It’s okay to go out and have a good time. However, you should have fun responsibly within the parameters of the law. Dabbling into cocaine could land you in severe legal trouble as New York has a low tolerance for any amount of possession of the drug.
How much is too much?
There are a couple punishment levels for cocaine possession, according to the law. Possessing 500 mg or more of the drug is a class D felony in New York. If you’re wondering how much 500 mg is, think about the size of a teaspoon. Having an amount of cocaine smaller than 500 mg in your possession is a class A misdemeanor.
These charges bring differing penalties. Here’s the difference:
- Class D felony: One to 2.5 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to one-year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
This goes without mentioning any other legal and court costs incurred, too. A serious offense like cocaine possession could also affect your employment and having a conviction on your record could affect your ability to find new work. Possessing any amount of cocaine is simply too much.
You may still have time
If you’re struggling with drug addiction and looking for a way out, it’s not too late. There are many drug treatment centers in the New York area willing to help. Don’t let a good time or one night have a significant negative impact on the rest of your life.