NJ Heroin Possession Defense Lawyers Will Fight For You
There is a heroin epidemic in New Jersey. As heroin deaths and overdoses rise, NJ police are re-prioritizing their attention on heroin offenses, implementing some of the harshest penalties in the country.
Heroin's availability in New Jersey makes it less expensive for buyers to purchase, versus other states. The purity of heroin is also elevated in NJ. These two factors lead to a dangerous blend that is encouraging heroin addiction.
Defeating a heroin charge requires a smart legal strategy so you can combat heroin possession or distribution charges. Your rights should not be thrown aside just because you have been arrested for drug charges.
Connect with Villani & DeLuca drug defense lawyers to get legal guidance if you are up on drug charges in Deal, NJ for heroin possession or intent to distribute heroin.
Heroin Arrests Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Heroin possession is a third degree felony in New Jersey and may result in a five-year jail term and a hefty fine of up to $35,000.
The usage of heroin has increased rapidly in New Jersey within just a few years. Heroin is the “number one health care crisis” in NJ according to the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults. Your NJ heroin defense attorney needs to have experience defending clients from heroin charges.
NJ Drug Possession Lawyers with Extensive Experience
Villani & DeLuca has been defending clients charged with drug crimes like possession and intent to distribute heroin since 1996. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. is a practiced drug attorney who routinely defends clients against criminal charges, including possession and distribution of heroin. Mr. Villani can make use of his previous background prosecuting criminal drug charges in the New Jersey municipal courts to build the strongest defense possible for you.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
Your long term plans will be strongly affected by the end result of your court case. The penalties for being found guilty can be as high as 20 years in jail for a multiple offender of heroin-related violations.
The specifics of your charge can affect the results of your court case. Whether you are charged with possession or distribution is partially based on the amount of heroin in your possession when you are caught. Factors like school zones also strongly factor into the severity of your charges.
Simple Heroin Possession in NJ
If you are arrested for possession of heroin, prison is not inevitable. A first offense may be eligible for Pretrial Intervention (PTI) if your defense attorney thinks you qualify. There are other considerations that may cause your charges to be reduced or dropped, including possibly unlawful search and seizure, which an educated drug attorney can help determine.
The quantity of heroin found in your possession does not cause a charge to be upgraded to intent to distribute. If you are convicted of possession with the intent to sell, you can face 5 years imprisonment with a top fine of $75,000 and a revoked driver's license.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Heroin distribution is no different than intent to distribute in the eyes of NJ drug laws. Third degree heroin distribution involves less than 0.5 ounces of heroin, while weights of more than 5 ounces count as a crime in the first degree. A prison sentence of between 10 and 20 years and a $500,000 fine may be the result of a first degree heroin conviction.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
Potential sentences are increased substantially when the criminal offense occurs in or near a school zone, which includes school buses and extends to areas up to 1,000 feet from the building or vehicle. If you are caught in possession of heroin in a designated school zone, there is a set imprisonment sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Choosing a skilled drug crimes attorney is essential for drug arrests within school zones.
Don't Permit Heroin Charges to Ruin Your Life
Heroin charges are beatable. Protect your life with a good defense strategy. Charges may be dismissed or lowered with a strong defense.
If an unlawful search and seizure of your home happened prior to an arrest, you may have grounds to have charges eliminated. Confer with your heroin defense lawyer if you have special circumstances based on your arrest.
Another option to avoiding a trial may be to pursue a conditional discharge, depending on whether this is your first heroin arrest. Conditional discharge is a way of avoiding a criminal record under the condition that you will go on probation.
If you are a first-time offender, jail time is unlikely if your attorney and the state agree to a Pretrial Intervention (PTI). PTI places heroin users in a rehabilitation center rather than jail.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Attorneys are Ready For Your Call
Are you seeking an attorney? Villani & DeLuca lawyers will advise you on what they think your best strategy is in court. Call (732) 709-7757 today for a free discussion. NJ heroin defense lawyers serving Deal, New Jersey are here to help.