Are You Facing Drug Charges?

No matter what the charge — whether it involves methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine or another type of drug — drug charges are inherently serious. These charges are often brought in federal court where mandatory minimum sentences may apply upon conviction. You need an experienced Syracuse drug crimes defense attorney to protect your rights against these charges.

Dedicated Defense Against Drug Charges

I am attorney George Hildebrandt, and I have provided focused and dedicated defense against drug charges to Syracuse-area clients for over 30 years. During my decades of service, I have earned a solid reputation in both the justice system and the communities in and around Syracuse, New York.

If you are facing a drug charge, contact me online or call 866-929-3285 to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.

Comprehensive Drug Crime Defense Services

I have the knowledge, skills and experience to defend clients against many different types of charges, in either state or federal court. I have handled numerous cases involving:

College students, who can face disciplinary board hearings as well as criminal charges.
Drug manufacturing and cultivation charges may be prosecuted in federal courts.
Prescription drugs, while legal, can be sold or possessed illegally.
Cocaine, either crack or powder
Methamphetamine or meth
Heroin
Fentanyl or other synthetic opioids
Synthetic drugs, which the federal government has recently stepped up its efforts to prosecute

Convictions cannot be expunged in New York state, so I will fight hard to prove innocence whenever possible. I will work closely with you to help you explore all of the available options in your case, and to minimize the damage to your reputation and your criminal record.

Avoiding Conviction

For example, you may be eligible for a judicial diversion program such as drug treatment court. In this process, nonviolent offenders become part of an intervention process in which they receive treatment for their addiction and coordinated assistance from a team of professionals. Participants may have their charges dismissed, and therefore avoid the consequences of being convicted for drug charges.

The consequences of conviction are serious and long-lasting. Having a drug offense on your criminal record will damage your employment prospects — particularly with government agencies or employers who receive government funding — and can make you ineligible for certain types of government support, such as student loans. It can also create barriers to education and (because of landlords often discriminate) to quality housing.

Smuggling, Conspiracy and Other Complex Cases

Given the close proximity of Syracuse to the Canadian border, I have handled numerous cases or illegal importation of controlled substances from Canada, as well as many other cases of drug trafficking, possession, distribution or smuggling. If you are facing these charges, it is important to choose an attorney who has handled these matters before, and who can represent you in federal court.

Such cases can become complicated very quickly, particularly if the prosecution decides to add a conspiracy charge to the other drug charges. I have the knowledge to defend you against multiple charges, and will carefully consider all aspects of your case to develop an effective strategy. For example, I possess current and detailed knowledge of wiretapping laws, and if your phone was tapped illegally, I can argue that any evidence obtained should be inadmissible in court.

Experienced Federal Court Representation

Cases that are more serious may end up in federal court and may involve the seizure of money and vehicles. As an experienced Syracuse defense attorney, I have tried numerous cases in federal court. In situations where most lawyers would advise their clients to simply plead guilty and cooperate, I have tried and achieved acquittals for my clients. The stakes are serious for federal drug crimes. Make sure you have legal counsel whose experience and thorough preparation can make a difference.

Examining Witness Testimony

My approach to handling criminal charges involving drugs is often driven by a thorough examination of individuals who cooperate with the police in exchange for a reduced sentence. The prosecution often uses such individuals in drug cases, especially conspiracy cases. By investigating and thoroughly cross-examining these witnesses, I am often able to effectively expose their motivations to the jury.

Call Today for a Consultation

Get the preparation, dedication, trial experience and personal attention you need in your criminal defense case. Complete my online contact form or call 866-929-3285 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case.