugs. As a former state trooper who also has criminal prosecution experience, James L. Riotto understands how the criminal process works. If you face drug charges in Rochester or in the counties of Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Orleans, Genesee or Livingston, the Law Office of James L. Riotto works with you to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. The Law Offices of James L. Riotto provides personalized support, keeping you informed throughout the legal process and promptly answering all questions. Call us at 866-772-2122 or contact us online.