Drug Offense in New York: What the Court Data Shows

According to 1,548 DCJS pretrial release records from 2019–2024, Drug Offense cases across 22 New York counties have an average dismissal rate of 40.3% and an average conviction rate of 59.6%.

Drug offense is a broad category encompassing various controlled substance charges in New York beyond specific possession and sale categories. This page examines what DCJS pretrial release records (2019-2024) reveal about drug offense case processing across the state.

What Our Data Shows About Drug Offense Outcomes

Based on our analysis of drug offense cases across New York courts (DCJS pretrial release records, 2019-2024):

• Drug offense charges cover a range of severity levels, affecting pretrial release patterns
• Charge reduction rates for drug offenses vary across counties
• The data captures how drug case processing changed during the bail reform period

View drug offense statistics across all New York counties

Variation Across New York

Drug offense outcomes vary significantly across New York's counties. The data suggests geographic differences in enforcement priorities, available treatment and diversion programs, and prosecutorial approaches to drug cases. Urban counties may see different case compositions than rural areas.

Pretrial Release Patterns

Drug offense charges span a wide range of severity. Our data tracks pretrial release decisions for drug offenses across all 62 counties, showing how bail reform and its amendments affected these patterns. The availability of drug treatment alternatives may influence pretrial decisions in some jurisdictions.

Understanding the Statistics

When reviewing drug offense data, keep in mind:

• Statistics reflect aggregate patterns from DCJS pretrial release records — individual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case
• County-level differences may reflect local practices, caseload volumes, and available programs
• Data covers 2019-2024, a period that includes bail reform and its subsequent amendments

Next Steps

For information about drug offense laws and potential penalties, consult a licensed New York attorney or visit the New York Penal Law. To explore the data, view our drug offense statistics by county.