Drug Crimes Lawyers in Westchester County, NY

Narcotics Defense Attorneys in White Plains

The moment you become the target of a drug-related investigation, your life enters a high-stakes arena. Whether you are facing New York state charges for possession or are being swept into a massive federal conspiracy indictment involving the distribution of controlled substances, the government relies on an aggressive, heavily funded system designed to secure maximum sentences. 

Portale Randazzo LLP believes that regardless of what you have been accused of or what you have done, your fundamental constitutional rights are absolute. Based in White Plains, our elite defense team brings over 150 years of combined state and federal trial experience to your side. 

We don’t look for the fastest way to resolve a case at the expense of your freedom. We prepare every matter for trial from day one. Real, meaningful results occur when the opposition knows your lawyers are invested, ready, and capable of winning in front of a jury.

Request a complimentary in-office or virtual consultation with a Westchester drug crime defense attorney by phone at (914) 875-2065 or by reaching out to us online. Available 24/7. Hablamos español.

Unmatched Prosecutorial Insight Applied to Your Defense

Defending against complex narcotics charges demands a sophisticated knowledge of criminal investigative tactics, wiretap statutes, and forensic science. Our unique team of former prosecutors and investigators provides an authoritative, multi-layered advantage.

The Elite Narcotics Bureau Foundation 

Founding partner Richard Portale launched his legal career serving in the elite Narcotics and Gangs Bureau of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, where he developed an unblemished conviction record. 

Having led investigations into high-tier drug operations and massive asset forfeitures, he has a comprehensive understanding of how the government compiles evidence, uses confidential informants, and coordinates with federal agencies. For the past 20 years, he has used that insider knowledge to dismantle state and federal indictments for our clients.

Aggressive Audits of Law Enforcement Conduct

Drug cases are heavily built on physical evidence. We closely scrutinize law enforcement actions to determine whether unlawful stops, invalid search warrants, or unconstitutional vehicle searches violated your Fourth Amendment rights. If the government overstepped its bounds, we file motions to have the evidence thrown out entirely.

Challenging Intent and Conspiracy

In multi-defendant cases, prosecutors routinely overcharge individuals, sweeping innocent bystanders or minor participants into major conspiracies. We focus on exposing gaps in the state’s timeline, isolating our clients from others' illegal actions, and proving a lack of criminal intent.

State & Federal Drug Crimes We Defend

Portale Randazzo LLP handles all types of drug offense investigations, arrests, and charges, from drug possession to drug trafficking, including but not limited to: 

• Federal drug conspiracy and RICO indictments
• Heroin and fentanyl possession or sale
• Cocaine and crack cocaine charges
• Prescription drug fraud and “pill mill” defense
• Methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution
• Marijuana regulations and transport violations

A Track Record of Extraordinary Success in State & Federal Courts

The outcome of your case depends directly on the capability, experience, and courtroom tenacity of your defense team. Our firm’s track record in high-stakes controlled substance and conspiracy cases across the country speaks for itself. 

Major Appellate & Trial Dismissals

• On the law - Partner Richard Portale successfully achieved a total dismissal of Westchester County's first-ever "drug kingpin" indictment based on the law.
• NYC wrongful conviction reversed - On April 14, 2021, the Appellate Division, Second Department, unanimously reversed our client Elvis Moreno's conviction, dismissed the indictment, and ordered his immediate release from prison. Mr. Moreno, an innocent passenger in a car where a drug transaction took place, had been wrongfully convicted of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy, receiving a seven-year sentence. We successfully argued that the evidence was legally insufficient, restoring his freedom.
• Federal wrongful conviction overturned – Federal Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute over one kilogram of PCP between New York and Washington, D.C.; our client was serving 235 months in federal prison for his role. After Attorney Portale submitted appellate briefs and made oral arguments in the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the matter was remanded to the District Court for further proceedings, where it was ultimately dismissed, and the client was released.
• Federal drug indictment – client indicted in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) for possession with intent to distribute over 1000 kilos, sentenced to no jail.
• Unlawful search – All criminal charges were dismissed against our client, who was charged with possession of 6,000 ecstasy pills on a public bus.
• State of Colorado – Possession and transportation of 50 kilos. No jail.
• State of North Carolina – Possession with intent to distribute 20 kilos of cocaine and seizure of approximately $500k in cash. All charges were dismissed, and the client returned to his family.
• State of Washington – Possession of a large quantity of several controlled substances at the American border crossing with the intent to export to the Shambhala Music Festival in British Columbia, Canada. All criminal charges dismissed.
• Federal drug indictment – client indicted in SDNY for his role in a “pill mill” conspiracy involving thousands of pills was sentenced to no jail.

Put Proven Courtroom Skill to Work for Your Freedom

When you are facing a state drug charge or a federal indictment, you cannot afford to rely on passive legal counsel or empty promises. You need an ironclad defense strategy engineered by seasoned trial lawyers who have built their reputations winning the most complex battles in New York and federal jurisdictions.

Let our firm take the heavy burdens of the justice system off your shoulders and aggressively fight for your life, career, and future at this critical time. 

Contact our White Plains office online or at (914) 875-2065 today for a case review with a Westchester County drug crime defense attorney.