NJ Heroin Possession Defense Lawyers Will Fight For You
Heroin has become more and more prevalent in New Jersey, and because of the large quantity of the drug, New Jersey has passed tougher laws in order to overcome it. With law enforcement's awareness on heroin, more users and distributors are ending up in prison.
Heroin's prevalence in New Jersey makes it far more affordable for users to acquire, when compared with other states. Heroin in New Jersey even tends to be a higher grade than normal heroin supplies throughout the country. Because of the large quantity and purity of the heroin, many young adults are forming addictions to heroin in NJ.
In order to avoid conviction, you must present a rock-solid case so you can combat heroin possession or distribution charges. Your rights cannot be infringed upon, regardless of whether you have been charged with a crime.
Arrested for a heroin drug related crime in Fair Haven, NJ? Get a hold of Villani & DeLuca right now to learn what your options are.
Heroin Arrests Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Treated as a Schedule 1 CDS according to New Jersey law, possession of heroin is legally a third degree offense. A conviction for heroin possession merits up to five years in jail and a top fine of $35,000.
NJ has seen heroin usage expand very quickly. Heroin is the “number one health care crisis” in New Jersey according to the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults. If you are a victim of heroin addiction and have been arrested for possession of heroin, you need a practiced NJ criminal defense lawyer, proficient in handling heroin charges.
NJ Drug Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience
The heroin defense lawyers at Villani & DeLuca have years of experience battling heroin offenses. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. is a trained heroin attorney who regularly protects clients from criminal charges, including possession and intent to distribute heroin. Mr. Villani can employ his prior background prosecuting criminal drug charges in the New Jersey municipal courts to establish the tightest defense 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 future job prospects will also be significantly hampered if you are convicted of a drug crime. The rest of your life can be much more rewarding if you can lessen the charges.
How your case ends up varies on the total grams of heroin you are caught holding, but also on other factors, such as proximity to a school zone or whether police decide that you are dealing. Attaining a qualified heroin defense attorney on your side is key to minimizing your sentence and achieve mercy from the state.
Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey
Even though you were arrested for heroin possession or distribution does not mean that you are doomed to imprisonment. First-time offenders may have options available to them such as Pretrial Intervention and conditional discharge. You may also contest your arrest based on whether the proper legal procedures were followed.
It's important to note that possession of any amount of heroin – even less than 1/2 ounce – that is found to warrant the intent to sell, has much harsher penalties. Heroin possession with the intent to distribute can result in five years in jail and a fine of up to $75,000, with a loss of driver's license for a period of six months to one year, if found guilty.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Possession is not typically treated as harshly as distribution. Just a half ounce of heroin can result in a charge for the intent to distribute. Intent and actual distribution are legally identical according to New Jersey state law. Heroin possession with intent to distribute 0.5 ounces of heroin or less is a third degree crime, resulting in up to five years imprisonment with a maximum fine of $75,000. If you are convicted of attempting to sell more than five ounces of heroin, you will be faced with a first degree crime. There is a fixed prison term of 10 to 20 years, and a fine of up to $500,000 upon conviction.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
School-zone drug arrests 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 designation of a school zone does not just include buildings. If you arrested for heroin distribution within 1,000 feet of a school bus, for example, the school zone laws of NJ will apply to your charges.
Protect Your Future from a Heroin Conviction
Heroin charges are beatable. Return to your life with help from a drug attorney committed to getting you the best results possible. Your charges could be thrown out or diminished with a strategic defense.
Was the search and seizure of the drugs and paraphernalia legally authorized and correct procedure followed? If your rights were offended, you may have reasons for dismissal. Your drug lawyer will be able to the details of your individual arrest.
Conditional discharge is a good solution for many first-time offenders of heroin possession. You will be placed on probation and your criminal record will remain unaffected.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI). PTI places heroin users in rehab rather than jail.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Attorneys are Ready For Your Call
If you are being arrested for heroin possession, distribution or possession with intent to distribute, contact Villani & DeLuca today for legal advice and to arrange a no cost consultation. We will speak to you any time of day and any day of the year. Call (732) 709-7757 now to plan your defense in Fair Haven.