Heroin Offense Attorneys in Ocean Township, NJ Will Work to Clear Your Charges
Heroin usage and related offenses, like heroin possession and distribution, are currently a huge issue in New Jersey. The upsurge of heroin distribution has produced progressively stiffer heroin regulations in the state.
Heroin is easily accessible and not limited to one ethnicity or socio-economic subset or vicinity. New Jersey's geographic location in the drug trade has made it one of the major sites for importation of illicit substances like heroin in the US.
As governments at all levels concentrate more and more on the developing heroin trafficking and drug ring problem, the number of heroin-related arrests and police raids dramatically increase. Regardless of this growing crisis, an arrest doesn't need to be a conviction. People accused of possession and distribution must be given the chance to defend themselves with the assistance of criminal defense lawyers serving places like Ocean Township, New Jersey.
Were you arrested for heroin possession or distribution in Ocean Township, NJ? Secure advice from the criminal defense attorneys at Villani & DeLuca before it's too late.
Heroin Charges Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Considered a Schedule 1 CDS according to New Jersey law, possession of heroin is legally a third degree criminal offense. A heroin possession conviction can mean a five year jail sentence and a penalty of up to $35,000.
New Jersey has seen heroin usage swell very quickly. A study from the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults named heroin “the number one health care crisis” in New Jersey. Your NJ drug defense lawyer should have past experience dealing with heroin charges.
NJ Heroin Possession Lawyers with Extensive Experience
Villani & DeLuca has been defending clients arrested for drug crimes like possession and distribution of heroin since 1996. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. is a practiced drug defense lawyer who regularly defends clients against criminal charges, including possession and intent to distribute heroin. Mr. Villani can draw from his previous background prosecuting criminal drug charges in the New Jersey court system to establish the strongest defense possible for you.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
Your prospects may depend heavily on the outcome of your criminal charges. The penalties for a conviction can be as high as twenty years in prison for a repeat offender of heroin violations.
The total amount of heroin found on you and the venue of your arrest combine to establish the severity of penalties. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney might be able to argue for a better outcome for you.
Simple Heroin Possession in NJ
A prison sentence is not unavoidable. A first offense may result in a Pretrial Intervention (PTI) if your counsel thinks you qualify. A heroin lawyer can examine if charges were based on an infringement of your rights.
The quantity of heroin found in your possession does not cause an arrest to result in intent to distribute charges. The possible fines and jail terms are much greater if you have been charged with distribution (or the intent to distribute.
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. Possession of smaller amounts of heroin (0.5 ounces) with the intent to distribute is considered a third degree crime, while possession with intent to distribute bigger amounts (5 ounces or more) is a 1st degree crime. A prison sentence 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
The stakes of a drug arrest in a school zone are much more severe. A school zone does not only include the immediate territory around school building. If you are caught distributing heroin within 1,000 feet of a school bus, for instance, the school zone laws of NJ will be in effect.
Protect Your Future from a Heroin Conviction
Heroin charges can be mitigated given the right defense. Defend your future with a good defense strategy. Your charges could be eliminated or reduced with a strategic defense.
Was the search and seizure of the heroin and other drug paraphernalia according to the letter of the law? If your rights were violated, you may have reasons for dismissal. The drug attorney you go with will point out any unlawful procedures that led to your arrest.
If this is your first arrest, conditional discharge is often a smart option for you to pursue. You will be placed on probation and your criminal record will remain unchanged.
Pretrial Intervention is a hand up to many heroin users and can be an alternative to prison. PTI is a rehabilitation plan that can be sentenced in place of serving jail time. This option is designed to help people residing in NJ kick their drug habit and stay out of prison.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Defense Attorneys are Available 24/7 in Ocean Township
Are you seeking a lawyer? Villani & DeLuca lawyers will advise you on what they think the best course of action is. Call (732) 709-7757 today for a free discussion. NJ criminal lawyers serving Ocean Township, New Jersey are here to help.