New York Anabolic Steroids

Over the past few years anabolic steroids have received a great deal of media attention because of well-known professional athletes being accused of using them. Anabolic steroids, commonly referred to as 'roids or juice, generally are synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. Natural testosterone triggers the maturing of the male reproductive system in puberty. Its anabolic effect helps the body retain dietary protein, which aids in the development of muscles. Anabolic steroids have legitimate medical uses to help people with disorders such as breast cancer, testosterone deficiency, and delayed puberty. However, athletes take them primarily to increase muscle mass and strength as they can also mimic the effects that bodybuilding has on the body. However, not only do high-profile professional athletes take them, but so do athletes on many levels, including high school athletes as well as men, women and adolescents who are not athletes. However, along with the bodybuilding effects and the so-called beautifying of the body, anabolic steroids have unhealthy side effects. In men anabolic steroids cause a reduced sperm count, impotence, development of breasts, shrinking of the testicles and difficulty in urination. In women, the side effects include facial hair growth, deepened voice, breast reduction and menstrual cycle changes. Behavioral side effects include depression, irritability and aggression. These behavioral changes are collectively referred to as "'roid rage." Some anabolic steroids are legally available by prescription. However, people often use forged or illegally obtained prescriptions to secure steroids. Furthermore, they are also illegally bought and sold without prescriptions. If you have been charged with a drug crime related to anabolic steroids, you should immediately contact an experienced New York drug crimes lawyer who will review the facts of your case and develop a strategy to defend you against these charges. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have decades of experience representing clients who have been charged with drug crimes and other serious crimes such as assault, domestic violence and sex crimes. Find out what we can do for you by contacting us at to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.

Under New York law, anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule II controlled substances. N. Y. PBH Law § 3306. While there are several different types of anabolic steroids, common substances include: Testosterone, Nandrolone, Boldenone, Stanozolol, and Androstenedione.

Charges related to anabolic steroids typically fall under the categories of possession of a controlled substance charge or sale of a controlled substance charge. If the police find you to be in possession of a relatively small amount, then you will likely face a possession charge as the police will conclude that you have it for your personal consumption. On the other hand, if you are in possession of a relatively large amount, the police may believe that you are involved in selling anabolic steroids and charge you with the more serious crime of selling. For controlled substances in general sale or distribution charges are more serious and carry heavier penalties than possession charges.

In many cases those who are arrested on an anabolic steroids charge were caught after purchasing the steroids online. In some cases the U.S. Postal Service becomes involved in the investigation and helps the police with the investigation. If federal laws are implicated in the crime, then you may face a federal criminal charge.

In general, criminal possession of a controlled substance involves knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance. If you are found to be in possession of anabolic steroids, you may be charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. It is a class A misdemeanor. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.03. If you are convicted of this crime, the possible sentence is up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

If you sell any quantity of an anabolic steroid, you will face a charge of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. This is the least serious sale of a controlled substance charge. However, it is a class D felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.31. If you are convicted the maximum possible sentence is 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Federal law classifies anabolic steroids as Schedule III controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. 21 U.S. Code § 812. This designation makes a first offense of possessing such substances without a prescription a federal crime punishable by up to one year in prison. 21 U.S.C. § 844. Unlawful sale or distribution of anabolic steroids or possession with intent to distribute is punished by up to ten years in prison.

Frequently those accused of possessing or distributing anabolic steroids are also charged with additional crimes related to the possession, distribution or manufacture of other types of drugs. Such charges could include one or more of several possible criminal possession of a controlled substance charges, one or more of several possible criminal sale of a controlled substance charges, criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance, a criminally using drug paraphernalia charge, a charge related to manufacturing drugs, use of a child to commit a controlled substance offense, criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument, or criminal injection of a narcotic drug.

If you are charged under New York law with a crime related to the possession or distribution of anabolic steroids, your sentence will range from up to a year in jail to up to 7 years in prison. If you are convicted of a federal drug crime, you could end up in prison for up to 10 years. Any additional charges related to other drugs will increase the possible sentence that you will face. Furthermore, if you have prior drug crime convictions, or prior convictions for any felony, your sentence will be harsher than if you are a first time offender. It is possible that if you are a first time offender the judge may opt to sentence you a drug treatment program instead of incarceration.

If you face a charge related to anabolic steroids you face the possibility of going to jail for 10 years. In addition, you face the possibility of having the lifelong stigma of having been convicted of a drug crime. Because the stakes are so high, if you are accused of possessing anabolic steroids, distributing them or if you are accused of any drug crime you should immediately contact an attorney who has experience defending those accused of anabolic steroid crimes. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates has years of experience successfully defending clients in New York criminal courts and in federal court who have been accused of drug possession, distribution and manufacturing offenses. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We serve those accused of drug crimes in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.