Heroin Defense Attorneys in Colts Neck, NJ Will Fight For You
Heroin has become more and more popular in New Jersey, and because of the abundance of the drug, New Jersey has sanctioned tougher penalties in order to combat it. Heroin possession and distribution are both severe offenses with serious punishments.
With substantial amounts of heroin entering the NJ streets, heroin has become cheaper and more destructive. The grade of heroin is also elevated in NJ. As a consequence of the easy availability and undiluted nature of the heroin, many teenagers are becoming addicted to heroin in NJ.
A heroin possession or distribution arrest is a serious matter that and necessitates a strong legal game plan. Don't let your rights get stepped on in the event of severe drug charges like possession or distribution.
Talk to Villani & DeLuca drug defense attorneys to get legal guidance if you are arrested in Colts Neck, NJ for heroin possession or heroin distribution.
Heroin Arrests Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Defined as a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance according to NJ law, possession of heroin is legally a 3rd degree criminal offense. A heroin possession conviction can mean a five year prison sentence and a penalty of up to $35,000.
NJ has seen heroin usage increase in popularity very quickly. A study from the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults identified as heroin “the number one health care crisis” in the state. Your NJ drug defense attorney needs to have a history of success in defending clients from heroin charges.
NJ Drug Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience
Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. has been defending clients for drug possession and distribution crimes since Villani & DeLuca opened in 1996. As a past criminal prosecutor, Mr. Villani has legal experience on both sides of criminal cases, which can be leveraged to help your legal strategy.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
You cannot afford to face heroin charges and the resulting sentence without support from an experienced attorney. Your future job prospects will also be greatly diminished if found guilty on heroin charges. Jail time and fines can be very traumatic to the outlook of your life.
The total amount of heroin on your person and the site of your arrest combine to establish the severity of penalties. Arranging for a qualified heroin defense attorney in your corner is a necessity to minimize your verdict and attain a lower charge from the prosecution.
Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey
Time in jail is not an inevitability. A first offense may be eligible for Pretrial Intervention (PTI) if your counsel thinks you qualify. A drug defense attorney can examine if charges were based on an infringement of your rights.
However, possession of any quantity of heroin – even less than a half ounce – that is deemed to warrant the intent to distribute, has much more punitive penalties. Selling heroin carries larger fines, longer prison terms and a revocation of your license.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Heroin distribution is treated the same as intent to distribute by the state of NJ. Possession of smaller amounts of heroin (0.5 ounces) with the intent to sell is considered a 3rd degree crime, while possession with intent to distribute larger amounts (5 ounces or more) is a first degree crime. A prison term of between 10 and 20 years and a $500,000 fine may be the punishment for a first degree heroin conviction.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
An arrest for heroin possession in a school zone can lead to greatly increased penalties and charges. Although you may not believe that you are in a school zone at the time of an arrest, the legal boundaries of a school zone does not just include buildings. If you are caught distributing heroin within 1,000 feet of a school bus, for example, the school zone laws of NJ will be applied.
Protect Your Future from a Heroin Arrest
Regardless of being arraigned with heroin-related charges in New Jersey, you have many options available to pursue with an experienced NJ drug crimes law firm. A qualified New Jersey drug attorney may be able to have your case dismissed, have the charges downgraded or kept off your criminal record.
Did the state overlook police procedure when searching you? If your rights were ignored, you may have a case against the state. Your heroin lawyer will be able to the details of your individual arrest.
Another alternative to avoiding a trial may be to pursue a conditional discharge, depending on whether this is your first heroin arrest. With a conditional discharge, you are placed on probation and can avoid a drug crime on your criminal record.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI). The rehabilitation program promotes recovery rather than incarceration and allows defendants to undergo drug treatment therapy as a way to prevent further drug-related crimes and arrests in New Jersey.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Defense Lawyers are Ready For Your Call
Converse with the legal professionals at Villani & DeLuca in a free assessment in order to discuss your heroin charges. Our NJ Heroin defense lawyers are available 24/7/365. Start organizing your defense in Colts Neck with a phone call to (732) 709-7757.