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New York City has a big problem with heroin, which is a sad situation because this drug has such a negative impact on the addicts and their loved ones. Mayor Bill de Blasio has upped the city’s response to the problem by boosting the Healing NYC program.

This program is attributed to the decline in overdose deaths that occurred from 2016 to 2017. The number of deaths rose sharply from 937 in 2015 to 1,374 in 2016 before dropping to 924 in 2017. This is a wake-up call for anyone who is addicted to the drug. Another wake-up call is the criminal case that can come with heroin usage.

Most possession charges are felonies

Most heroin possession charges are felony charges in New York. Having any amount of heroin in your possession can land you in legal troubles. Having less than 500 mg is a Class A misdemeanor. From 500 mg to 1/8 ounce is a Class D felony, from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce is a Class C felony, from 1/2 ounce to 4 ounces is a Class B felony, from 4 to 8 ounces is a Class A-II felony, and more than 8 ounces is a Class A-I felony.

The penalties for certain types of possession are even more serious. No matter what amount of heroin people have, they face a Class D or B felony if it is determined that they had the intent to sell. They are also harsher for selling on school grounds or to people who are underage.

Addicts might get help

Not all drug addicts in New York will be sent straight to prison because there are some treatment options, such as drug court, that can come with these charges. It is crucial that anyone who is facing heroin charges in this state learn about the options that are available.

Drug courts aren’t an easy answer to these charges. Participants have to work toward sobriety and living a productive life. They need to stay up with the program, which includes staying out of trouble, meeting with their supervision officer and having random drug tests.

Criminal justice cases come with a lot of considerations. You have to think carefully about the circumstances of your case to determine how to handle the defense. You might be surprised at what points in your case can be pivotal.