New Jersey Heroin Lawyers Will Work to Clear Your Charges
Heroin has become increasingly popular in New Jersey, and because of the large quantity of the drug, New Jersey has authorized tougher laws in order to overcome it. With law enforcement's focus on heroin, more users and sellers are getting arrested.
With sizable quantities of heroin flowing into the NJ pipeline, heroin has become less expensive and more deadly. The purity of heroin is also elevated in NJ. Due to the easy availability and strength of the drug, many adolescents are forming addictions to heroin in NJ.
As governments at all levels focus ever more on the escalating heroin trafficking and drug ring problem, the number of heroin-related arrests and sting operations drastically increase. In spite of this developing predicament, an arrest isn't a conviction. Everyone has rights that must be protected with the help of a lawyer serving Englishtown, NJ and the neighboring towns.
If you or a family member is facing heroin possession or distribution in Englishtown, NJ, call the law practice of Villani & DeLuca for knowledgeable heroin lawyers to assist you through the judicial process and to shield your rights.
Heroin Arrests Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Heroin possession is a third degree felony in NJ and may result in a five-year jail term and a substantial fine of up to $35,000.
NJ has witnessed heroin usage swell very quickly. A report from the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults called heroin “the number one health care crisis” in the state. Your NJ heroin defense lawyer should have past experience dealing with heroin charges.
NJ Drug Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience
Villani & DeLuca has been defending clients arraigned with drug crimes like possession and distribution of heroin since 1996. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. is a practiced heroin defense attorney who routinely protects clients from criminal allegations, including possession and distribution of heroin. Mr. Villani can make use of his previous background prosecuting criminal drug charges in the New Jersey court system to build the strongest case possible for you.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
You can't gamble with facing heroin charges and the resulting sentence without support from an experienced attorney. Your employment options will also be significantly hampered if you are convicted of a drug crime. Prison time and fines can be tremendously detrimental to how your future evolves.
The amount of heroin on your person and the place of your arrest may factor heavily into determining the severity of penalties. Attaining a qualified criminal lawyer in your corner is a necessity to minimize your punishment and receive a reduced sentence from the state.
Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey
Possession of heroin does not mean an automatic jail term in New Jersey. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) and conditional discharge are a couple of options for first-time offenders. You may also contest your arrest based on whether the proper legal procedures were followed.
The smallest amounts of heroin can constitute the intent to distribute. Your potential fines and jail terms are much greater if you have been charged with selling (or the intent to distribute.
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. 3rd degree heroin distribution involves less than 0.5 ounces of heroin, while quantities more than five ounces be a crime in the first degree. If you are convicted of heroin distribution in the first degree, you can end up with a prison term of10 to 20 years with a fine that reaches half a millions dollars.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
Potential sentences are increased substantially when the criminal activity occurs in or near a school zone, which includes school buses and encompasses areas up to 1,000 feet from the building or vehicle. If you are arrested in a designated school zone, there is a fixed jail sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Your attorney should have a background in drug crimes so that your heroin charges are kept to a minimum in the event of a conviction.
Don't Permit Heroin Charges to Devastate Your Life
Drug charges like heroin possession or distribution do not need to be the end of your life as you know it. Return to your life with help from a criminal defense lawyer committed to protecting your rights. Charges may be thrown out or reduced with a strong defense.
Without probable cause, an officer is constricted in what he may search. Seek advice from your heroin attorney if you have a case based on your arrest.
You might want to consider a conditional discharge defense if your attorney thinks you are eligible. Under conditional discharge, you are receive probation and may avoid a drug crime on your criminal record.
If you are a first-time offender, prison time is unlikely if your lawyer and the state agree to a Pretrial Intervention (PTI). This program is designed for rehabilitation rather than imprisonment and enables defendants to undergo drug treatment therapy decrease further drug-related crimes and arrests in NJ.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Defense Attorneys are Available 24/7 in Englishtown
If you are being charged with heroin possession, selling or possession with intent to distribute, contact Villani & DeLuca today for legal advice and to arrange a free consultation. We are available at your convenience, night and day. Call (732) 709-7757 today to start your defense in Englishtown.