Heroin Defense Attorneys in Allentown, NJ Will Work to Clear Your Charges
There is a heroin epidemic in New Jersey. The upsurge of heroin distribution has produced progressively stronger heroin laws in New Jersey.
With sizable amounts of heroin flowing into the NJ streets, heroin has become cheaper and more dangerous. Heroin in New Jersey even tends to be a higher grade than typical heroin supplies throughout the country. These two factors lead to a dangerous combo that is creating heroin addiction.
As governments at all levels focus increasingly on the escalating heroin trafficking and drug ring crisis, the number of heroin-related arrests and sting operations dramatically rise. Despite this burgeoning crisis, a charge does not automatically result in a guilty verdict. You have rights that must be protected with the assistance of a lawyer serving Allentown, NJ and the neighboring towns.
Connect with Villani & DeLuca criminal defense lawyers to get legal guidance if you are up on drug charges in Allentown, NJ for heroin possession or heroin distribution.
Heroin Arrests Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Deemed a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance according to New Jersey law, possession of heroin is considered to be a third degree criminal offense. A heroin possession conviction can end with up to a 5 year imprisonment sentence and a penalty of up to $35,000.
Have you become addicted to heroin in NJ? Heroin is devastating the well-being of many young people in New Jersey yearly. If you are an addict and have been arrested and charged with a drug crime, contact a NJ drug lawyer for assistance.
NJ Heroin Possession Lawyers with Extensive Experience
Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. has been defending clients for heroin possession and distribution crimes since Villani & DeLuca opened in 1996. Mr. Villani has served as a criminal prosecutor, providing him with a unique perspective on fighting drug charges that not many heroin defense lawyers possess.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
You can't risk facing heroin charges and the penalties associated with a conviction without a strong drug attorney on your side. Your chances of obtaining employment will also be greatly diminished if found guilty on heroin charges. Jail time and fines can be incredibly detrimental to the outlook of your life.
Your sentence hinges on the quantity of heroin in your possession, but additionally on other variables, such as proximity to a school zone or whether authorities believe that you are dealing. A skilled criminal defense attorney might be able to argue for a more favorable sentence for you.
Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey
Time in jail is not guaranteed. A first offense may be eligible for Pretrial Intervention (PTI) if your counsel thinks you qualify. A drug attorney can examine if charges were based on an abuse of your rights.
However, possession of any quantity of heroin – even less than a half ounce – that is determined to constitute the intent to sell, has much stricter penalties. Heroin distribution carries massive fines, prolonged prison terms and a revocation of your license.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Possession is not typically treated as harshly as distribution. Possession of in excess of .5 ounces of heroin may cause law enforcement to charge you with intent to sell. Intent and actual distribution are legally identical according to NJ state law. You may be served with up to a five-year sentence and be served a $75,000 fine for the intent to sell just a half ounce of heroin. If you are convicted of attempting to distribute more than five ounces of heroin, you will be charged with a first degree crime. If convicted, you will be sentenced to 10-20 years and be expected to pay a fine that can be as much as $500,000.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
Arrests in school zones are considered much more severe than otherwise. If you are arrested in a designated school zone, there is a set jail sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Contracting an experienced drug crimes attorney is essential for heroin-related arrests within school zones.
Don't Allow Heroin Charges to Devastate Your Life
Despite being arrested and charged with heroin offenses in New Jersey, you have many options available to pursue with an experienced NJ drug crimes law firm. With a smart defense, your heroin defense lawyer can help you get significant results.
If an illicit search and seizure of your personal property happened prior to an arrest, you may have a call to have charges reduced. Ask your heroin defense lawyer if you have special circumstances based on your arrest.
Conditional discharge is a possible solution for many first-time offenders of heroin possession. Discharge will permit probation instead, and your record will stay clean.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI). PTI places heroin users in therapy rather than prison.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Defense Attorneys are Available 24/7 in Allentown
Are you looking for an attorney? Villani & DeLuca lawyers will advise you on what they think the best course of action is. Contact Villani & DeLuca by calling (732) 709-7757. Our lawyers will ?fight? charges you are facing in Allentown, New Jersey today.