Heroin Offense Lawyers in Hazlet, New Jersey Will Work to Clear Your Charges
There is a heroin epidemic in New Jersey. As heroin fatalities and overdoses escalate, NJ police are focusing on heroin violations, executing some of the strongest penalties in the nation.
With large amounts of heroin flowing into the NJ supply, heroin has become cheaper and more destructive. The grade of heroin is also elevated in NJ. Because of the large quantity and purity of the heroin, many teenagers are becoming addicted to heroin in NJ.
An alleged heroin crime can have life-long consequences and requires a strong legal game plan. The law affords you protection, even in the event of major drug charges like possession or distribution.
If you or a relative is facing heroin possession or intent to distribute in Hazlet, NJ, contact the law firm of Villani & DeLuca for skilled heroin lawyers to guide you through the legal process and to shield your rights.
Heroin Arrests According to New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Heroin is a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance in NJ and possession is legally considered a third degree offense. A heroin possession conviction can result in a five year jail sentence and a penalty of up to $35,000.
Are you grappling with heroin addiction in NJ? Heroin is destroying the well-being of many young people in New Jersey on a yearly basis. If you are a heroin addict and have been arrested and charged with a heroin-related crime, contact a NJ drug defense lawyer for assistance.
NJ Drug Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience
Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. has been defending clients for heroin possession and distribution crimes since Villani & DeLuca opened in 1996. As a former criminal prosecutor, Mr. Villani has experience on both sides of criminal cases, which can be leveraged to help your legal strategy.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
Your long term plans will be strongly affected by the outcome of your arrest. Depending on whether or not you are a first-time offender or a repeat offender, consequences can range from probation, with no impact on your criminal record, to as many as 20 years in prison, with fines reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Your verdict has a lot to do with the variables of your arrest. Whether you are charged with possession or distribution is partially derived from the quantity of heroin in your possession when you are caught. Conditions like school zones also strongly factor into the severity of your charges.
Simple Heroin Possession in NJ
Time in jail is not an inevitability. Your criminal defense lawyer can argue for conditional discharge or a Pretrial Intervention (PTI), if it is your first offense. There are other defensible charges as well, including possibly unlawful search and seizure, which an educated defense attorney can help determine.
If you have been arrested for the intent to distribute, your sentence will be more severe than simple possession. Heroin possession with the intent to distribute can result in 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000, with a loss of driver's license for 6-12 months, if convicted.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
A charge for distribution is no different than a charge for the intent to distribute. Heroin possession of fewer than a half ounce with the intent to distribute is considered a third degree crime, while possession with intent to distribute larger amounts (5 ounces or more) is a 1st degree crime. If you are convicted of heroin distribution in the first degree, you may be sentenced to prison for10 to 20 years with a fine that reaches half a millions dollars.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
Fines and other penalties like prison time are increased substantially when the transgression 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 caught in possession of heroin in a designated school zone, there is a mandatory imprisonment sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Your lawyer should be experienced in drug crimes so that your heroin-related charges are kept to a minimum in the event of a conviction.
Safeguard Your Future from a Heroin Arrest
Drug charges like heroin possession or distribution don't need to completely destroy your future. Defend your future with a good defense plan. Your charges could be thrown out or lessened with a strategic defense.
Probable cause is required to search your property, without which a policeman is constricted in what he may search. A heroin defense attorney will inform you based on your individual arrest.
Another means to avoiding heroin prosecution may be to pursue a conditional discharge, depending on your criminal record. Conditional discharge is a way of evading a criminal record under the condition that you will go on probation.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is another viable option for heroin addicts. PTI is a rehabilitation program that can be requested in lieu of serving a prison term. The PTI program can be very advantageous if you are grappling with addiction.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Attorneys are Ready For Your Call
Need an attorney? Villani & DeLuca lawyers will advise you on what they think your best strategy is in court. Contact Villani & DeLuca by calling (732) 709-7757. New Jersey criminal lawyers serving Hazlet, NJ are here to help.